Created by Kloé Dean, Myself UK Dance is one of the few all-female Hip-Hop Dance collectives in the UK. Also one of the longest running, in November 2019 the collective celebrated a decade of their work and bringing equality to the UK Hip-Hop scene.
These 10 year celebrations took place across four days of action packed activities. There were two incredible dance performance events at Stratford Circus Arts Centre, with the return of inspiring female celebration ICON alongside DECADE which saw Myself UK Dance and invited guest artists remixing some of the collective’s best works. Over at University of East London the celebration opened with a panel discussion about female equality in Hip-Hop and closed with dance workshops from leading female Hip-Hop artists, an all female battle event and dance jam for all.
DAY 1 – Panel Discussion – Thu 21 Nov
What is Hip-Hop’s relationship with feminism and equality in 2019? Hosted by Caramel Soldier, the panel set out to explore the current challenges, such as lack of visibility, faced by female Hip-Hop choreographers & artists asking ‘what are we going to do about it?’ and ‘what positive changes can we make to see equality prevail?’
Credit: Marie Fitzgerald Photography
DAY 2 – Show – Fri 22 Nov
A Hip-Hop dance celebration of some of history’s most inspiring women, ICON placed female empowerment centre stage. A joyous tribute to the women who have blazed the trail of equality, ICON saw performances from Myself UK Dance, specially invited guest acts and brand new work by the next generation of female pioneers, Movement with Motive. For details of the full line-up see the ICON Freesheet.
Credit: Marie Fitzgerald Photography
DAY 3 – Show – Sat 23 Nov
Built on the company ethos ‘ I ♥Myself ‘, DECADE was the ultimate celebration of 10 years promoting empowerment, ambition, individuality and self-worth through Hip-Hop, Funk and Urban Dance. Featuring a decade of Myself UK dancers and special guest artists in epic collaborations and remixes of previous company work, this event was a fiery mix of bold female energy, skill and creativity. For details of the full line-up see the DECADE Freesheet. Read the Observer newspaper review here.
Credit: Foteini Christofilpoulou
DAY 4 – Workshops, Battles & Jam – Sun 24 Nov
Myself UK Dance Present: Educate Yourself
A series of high octane workshops were led by some of London’s best female dance teachers. Locking with Samantha “Sammi Jo” Haynes, Krump with Claire “Shortie Buck” Hough, Hip Hop with Kloé Dean and Artist Development with Kymberlee Jay.
Credit: Foteini Christofilpoulou
Myself UK Dance Present: Represent Yourself
The ultimate All Female Hip-Hop Dance Battle took place alongside an All Styles, All Genders, Anything Goes, Battle Royale with a twist, with an epic dance jam finishing the 10 year celebration with a BANG.
Credit: Foteini Christofilpoulou
