Roberto Fonseca in Concert (Review)

Last Monday 26th March there was a small earthquake in London. This was not one of those events that can be measured in the Richter scale, but rather a musical tremor whose effect is harder to assess.

The seism took place at The Barbican and the perpetrator was Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca who was in town presenting his latest album, “Yo” (“Me”). Accompanied by seven musicians, the poet of the blacks'n'whites entertained for almost two hours the hundreds of spectators who turned up at the London arts centre, which, by the way, reaches its thirtieth birthday this year.

Before Fonseca’s performance, though, the audience had the opportunity to enjoy a highly skilful set by the up-and-coming cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson. Ayanna is based in London and approaches the cello in a very unusual way. Some musicians excel at their instruments like the Valdés, for instance, pére et fils, others burn them in a fit of frenzy, like Jimi Hendrix. But there are musicians who become their instruments. Ayanna is in this latter category. It was hard to tell cello, cowbell and voice apart because the three of them worked as a unit. No wonder her cello’s name is Ruben (or Rubén, as my Latin inner self would prefer) and her cowbell goes by the name of Penny.

Whether using her cello in the traditional manner, with the concomitant bow, or as a double bass, Witter-Johnson showed off wonderful execution skills. To this we have to add a distinct and mellifluous timbre that not only stood out in her own compositions (“Truthfully” and “Unconditionally”) but also in cover versions such as “My Grandma’s Hands” written by Bill Withers and “Roxanne” by The Police. Her take on the latter rendered this classic more intimate and close.

After this rhythmic starter it was Fonseca’s turn. Opener “7 Rayos” was a rapid-fire number that set the temperature in the theatre straight off the bat. A musical dialogue between Baba Sissoko and the Cuban pianist ensued, accompanied intermittently by a voice-over of Cuba’s late National Poet Nicolás Guillén. This was quickly followed by “80s”, a number with a heavy dose of funk and electronica (think Herbie Hancock’s “Headhunters”). The eight musicians were joined later on by Malian singer (although born on the Ivory Coast) Fatoumata Diawara for Bibisa. This time the musical conversation expanded a little bit more to include Sekou Koyate on kora, Baba Sissoko on n’goni and Fatou behind the mike. This was one of the many moments during the concert when you could hear a pin drop in The Barbican. Such was the awe the audience was in. Other similar moments were when Fonseca dedicated two pieces to the late Cuban singer Ibrahim Ferrer.

However we can’t talk about Roberto Fonseca’s concert without mentioning the rest of his band. On drums Ramsés Rodríguez was superb, matching Fonseca’s frequent off-the-cuff meanderings. Joel Hierrezuelo, on Cuban percussion, seemed to have grown an extra pair of hands; such was the rich, rhythmic mix emanating from his congas. Javier Zalba treated the audience to a talented and extraordinary display of flute, saxophone and clarinet. And on bass, Yandy Martínez kept the ensemble tightly together.

Last Monday 26th March London was the victim of an earthquake. Albeit of the musical type. I, for one, can’t wait for the next tremor to come.

© 2012

Roberto's concert was part of the Black Routes tour (supported by Arts Council England). Fonseca will be playing in:

Gateshead International Festival
RNCM in Manchester
York Theatre Royal
Brighton Dome
Birmingham Town Hall
St George's Bristol

The Afro-Latin Lounge

****Taster class last day for early payment ****

BOMBO PRODUCTIONS AND BAMBOCHE DANCE FITNESS
Presents
Cuban Carnival Dance Classes
TASTER CLASS & 10 WEEK COURSE (with live music)
SIGN UP NOW
Check out the band
Take part in all or some of this year's carnival season with
Luton (7th July) and Hackney Carnival (21st July) which
will feature the Olympic torch and the legendary Nottinghill
Carnival (26th or 27th August).
Conga de Comparsa is a Cuban carnival dance style.
Learn exciting choreography with Ariel Rios Robert from
Havana.
Islington Arts Factory, 2 Parkhurst Road, Holloway, London, N7 0SF

Taster Class

If you would like to know what it's all about before signing up to a whole course join us on;
21st April - 3.00 -4.30
The class will be to a 25 piece live band.
£9.00 early payment price by 31st March.
£12.00 full price.
Booking essential

10 week course

7:00 - 8:30pm Fridays
£90 early payment price by 15th April
£120 full price
Starts 4th Mayand runs every Friday for 9 weeks.
Two or more of these workshops happen alongside live music on the 1st and 2nd June.
The 2nd of June is a rehearsal and will take place at:
Stoke Newington School,
(From 2:00 - 4:30pm)

See an example of Cuban Carnival dance

Booking essential
To make a reservation please go to: reservations@bomboproductions.com
For more information contact: admin@bomboproductions.com
www.bomboproductions.com

SABAR DANCE
•Starting Wednesday 28th March, then every Wednesday until 2nd May 2012•6 week Sabar Dance with Diene 'Waaw Waaw' Sagna ~ 6 week technique course•Open to all levels, this class introduces students to the rhythms of Sabar (from Senegal) and looks at elements of the 5-step Sabar jump, body swings, leg juts and hip thrusts, as well as developing an understanding for the relationship between the Sabar dance and Sabar drums.

This class will help students to build and develop strength, flexibility, coordination, endurance and musicality.

N.B. YDS will run a 6 week SABAR DRUM technique course with Mohamed Gueye on the same night as the SABAR DANCE course.

YDS SABAR DRUM course link:
http://www.facebook.com/ events/180984415349758/

The drumming will run 1 hour before the dance class, from 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Drumming students will be given a Sabar drum for the 6 week duration to practice with, which they must bring to class every week.
•6 week dance technique = £48
6 week drum technique = £42
Both courses (entitles you to 10% discount) = £81

Sabar DANCE drop in class = £9
Sabar DRUM drop in class = £8

Full payment for courses to be made by Wednesday 21st March,
OR 50% payment to be made by Wednesday 21st March and remaining 50% to be paid by Wednesday 28th March.Please email for bank account details to make payment or for further enquiries to: info@ydsabar.com
•Husky Dance Studios, 29a Amelia Street , London , SE17 3PY - nearest underground station: Elephant and Castle•Contact Diene Sagna tel: +44 (0) 7514 09 19 76, email: info@ydsabar.com or visit: www.ydsabar.com•Videos: http://www.ydsabar.com/#/videos/4554082053

SABAR DRUM
•Starting Wednesday 28th March, then every Wednesday until 2nd May 2012•6 week Sabar Drum with Mohamed Gueye ~ 6 week technique course•Open to all levels, this class introduces students to the rhythms of Sabar (from Senegal ); learn the 6 different sounds of the Sabar and how to create them by using your hand and the stick. Mohamed will develop your technique, understanding and confidence in the Fass, Barambye and Tcheboudjen Sabar rhythms (from Senegal ). This class is also important for drummers to start to develop and appreciate the powerful relationship between the Sabar drums and Sabar dance.

