Across May 2019 East London Dance joined forces with local arts organisations to bring a range of free dance activity and performances to the Olympic Park.
Thursday 16 May
At the Your Stratford Stage Launch Party East London Dance presented New Movementz, creators of the UK’s biggest under 18 dance battle event, as part of the performance line-up.
New Movementz, credit: Rory James
Saturday 18 May
East London Dance took over International Quarter London’s Your Stratford Stage with a showcase of east London’s best youth dance talent.
Hosted by MC Damien ‘TinMan’ Anyasi and DJ Andry ‘DJ3D’ Oporia, Saturday saw New Movementz, bring Hip Hop, House, Krump, and more to the stage, with open freestyling and mini-battles. The line-up was completed with performances by East London Youth Dance Company and a showcase of work by University of East London’s Urban Practice undergraduate students. Audiences were able to get involved in free battles and dance workshops, suitable for all ages and abilities.
East London Youth Dance Company, credit: Rory James
Tuesday 28 & Wednesday 29 May
Long-term partners East London Dance, Sadler’s Wells and Studio Wayne McGregor join forces to present dance as part of the Your Stratford Stage half-term family day, hosted by MC TinMan and DJ 3D.
East London Dance brought together a variety of performances and demonstrations over the two days:
Led by east London based artists Joshua and Jordan Franklin, New Movementz brought the unbridled energy and passion of Hip-Hop, House, Krump and other dynamic dance forms, to the stage.
New Movementz, credit: Rory James
Kloé Dean’s all-female collective of strong Hip-Hop dancers, Myself UK promoted empowerment, ambition, individuality and self-worth through powerful Hip-Hop dance.
Myself UK Dance, credit: Rory James
Young dancers aged 10-16 from East London Dance and HeadStart Newham initiative On The Move performed and invited young audience members to take part in special workshops to get a sense of the fun, community and confidence that dance can provide.
On The Move, credit: Rory James
Highlighting our opportunities for all ages, our youth company and older people’s group performances shone a light onto the fun that can be had with dance, regardless of age. There was even the chance to get involved in a dance workshop for older people.
Leap of Faith, credit: East London Dance
Step Change Studios is the UK’s first inclusive Latin American Ballroom company and had South American pros Anna and Gonzalo giving a special tango performance followed by a fun intro session for all ages and abilities.
Sadler’s Wells presented Candoco Dance Company’s You and I Know, a romantic duet by Arlene Phillips told through a series of vignettes set across time. Danced with passion and sensitivity by Candoco dancers Joel Brown and Laura Patay, the piece was set to a collection of pop songs, and offered audiences a potent and emotive exploration of how we fall in and out of love over and over again, often with the same person.
Completing the line up, Here East-based Company Wayne McGregor performed excerpts from Sadler’s Wells’ Associate Artist McGregor’s award-winning production Autobiography.
