Excitement and anticipation are building in the run-up to the re-launch of IRIE! dance theatre’s performance company. After an 18-year hiatus, IRIE!, helmed by artistic director Beverley Glean MBE, will return to the stage with its latest piece GROUNDATION – Dancing from the archives, writes Bella Christy.
The production has grown from a research and development process; the creatives and dancers explored the roots and legacy of African and Caribbean dance history. Beverley reinforces the importance of dance history: “This is a momentous time for the company, making it all the more important that we take this time to look back before moving forward”. The result, a beautifully energetic dance performance shaped by African and Caribbean rituals, traditions and heritage in combination with Western contemporary dance forms.
Accompanying the movement in GROUNDATION will be live drumming and percussion, intensifying the energy and emotion, and adding to the beauty and storytelling of the performance.
IRIE! dance theatre aims to create a more diverse and equal dance landscape in a predominately white dance world. The mission, to heighten the profile of black dance and dancers within the UK. Despite their performance hiatus, the company has certainly not been sat on its hands for the last 18 years. IRIE! has been focused on education, training and work within the community, establishing the unique BA (Hons) in Diverse Dance Styles.
If you are looking for a no doubt enjoyable and inspiring evening of dance, I employ you to watch GROUNDATION – Dancing from the archive this Tuesday 10th October, 7pm at the Albany, Deptford. There will also be a matinee performance at 2pm.