This class will help students to develop musicality and learn fundamental playing techniques as well as rhythmic memory.
N.B. YDS will run a 6 week SABAR DANCE technique course with Diene 'Waaw Waaw' Sagna on the same night as the SABAR DRUM course.

YDS SABAR DANCE course link:
http://www.facebook.com/ events/241644072593452/
The dance class will run for 1 hour 30 mins after the drum class, from 8:30pm - 10pm•6 week dance technique = £48
6 week drum technique = £42
Both courses (entitles you to 10% discount) = £81

Sabar DANCE drop in class = £9
Sabar DRUM drop in class = £8

Full payment for courses to be made by Wednesday 21st March,
OR 50% payment to be made by Wednesday 21st March and remaining 50% to be paid by Wednesday 28th March.Please email for bank account details to make payment or for further enquiries to: info@ydsabar.com•Husky Dance Studios, 29a Amelia Street , London , SE17 3PY - nearest underground station: Elephant and Castle•Contact Diene Sagna tel: +44 (0) 7514 09 19 76, email: info@ydsabar.com or visit: www.ydsabar.com•Videos: http://www.ydsabar.com/#/videos/4554082053

To
Association of Dance of the African Diaspora,

Please feel free to pass this on to your subscribers.

Summer Dancing 2012 are now taking bookings for workshops!

Sunday 24th June
Open jam with live musicians (warm up lead by Kathy Crick)
Free for all participants who attend the 3/2 day workshops
£10 drop in

Monday 25th June - Wednesday 27th June 2012; 11:30-13:30
Marina Collard
Morning workshops with Marina Collard
An exploration of breath, the cavities in the body and the fluidity of the motion of the breath, leading to finding connection through the whole skeletal system, connective tissue system and the skin.
Drop in rates: Full £12 ¦ Independant artist £10 ¦ Student £8
Improvisation jam FREE, when booked with all Marina's morning workshops.

Monday 25th June -Tuesday 26th June; 10:00-17:00
Kathy Crick
2 Day Workshop
The workshop will offer processes incorporating moving, witnessing and touch to deepen sensory awareness and mapping of our bodies. This will lay the ground for creative exploration, structures or scores supporting improvisation and composition, with the opportunity to traverse between solo, duet and ensemble dancing.
Full rate £80 ¦ Independant artist £65 ¦ Student £50
Only available to book as a 2 day package. Improvisation jam FREE, when booked with Kathy's workshop.

Thursday 28th June; 10:00-17:00
Wendy Houston
1 Day Workshop
This workshop is waiting confirmation. It is open for reservation but not for booking.
Full rate £40 ¦ Independant artist £30 ¦ Student £25

Friday 29th June - Sunday 1st July 2012; 10:00-17:00
Miranda Tufnell and Eva Karczag
3 Day Workshop
SURPRISES OF BEING: Through body work and improvised movement the workshop is intended to deepen awareness of experiential anatomy, touch, and breath.
Full rate £120 ¦ Independant artist £100 ¦ Student £80
Only available to book as a 3 day package.

Friday 29th June - Sunday 1st July 2012; 10:00-17:00
Lucia Walker
3 Day Workshop
Full rate £120 ¦ Independant artist £100 ¦ Student £80
Only available to book as a 3 day package.

Booking Information
To book your place on any of the above workshops, please complete the booking form and return it to info@decoda-uk.org
Your place on the workshop(s) and or classes can only be confirmed on receipt of full payment. If you book a concession place we ask that you bring proof with you when you come for the festival.
Payments are accepted by cheque (made payable to Summer Dancing and sent by post to Decoda (Summer Dancing bookings), Institute for Creative Enterprise, Technology Park, Parkside, Coventry CV1 2QR)

Calling all graduates!
Do not miss an opportunity to share your work at a professional level. We are inviting you to put forward your dance works, whether completed or work in progress, at this stage. The date of Moving Out is Thursday 28th June and the selected artists will be given one to one feedback with an experienced dance maker.
For more information, and to apply for Moving Out, please download the Application for Graduate Platform
The deadline for applications is 29th April 2012.
Submissions will be assessed by an experienced panel.

Many thanks,

The Decoda Team.

" STUD LIFE " The MOVIE

Out Now in Cinemas

Watch The Trailer of STUD LIVE on YOU TUBE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVygCAcbJbU
http://film.britishcouncil.org/stud-life

https://www.facebook.com/StudLifeMovie

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/03/13/video-exclusive-first-look-at-stud-life-trailer-ahead-of-bfis-gay-film-festival/

WHAT is TRUE LOVE ? And HOW Do you KNOW When You FOUND IT??
***T W RHINO Villagehttps://www.facebook.com/pages/T-W-Rhino-True-Wise-Rhino-Village/197691053582123
https://www.facebook.com/groups/twrhino/

mOOr INFINITE n UN-CONDITIONAL LOVE

The Afro-Latin Lounge

11 May at 09:00 until 12 May at 03:00..
DUB COLOSSUS perform "DUB ME TENDER" live in London

ALBUM LAUNCH!!

