The line up has been announced for Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF) Leicester’s annual international dance festival that is now in its eleventh year and launches on April 29 with Born to Protest, an outdoor performance at Orton Square by Joseph Toonga and Just Dance Theatre, responding to the lived experiences of Black men through hip-hop dance.
Running throughout the festival (29 April – 8 May) will be the Colonisation in Reverse: Jean-Léon Destiné Exhibition at Curve. Featuring archival materials, some of which have never been presented in public before. The exhibition brings to life the rich and colourful career of acclaimed Haitian choreographer Jean-Léon Destiné (1918 – 2013), known for his work that addresses Haiti’s history of resistance against colonialism and slavery.
A range of national and international dance performances will be staged at Curve. Black British Dance Platform (30 April) is a showcase of new and innovative work by British based artists from the African and African Caribbean Diaspora supported by Serendipity and Dance4. An Immigrant’s Story by Wanjiru Kamuyu (6 May) questions the notions of place, belonging and otherness. Dance Double Bill with Yinka Esi Graves and Maya Taylor (7 and 8 May) will be two exciting new pieces of dance from two change making choreographers. Spirit of Jazz by BOP Jazz Theatre Company (5 May) captures the individual and collective human spirit and creative expression of the jazz dance theatre art form.
Alongside world class performances Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF) will also feature a number of discussion and in conversation events including Digital Dance and Discussion (1 May), Globally Connecting: International Association of Blacks in Dance In Conversation (7 May) and Jazz Dance In Conversation with Dollie Henry (8 May).
For dance enthusiasts, equality supporters, artists and academics this year’s festival conference is Creating Socially Engaged Art: Can Dance Change the World? (4 May) seeking to highlight the impact that Black women in particular have made to the international dance ecology. Contributors to the conference include Chanon Judson, Urban Bush Women (USA), Greta Mendez (Trinidad /UK), Maya Taylor (USA), Marlene Myrtil (Martinique / UK), Wanjiru Kamuya (Kenya/France) and nora chipaumire (Zimbabwe / USA).
LDIF+, Let’s Dance International Frontiers’ year-round programme supporting continuing professional development opportunities for dancers and choreographers. This years festivals LDIF+ programme features Masterclasses from Jonzi D (5 May), Maya Taylor (6 May) and Dollie Henry (8 May).
Pawlet Brookes Artistic Director and CEO of Serendipity UK, producers of Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF) said:
“If the events of the last year have taught us anything, it is that we live in an ever-fluctuating world where we have to be creative and responsive. As we move through this challenging period arts and culture will be crucial in playing a key role in reengaging society, helping mental and physical health and stimulating the economy. With this in mind we are delighted to present a multifaceted flexible programme of international dance, both in person, outdoor, indoor and online. As well as world class performances we are also giving audiences a number of opportunities to be involved in the conversation alongside leading artists and practitioners and workshop opportunities for emerging and mid-career artists. As we lead up to the festival we will be reacting and planning events alongside the most up to date government guidelines. “
A number of this year’s events will also be available online to find out how to access these please visit the event listing at www.serendipity-uk.com.
Main Image: Photographer: Lucrecia Diaz, Dancer: Brittany Williams