DUB COLOSSUS DUB BAND
...
(Ft. The Horns of Negus, Mykaell S Riley, PJ Higgins, Dr Das, Nick Van Gelder, Dubulah, Paul Chivers, Robin Harris and Mighty Mills).

http://realworldrecords.com/catalogue/dub-me-tender-vol-1-2

Band Onstage at ***9.30pm***


----REVIEWS------------------------------------

The shimmering Ethiojazz elements remain... but Dub Colossus mastermind Dubulah applies heavy one-drop pressure to hypnotic effect.
Metro (UK)

Musicnews.com
Only the masters of the form can make the dubs we have here work: building an entirely new entity around the most basic of samples from the original but still leaving you the echoes of the original piece.
The result, is a stunning new piece of music that stands up in its own right but definitely does not ignore the music that originated it.
http://www.music-news.com/showreview.asp?H=Dub-Colossus&nReviewID=7867

Globetronica.org
Do not allow this release to pass you by... extraordinary Ethiopian essence that gives the tracks on this album a unique edge.
http://www.globetronica.org/reviews/album/dub-colossus-dub-me-tender-vol-12


******Also featuring live on the night******

ITAL HORNS meets BUSH CHEMISTS
http://www.subsonicroutes.com/releases/ital-horns-meets-bush-chemists-feat-rico

DEEDER ZAMAN aka REBEL UPRISING
http://www.subsonicroutes.com/artists/deeder-zaman-aka-rebel-uprising

DJ - PAUL BRADSHAW
http://www.straightnochaser.co.uk/


----ENTRANCE----------------------------------

£8 Early Bird http://www.wegottickets.com/event/161153

£10 Adv, http://www.wegottickets.com/event/161152

£12 on the door

We highly recommend you to buy your tickets in advance!


----HOW TO GET THERE-------------------------------

The New Empowering Church
1a Westgate Street (off Mare Street), Hackney

Nearest station: London Fields
Bus: 26, 48, 55, 106, 236, 254, 388, D6, N26, N55, N253

Thursday, 22 March 2012.18:00 until 03:00..

Every Thursday, Kizomba UK is @ ZOO Bar, Leicester Square, for the only Afro-Caribbean night on Leicester Square!

NEW! LEARN OR PERFECT YOUR SALSA @ 6.30PM SHARP!!!
+
KiZOMBA CLASSES 4 LEVELS @ 7.30PM (incl. Kizomba De Roda)
... +
IRIS DE BRITO, SIKA TRO & STUDIO AFRO LATINO TEAM
+
DJ MARITO & GUESTS UNTIL 3 AM

GOOD VIBES EVERY THURSDAY SINCE 2009!

Check what people say:

"At Zoo there are always new people and girls to dance with ; )" - Pierre

"I love coming to your classes and events, I learn AND have the most fun!" - Viniak

"I love Thursday night at Zoo bar with the gorgeous SAL team'' - Marie Loki

"I love the fact that no one talks about other teachers or venues, it's just about having a good time" - Donna

CONVINCED?!!
> Kizomba Classes 4 levels 7.30pm (£7 incl. club or £10 for couples)
> Club only? Say 'Kizomba' @ The Door to pay £5 only from 8.30pm

Invite your friends, bring ur colleagues: there are 2 other rooms playing Sexy & Commercial R'n'B as well as Funky House & the latest Dance Music + great offers on drinks every week:

@
ZOO BAR
13-17 Bear St
Leicester Square
London, WC2H 7AS

NEW 2012! Kizomba De Roda for int. / adv. students: it's new, it's fun. Watch a small extract >>> http://youtu.be/6PKzTI8gHjk

NEW 2012! From Thursday 12 January, learn Salsa with Studio Afro Latino @ 6.30pm sharp: all levels welcome!

NEW 2012! Last Entry is at Midnight so make sure u arrive early enough & remember to bring photo ID proving u are over 18!

*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Kizomba UK Team

Kizomba.UK@googlemail.comSee more

Saturday at 00:00 until Sunday at 06:00..

AfroLatinoPromotions * Beto Luto - 3L Nights * Kizomba UK

CUCCI CLUB RED CARPET GLAMOUR PARTY SAT 17 MARCH 2012

& CELEBRATION OF MR DANILO BHIRTDAY....
...
*****************************************************************
SURPRISE GUESTS / RED CARPET / SPECIAL SHOW / AND MORE...
*****************************************************************

DJ MARITO *** DJ MIRO KIKOLA *** DJ FABIO

CUCCI DEALS:
LADIES FREE B4 12.30, £5 1.30 , £10 AFTER
MEN £10

DRESS CODE - SHOW YOUR GLAMOUR
STRICTLY NO ID - NO ENTRY:
Ladies - over 18's only
Men - over 21's only

FROM 12 TO 6 AM
CELEBRATE YOUR B'DAY @ CUCCI
BOOK YOUR VIP TABLE (minimum spend)
> KING VIP BOOTH > PRINCE VIP BOOTH > QUEEN BOOTH
TABLE IN ROYAL AREA

Danilo 07816532021 / Beto luto 07572158387 / JV 07951102541
cucci@AfroLatinoPromotions.co.uk
www.AfroLatinoPromotions.co.uk

CLUB CUCCI - EVERY -SATURDAY FROM 12AM to 6AM!
@ LONDON NEW KIZOMBA SUPER CLUB CUCCI
9A The Broadway, High Rd, Wood Green, London, N226DS

Roberto Fonseca
+ Ayanna UK tour Fri 23 Mar – Sun 1 Apr
This Buena Vista Social Club prodigy and Havana Cultura star has grabbed Cuban music by the horns and drawn it, stylish, sizzling and sultry, into the 21st century. Roberto Fonseca hits the road with a stellar band after the release of his new album, YO, which looks back to his Caribbean roots while striking forwards with blistering grooves, electronic beats and sensuous lyricism. Hailed as "a fabulously gifted pianist, composer and band leader who can transcend musical boundaries through sheer quality" by the Guardian, this is sure to be one of the hottest live shows in 2012.

"It’s a heartbeat for contemporary Afro-Cuban life." Times

Ayanna, the first non-American to win the legendary Amateur Night Live at the Harlem Apollo, opens the show with beguiling vocals that skip and swing over intimate, honey-sweet cello.
http://www.serious.org.uk/events?search=&series=73

Bajofondo Remixed
Ticket Offer The O2 Wed 21 March
Bajofondo Remixed will be in concert at the Gaucho International Polo 2012 - They will be performing at various points during the polo event and will also launch the post-match festivities.

EXCLUSIVE TICKET OFFER:
Our exclusive offer includes stage-side standing tickets for Bajofondo Remixed in concert and full access to all Polo matches, the Argentine Wine Tasting Village and White Jeans Party.

Offer price: £25 (usually £45).

To book please contact Elli Sallis either via telephone on 020 8858 7711 or by email: elli.sallis@gauchorestaurants.com
http://www.gauchopolo.com/latest/bajofondo-stage-side/

Feedback33 is a Professional Dancers' Mentoring Forum set up by Sheron Wray.
An opportunity to take part in various dance techniques with teachers from around the globe. It is a chance to gain insights into the passions, challenges, and experiences of various artists and teachers.
African Contemporary Workshop / Germaine Acogny Technique with Alesandra Seutin, Thursday15 & 22 March 2012

Venue: The London Studio Centre, 42 - 50 York Way, London N1 9AB (adjacent to Lincoln Lounge)

African Contemporary Workshop / Germaine Acogny Technique with Alesandra Seutin, Thursday 15 & 22 March 2012 7.30pm – 9pm (class registration 7pm –7.25pm)

On 15 & 22 March Alesandra will be delivering two truly special workshops focused on Germaine Acogny’s Technique. The only codified African Contemporary technique in existence today, the Germaine Acogny Technique is recognised worldwide as one of the major contemporary dance techniques alongside Cunningham, Graham, Horton, Mattox, and Limon.
NB: These workshops will feature live drumming.

Cost per class
£8 Members; Students / Unemployed / OAPs [ID required]
£10 Non-members


Annual Membership fee

£10

To book a place on these workshops please email Paula Allen at feedback33forum@gmail.com or phone: 07800959664.

Teacher’s Bio
Alesandra Seutin: artistic director of Vocab Dance Company (www.vocabdancecompany.co.uk ) Alesandra was born in Harare and raised in Brussels. Trained at Laban and at Middlesex University, Alesandra is an artist whose practice draws on traditional and modern African, contemporary, hip hop dance and non-stylized movement which she has blended together to create her unique vocabulary she names Afro-Eclectic dance. Over the course of her career as a dancer, choreographer and teacher, she has worked with a number of leading dance professionals and arts organisations including: Mavin Khoo; Beverley Glean(IRIE! dance theatre); Kenrick Sandy; Tara Hubert (Dance United); Mohamed Dordoh; Carol Straker (Alvin Ailey); Rafael Bonachela; University of East London; Dance United; Dance Exchange; Yorkshire Dance; Yorkshire Dance; Tanzhaus nrw; Studio3Arts; and East London Dance (ELD) – Vocab Dance is an associate company of ELD. Formed by Alesandra in 2007 Vocab Dance has toured nationally and internationally and is progressively emerging as an established UK dance company.
As a freelance choreography and movement director Alesandra has created a commissioned piece ‘1976’ for the renowned Phoenix Dance Theatre and animated dance sequences of Ashmed Sohoye’s ‘Rigged’ as well as ‘The Day the Water Came’ for Theatre Centre. In 2010 she collaborated with Vicki Igbokwe (Uchenna Dance Company) and Nii Tagoe (Frititi) for ‘African Dance Encounter’, an exploration in both traditional and modern approaches to AfricanDance presented by ADAD at the Southbank Centre. A recipient of an ADAD Trailblazer Fellowship (2009/10) and a Lisa Ullman travelling bursary, Alesandra has recently returned from a professional training/exchange at the renowned Germaine Acogny’s L'Ecole des Sables Centre for African Traditional and Contemporary Dance in Senegal.
To see Vocab Dance Company in action visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SORqeuT1bI

Feedback33 Dancers' Mentoring Forum: “Let's celebrate our differences by coming together"

The Afro-Latin Lounge

BOMBO PRODUCTIONS AND GLOBAL NATIONS
Presents
Cuban Carnival Dance Classes
leading up to performance.
Take part in all or some of this year's carnival season with
Luton (7th July) and Hackney Carnival (21st July) which
will feature the Olympic torch and the legendary Nottinghill
Carnival (26th or 27th August).
Conga de Comparsa is a Cuban carnival dance style.
Learn exciting choreography with Ariel Rios Robert from
Havana.
We are offering a taster class followed by a 10 week course.
at
Arts Factory, 2 Parkhurst Road, Holloway, London, N7 0SF

Taster Class

If you would like to know what it's all about before signing up to a whole course join us on;
21st April - 3.00 -4.30
The class will be to a 25 piece live band.
£9.00 early payment price by 31st March.
£12.00 full price.
Booking essential

10 week course

7:00 - 8:30pm Fridays
£90 early payment price by 15th April
£120 full price
Starts 4th Mayand runs every Friday for 9 weeks.
Two or more of these workshops happen alongside live music on the 1st and 2nd June.
The 2nd of June is a rehearsal and will take place at:
Stoke Newington School,
(From 2:00 - 4:30pm)

Booking essential
To make a reservation please go to: reservations@bomboproductions.com
For more information contact: admin@bomboproductions.com
www.bomboproductions.com

MATT MATTOX JAZZ DANCE MASTER CLASS
‘In celebration of Matts’ 90th year- A unique opportunity to train with Martine Mattox’

Sunday 22nd April 2012
Dance Studio 1, Interchange trust, 213 Haverstock Hill, London , NW3 4QP

Morning Ballet 10am with English National Ballet Soloist Zhanat Atymtayev

Mattox master class beg/gen at 12pm and Inte/adv at 3pm, with Martine Mattox

Mattox Jazz dance technique is one of the most widely used methods of jazz training for musical theatre dancers and a uniquely stylised system for dance training throughout the world. These open master classes for Students, Dancers and Teachers offer a rare opportunity to learn directly under the tutelage of Matts’ wife Martine Mattox in the UK .

All enquiries and advanced booking recommended please e-mail ashleightrezise@yahoo.co.uk
Class fee £20 per class (including barre limited places)

An eclectic mix of the world's leading circus, hip hop and street dance performers will be on show in IDFB, bringing legendary hip hop dance theatre (Breakin' Convention), electrifying Colombian circus (Circolombia), world champion street dancers (Breathe the Beat), and jaw-dropping circus acrobatics (Wings of Desire) to Birmingham.

The very finest local talent will also be represented, both at Birmingham Hippodrome as part of Breakin' Convention, alongside professional crews Clash 66 and Vagabond Crew, and at the Bullring’s Spiceal Street as part of our FREE Breathe the Beat Roadshow, where they’ll share the stage with two of the world's best street dancers, Brooke and Roxy from Plague Dance Crew.

Breakin' Convention
The critically acclaimed international festival of hip hop dance
theatre is back, with another line-up of spectacular performances
by companies from around the world, including Clash 66 and Vagabond Crew (pictured), and around the corner. Now in its ninth year, this hugely popular production is hosted and curated by eminent UK hip hop theatre artist Jonzi D.
Breakin’ convention is not just a show – it’s an experience! Take
part in workshops led by top international artists, freestyle sessions with live DJs in the Hippodrome foyers, and more.
Birmingham Hippodrome
Monday 14 & Tuesday 15 May, 7.30pm
Foyer Events from 5.30pm
£9.50 adv (plus 50p transaction fee),
£15 on the door (plus 5% transaction fee)
More Info // Book Now

Circolombia
URBAN
Circolombia’s highly acclaimed show URBAN will thrill audiences with a unique blend of electrifying circus, South American hip-hop and reggaeton dance.
Set against the backdrop of the Colombian city Cali , the show features graduates of the Colombian National circus school Circo Para Todos. A tale of confrontation and redemption, of gangs and individual freedom, of poetics and cruelty, URBAN is the voice of these young people. They tell the world what it’s like in their reality, through their hearts minds and experiences on the streets of Cali
and most of all, through their bodies.
Birmingham Hippodrome
Wednesday 16 May - Friday 18 May, 8pm
£10 – £20 (plus 5% transaction fee)
More Info // Book Now

FREE EVENTS:

Breathe the Beat Roadshow
The new surroundings of the iconic Bullring’s Spiceal Street will be brought to life with this spectacular day of free dance performances and workshops. Come along at any time to see appearances from two of the UK’s leading street dancers, Brooke (pictured) and Roxy from Plague Dance Crew, showcases from local talent and professional dance companies, and music from DJ Moyma.
Don’t miss this unique chance to witness two of the best street dancers in the world performing here in Birmingham !
Bullring, Spiceal Street
Saturday 28 April, 12 - 6pm
FREE - just turn up and enjoy!
More Info

Wings of Desire
This adaptation of the 1987 BAFTA-nominated wim wenders film (also the inspiration for hollywood ’s City of Angels ) promises to transform Victoria Square from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Crowds will gather in the centre of this iconic Birmingham location to watch a love story unfold on and in the buildings around them. Surprises come from all corners as jaw-dropping circus acrobatics and exhilarating dance bring the story to life. All action leads to a dramatic, awe-inspiring finale of stunning architectural projection mapping, illuminating and animating the beautifully-restored architecture of Town Hall.
Victoria Square , Birmingham city centre
Wednesday 16 May - Saturday 19 May, 9.30pm
FREE - just turn up and enjoy!
More Info

IDFB Recommends...
Elektro Kif
Warwick Arts Centre
Electro Kif is an urban streetdance style that was born in the nightclubs of the south-eastern Paris suburb of Val-de-Marne.
Blanca Li takes this urban streetdance style and mixes it up with eight exceptional young male dancers, dazzling breaking, disco, vogue, popping and locking, theatre, contemporary dance and an amazing soundtrack.
Tue 6 and Wed 7 Mar, 7.30pm
£16 (£14), £19 (£17), £22 (£20), Under 26s £12
More Info // Book Now

Baila Londres is back on Saturday 24th March
Cubacheche and Timberos de Londres present Baila Londres – one of the hottest Cuban style Saturdays you’ll find anywhere in town!

Join us for another top tasty mix of Cuban music from DJ Green Papi (ORIENTE STAR SOUND) - he'll be on the decks playing salsa, timba, son, changui, timbaton, and some late night funky and Caribbean flavas to shake things up a bit.

Plus another high action, fast paced, fun rueda class with Nikola Medic and the Havana Londres team.

At Charlie Wright's International. Doors open 8.30pm, DJ til 4am
£6 without dance class / £8 including dance class

Respecting the Brazilian tradition where the year only starts after the Carnival in February, we are now filled with vibes from Olinda and Rio de Janeiro and after months of planning we are now pleased to inform our calendar of activities for the next series of activities.


We proudly named Gandaia’s 2012 programme as BRAZIL.I.AM:

a reminder of the joyous energy that keeps us all connected through the dissemination of Brazilian culture, colours and rhythms in the UK and beyond.

This season we have lined up for YOU a range of different attractions including dance, drumming, costume making and the launch in the UK of a big tradition from Brazilian’s Northeastern Carnival: Olinda’s giant puppets parade!!!

Expect some great guest artists such as contemporary/Brazilian dance company CIA SOMA, virtuoso musician Ramiro Goncalo, socially engaged orchestra Movimento Pró-Criança, amusing Pernambuco-based group Côco de Praia, great Master Santino Cirandeiro, amongst many others… Plus our resident music & dance group Maracatudo Mafuá with their explosive mixture of rhythms, in a fresh new set especially devised for our 2012 season!

This year we’ll also be launching a strand of Gandaia’s work focused on community activities for people of all ages and backgrounds. This is our way of continuing Brazil’s traditional Carnival as a free, open event where the whole family takes part.

So relax, spare two minutes of your time to check our calendar of events here then choose one or more activities you’d like to take part and say out loud: BRAZIL.I.AM!

IN HACKNEY WE TRUST!
Once more Gandaia Arts settles great partnerships which allow us to reach out and spread the passion about Brazilian culture to people of all walks of life. For over 2 years we have been proudly presenting work all over Europe in a variety of forms: gigs, workshops, artistic residencies and large-scale projects involving education and performance.

This year we have strategically set ourselves in the borough of Hackney as our base for community sessions and monthly residency. This is a natural further step that we decided to take as we have already marked our presence in important venues such as Favela Chic, New Empowering Church, Hackney Carnival (with Cardboard Citizens), sPace Centre, Shoreditch Festival and others.

With that in mind… Be ready for our BRAZIL.I.AM NIGHTS by Gandaia Arts at Bedroom Bar, starting in April and running EVERY LAST THURSDAY of the month!

Bellow is the line-up of the party that will launch this great series:

April 26th - Maracatudo Mafua + John Blood and the Highlys

Come early for a Maracatu dance class to put you in the right dancing mode!

(and if you don’t quite know what Maracatu is, here is a great chance for you to catch up with this tantalizing Brazilian form of dance & drumming from its Northeast area).

Doors open 7pm - FREE before 8pm - £5 after*

*For every £5 we will DONATE £1 for EKO SAMBA SCHOOL in LAGOS - NIGERIA

*2 for 1 for Gandaia Students and London School of Samba members.

More details here...

Talented sattelites!

Check our links page where amazing companies such as Kabula Capoeira, Stone Crabs Theatre and a more than tropical night with Palm City Social give you plenty to fill your life with joy!

FLOW is a special Family Learning Open Weekend event hosted by IRIE! dance theatre that is now in its fourth year. The event generally takes place the last weekend in March and this year will take place on 24 Saturday March 2012. (Yes, sadly FLOW will just be a one-day event this year but we are hoping to return to the 2-day format next year.)

It’s literally an event that the whole family can enjoy and many of the activities are designed so that family member can participate in together, for instance the African Dance classes, the Caribbean Dance classes and the Drumming classes and Storytelling. We also have face painting and mask-making for the younger children.


Plus, this year we have several performances lined up for you. There will be performances by:


The children from IRIE!’s After School Club,


The Dance Foundation Degree Students,


connectingvibes* who launched their new season of dance “When In Doubt…” on 24 February 2012; and


JAMMDRUMM – IRIE! dance theatre’s drumming ensemble who gave their debut performance at IRIE!’s AGM last December.


So here’s the program of scheduled events for FLOW 2012.


Saturday 24 March 2012


11:00-11:45 Storytelling Workshop


12:00-12:45 African Dance Class


12:45-13:30 Caribbean Dance Class


13:00-15:00 Mask Making Workshop


12:00-16:00 Face Painting


14:00-15:00 Drumming Workshop


15:15-15:45 Competition


16:00-16:30 Performances


All this for just £5.00 per day for a family of four (4), i.e. two (2) adults and two (2) children or £3.00 for individuals.


You can book your tickets for FLOW 2012 by clicking on the appropriate PayPal button below which will allow you to make a secure online payment:


Family Ticket(s)

Individual Ticket(s)

If you have any questions about the event please call IRIE! dance theatre on 020 8691 6099 or use the Contact Form on this page to send us a message.

Spring brings you two, new West African Dance Classes


1. AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY DANCE WITH AMINATA KANOUTE

Aminata Kanoute trained in modern and African dance. She danced and trained with artists in France and in Africa. She spent time in Mali and Senagal where she danced with differents companies and studied in Academics dance schools in France and in Guadeloupe.

Now, based in London, she has been teaching African contemporary dance class to children and adults for the past few years.

Her style is dynamic, fluid and graceful. Inspired by traditional west African dance, she is a source of creativity and combined traditional African mooves with modern elements. Her class pushes the dancers to find energy, musicality , grace and groove. "

Join her every Thursday at SOAS in room' IOE ROOM S3'

7pm- 8.30pm

Live Drumming by Remi Uzdras

£5

SOAS, University of London

Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG

2. DANCE WITH AIDA
Oasis Sports Centre

32 Endell Street

WC2H 9AG

EVERY SATURDAY

1.30-3pm

£8

African Dance classes with Aida welcomes all people who want to learn to

... dance to the rhythms of Africa.
Traditional dances from Senegal, Guinea and Mali, rhythms of djembe

and Sabar
The nearest tube station is Holborn (2 minutes) on the Central Line & Piccadilly line.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LGWBWW_MtE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tms9MqF8wPA&feature=related

Dear Dance Lovers,



We hope you are well! As we say goodbye to winter we would like to share our latest news with you all!


Below are stories about:

•February Performances by EDC


•Upcoming Performance - MOVE IT


•MOVE IT Free Tickets Competition


•Leeds Classes and News


•Recommended class


•Recommended events


LONDON NEWS:


This month we have performed at the following events:


3rd February (10:30am) - SALSA


Puerto Rican Tourist Board, Earl's Court Exhibition Centre


Class & Salsa performance


3rd February (12:00pm) - SAMBA


Cucci Club, Wood Green


Samba alongside live band


18th February (12:00-2:00pm) - SAMBA & SALSA http://www.facebook.com/events/248794151851453/


Salsa Charity Ball, University of Birmingham


Samba Class & Samba com Salsa performance


And we have also featured in Sub Motion Orchestra’s latest music video.


We are getting ready for our Upcoming Show:


9th March at Move It! We are offering two free tickets for the person who can answer our competition question below.


9th March (12:00am) - SALSA


http://www.moveitdance.co.uk/Exhibitor/Element-Dance


Move It, Kensington Olympia


New Show Launch


COMPETITION:


To WIN 2 free tickets for MOVE IT for the 9th of March, answer the question below and email your response at nefeli@elementdance.co.uk


Can you mention 2 artists Element Dance members have worked with in the past? (answers can be found on our website!)


You have until the 6th of March to win a chance to experience a day full of dancing, classes, performances and many more!!!!


LEEDS NEWS:


EDC Assistant Director Danielle, and Chris have just returned from their amazing trip in Rio de Janeiro. They are back in Leeds to offer more knowledge and share their inspiration with the lovers of the Brazilian culture!


Leeds Classes:


Zumba classes are still on at the following days and venues:


Tuesdays- Leeds- Zumba at Pudsey Civic Hall


Thursdays- Leeds- Zumba at Yorkshire Dance


ELEMENT RECOMMENDS:
- CUBAN CLASS & DANCERS:


Shout out for Afro-Cuban dance lovers: we are looking for dancers to join us training in Afro-Cuban dance at an advanced/professional level. This project offers an opportunity to study the dances of the Afro-Cuban Orishas in depth from a range of specialist and experienced Cuban tutors. Aimed at dancers with experience in any of the following styles:


Afro-Cuban/Afro-Latin/African/contemporary/Afro-contemporary/jazz.
Classes will take place on Sunday afternoons at studios TBC in Tottenham, North London and will be priced between £10-15 for 2 hours (possibly cheaper, depending upon numbers), first session 3-5pm 11th March 2012. To register your interest and for more information please message Hannah here: https://www.facebook.com/Hannah.B.Marie


Or on 07941861768 Or Amanda Demerara Royes (also on Facebook)


- EVENTS / NIGHTS OUT:


EL GRANDE @CLUB COLOSSEUM


EL GRANDE returns in march with yet another massive line up in 5 rooms, SALSA, CUBAN, KIZOMBA, LATINO, and CHILL OUT, 10 DJS, 8 TEACHERS, CLASSES, SHOWS, LIVE PAS and more. Doors open 9.30pm, classes 9.45, club till 4.30am. Artists confirmed so far FADI K and ANG SINCLAIR ( teaching and performing ), JULIAN THE DUKE, IRIS DE BRITO, DJ SOL, JULIAN MR M, LAZARO and PAOLA LOPEZ, ERICK THE SAINT, MICHAEL MANDREL, RICHARD FALLON, NUNO CAMPOS, SIKA TRO, DJ URBANO, MR BILONGO, more TBC. Join 1000 +dancers at every event. A great venue, food served all night. Doors open 9.30pm, classes 9.45( 7 levels ), club till 4.30am. Groups welcome. Now in our 8th year. Join award winning promoters SALSA REPUBLIC at the UKS BIGGEST MONTHLY


http://www.londonsalsa.co.uk/EventNight.php?EventID=1674&User=

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to:
‘Add’ us on http://www.facebook.com/ElementDanceCo
‘Like’ us on http://www.facebook.com/ElementDanceCompany?ref=ts
‘Follow' us on http://twitter.com/#!/ElementDanceCo


Check for updates http://www.elementdance.co.uk/
Element Dance Company
www.elementdance.co.uk
info@elementdance.co.uk

"Yo" by Roberto Fonseca - Review

Last time an artist bared his torso on an album cover was D’Angelo with his sophomore record “Voodoo” as far back as 2000. Bearing in mind the turn his music career took thereafter, let’s hope it's not the same fate that awaits Cuban pianist virtuoso Roberto Fonseca because he’s just produced the most mature record of his short, but prolific musical career.

“Yo” (“Me” in Spanish) finds the Cuban maverick extending his remit beyond the natural borders of Afro-Cuban jazz and straying into the realm of traditional African melodies. The album’s opener “80’s” kicks off with an up-tempo piano riff supported by African percussion and n'goni that will make the listener sway from side to side. This track is followed by the mellower “Bibisa” with guest singer Fatoumata Diawara, fresh from her own success with her debut album “Fatou”. A mid-song kora-piano dialogue adds to the beauty of this track. Things can only look up from there, and they do, indeed, as evidenced on “7 Rayos” (“7 Rays”), a percussion- and piano-driven melody that samples the voice of Cuba’s National Poet and one of the pillars of Afro-Cuban culture, the late Nicolas Guillén.



Whereas up to now Fonseca’s work has mainly drawn from his Afro-Cuban roots (for instance, “Kowo Kowo” from his second album “No Limit”) and a degree of experimentation that's led him to collaborate with people like Brazilian producer Ale Siqueira (on the LP “Zamazu”, for example); with “Yo”, the Cuban pianist has made a record that’s set the tone for the future of Cuban jazz.

Roberto Fonseca will be playing at The Barbican on Monday 26th March. You can buy tickets by clicking on the link below:

http://www.barbican.org.uk/music/event-detail.asp?ID=12858

Disclosure: I got sent the album "Yo" to review by Serious, one of the UK's leading producers and curators of live jazz, international and new music. Serious produces events from major concerts, festivals, national and international tours through to learning and participation programmes, artist development initiatives, conferences and specially commissioned bespoke events. Visit their website at www.serious.org.uk  for more info.

The Afro-Latin Lounge

Orchestra Bombo will be playing as part of the URBAN FUNK CARNIVAL

Saturday, 10 March 2012
The New Empowering Church
1a Westgate St, E8 3RL London, United Kingdom
We are on at 9.30pm : tickets £5 / £8 after 11pm

Welcome to ADAD’s February 2012 newsletter. We send updates every month, as well as occasional information about events.

NEWS


February 2012

Re:Generations 2012 call for papers

Following the highly successful 2010 conference Re:Generations – International Perspectives on Dance of the African Diaspora, ADAD, State of Emergency Productions, IRIE! dance theatre and London Metropolitan University are excited to announce Re:Generations – The Next Generations 2012. Hosted in London by The Place on November 1st – 3rd, 2012, this ground-breaking conference will explore and reflect on the current state of dance of the African Diaspora and young people through sharing good practice, discussion and debate in order to build a positive future for the development of young dance talent in the UK.

The conference partners invite submissions of abstracts of no more than 500 words for talks, lecture demonstrations, performance, films, classes, or other modes of presentation, which address the conference focus on The Next Generation: Mapping new futures in dance of the African Diaspora. Deadline for submissions is 5pm on Monday April 12th, 2012. Click here for further details.


Would you like to showcase your dance work on an Open Stage?


ADAD Open Stage™ is an informal platform for artists who work with forms of dance of the African Diaspora. The event will take place on Friday March 23rd, 2012 at Phoenix Dance Theatre in Leeds from 6.00- 8.30pm. We are looking for artists working with forms of dance of the African Diaspora to participate. For details of how to apply, click here.


Rough and Tumble – call for artist


On Friday March 16th, 2012 Pimlico Academy (The Venue) is opening its doors to 50 emerging dancers, choreographers and performing artists. We're inviting some of London's brightest artists to meet, collaborate and re-mix disciplines under one roof, working together to create six brand new pieces of dance theatre in 24 hours. Eat. Sleep. Dance. People at Play invite you to join us for the ultimate creative mash up. For more details and to apply click here http://db.tt/Z5I6HgE0 or email info@peopleatplay.co.uk. Hurry, closing date for applications is Friday March 2nd, 2012.


News & Events


Cultural Explosion


Produced by Uchenna Dance Cultural Explosion (hosted by ADAD Trailblazer 2007/08, Vicki Igbokwe) two nights that celebrate the creativity of dance theatre artists hits Rich Mix, London, on Friday 30th – Saturday 31st March, 2012. Find out more, here.


NottinghamCreative Culture Part 3


Nottingham Contemporary, Nottingham


March 3rd, 2012


7.30pm – 2am


Curated by MiMM this collaboration showcase brings together, for the third time Nottingham's independent urban art, music, fashion and design communities and merchants to showcase their wares live in a marathon of audio visual, interactive, both analogue and digital. This is Nottingham. Entry Free. Click here for more info.


Hip Hop Dance Society: Style Of Walking


Contact Theatre, Manchester


March 16th, 2012


7.30pm


When confronted by their limits, a dancer must learn to earn respect and ultimately ‘walk with style’. A new play combining spoken word, popping, locking, breaking, salsa and local music support acts.


Visit contactmcr.com for booking and more information.


Reggaebaby Lounge


Reggaebaby Lounge returns to The Drum in Birmingham on Friday March 2nd, 2012 at 10pm. Fast becoming the best monthly reggae night out in the West Midlands, with “Nuff Fun, Nuff Interaction, Nuff Entertainment”. Bigging Up!! Reggae Music. Bigging Up!! existing and emerging West Midlands artists and musicians. To mark the build up towards this summer’s Jamaica 50 celebrations, Reggaebaby launches its X Factor contest to find the best new up & coming reggae talent. Prizes include taking part in prestigious live events and festival; studio time for a demo and a professional photo shoot with a professional makeup artist.


For more information or to take part, contact Jean Mclean on 0787 588 1110 or email reggaebabylounge@googlemail .

Re:Generations 2012


Assistant Producer

ADAD is delighted to welcome Yassmin Foster to the role of Re:Generations 2012 Assistant Producer. Originally a street dancer, Yassmin comes to us with a wide-range of experience of arts management and arts production. Her past posts include youth arts coordinator for Oval House and creative facilitator for Talawa Theatre Company. Yassmin currently also teaches dance and choreography in schools and higher education institutions.


A recipient of a BBC Performing Arts Fund Dance Fellowship 2011, Yassmin will be driving forward the logistics for the Re:Generations 2012 conference. Follow the blog detailing her Re:Generations 2012 journey here.

Intensives & workshops


Palo Dance Workshops with Mario López-Goicoechea


Saturdays from March 3rd – 31st, 2012


The Place, 16 Flaxman Terrace, London WC1H 9AT


Cost: £89


PALO or Palomonte refers to one of the dances belonging to the Bantu culture or "Congos" as it's been commonly known in Cuba for centuries. The Congos were one of the first groups of slaves brought to Cuba as far back as the 16th century. Therefore they assimilated better the Spanish spoken at the time and incorporated it in their chants. The dance is characterised by fast, energetic and fighting motions. It is usually performed with sticks or poles (hence the name "palo") and there is a constant and frenetic movement of shoulders, chest and torso. Of all the Afro-Cuban dances, it's the one performed closest to the ground since in the Bantu culture there exists the belief that the soil is the source of life and nourishment. The other two dances that make up the "Congo cycle" are the makuta and yuka.


To book contact the Cuban School of Arts on Cubanschool_arts@yahoo.com or 07788 110421


Intensive Residency with Vincent Mantsoe


March 19th – 23rd, 2012


ACE dance and music Studio, The Link Dance Space, Birmingham


Cost: £100


ACE dance and music are kicking off the new year by offering professional dancers the opportunity to participate in an intensive residency with internationally acclaimed South African choreographer Vincent Mantsoe. Dancers should have a minimum of 3 years professional experience and must be able to attend for the full 5 days.


For more information or to apply for a place please email Charlotte Gregory at info@acedanceandmusic.com with a CV, photo and letter of interest.

Feedback33 Forum
London Studio Centre, 42 – 50 York Way, London
7.30pm – 9pm

Throughout the month of March Feedback33 Dancers’ Forum presents two special workshops with some of the UK’s leading African Diaspora dance practitioners:


March 8th, 2012 Caribbean Choreographic Dance with Jackie Guy


Cost: £5 members / £8 non-members. Visit http://goo.gl/18PKP and http://goo.gl/syLux more info.


March 15th & March 22nd, 2012 Germaine Acogny technique with Alesandra Seutin. Cost: £8 members, students, OAPs / £10 non-members. Click here for more details

For bookings or more information email feedback33forum@gmail.com or call 07800 959 664.


Photo: Kizomba Jam participants @ the ADAD Bloom Festival 2009, London, by Irven Lewis


Auditions and Classes

Compagnie Thor – Thierry Smits - Is Looking For 4 Male + 3 Female Dancers aged between 21 and 26 to create a team for its next productions from September 2012 - 2014. Candidates must have previous professional performance experience, be trained in classical and various contemporary technical skills, and have partnering experience.


Auditions: 1st selection: 24/03 & 25/03/12 or 31/03 & 01/04/12 or 07/04 & 08/04/12 at Studio Thor (Brussels) - please choose one of these weekends, presence is required for both days – pointes required for female dancers. 2nd selection: during a 2-week workshop in April 2012 at Studio Thor – the exact dates will be sent to the selected candidates. Applications via the form on www.thor.be before 15th March 2012 (please attach you CV + cover letter + full-length picture). We will send you the practical information and the time of the audition (1st selection) on 20th march 2012. More Info: www.thor.be// Sarah : audition@thor.be/ +32 2 223 26 00


So-ca Fitness, every Thursday, 7.30pm at Stretford Leisure Centre, Greatstone Road, Stretford, Manchester M32 0ZS.

If you have any up coming events and would like them to be added to either our our website or a future newsletter then please e-mail: info@adad.org.uk,


Next newsletter: End of March 2012


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Copyright © 2012, ADAD, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:


Old Finsbury Town Hall


Rosebery Ave.


London


EC1R 4QT


Email: info@adad.org.uk


Web: http://www.adad.org.uk/

“La Linea has built an impressive international reputation as one of the world’s most eclectic celebrations of Latin music.” Time Out


La Linea takes place in venues across Central London each April. Founded in 2001 the festival is a twenty first century presentation of all that is best and current in contemporary Latin music.

Mon 16 April

Madredeus

Barbican

Thu 19 April

Ceu + Curumin + Lucas Santtana

Koko

Sat 21 April

Roberto Pla Latin Ensemble

Islington Assembly Hall

Tue 24 April

London Lucumi Choir

+ Gerardo y su Rumba Ache

Rich Mix
Wed 25 April

Juan De Marcos Afro Cuban All Stars

Lokkhi Terra

Barbican
Thu 26 April

SKETCHES OF MEXICO Morgan Szymanski

Bolivar Hall
Fri 27 April

Amaral

+ Sala and The Strange Sounds

HMV Forum
Fri 27 April

Che Sudaka

+ Los Chinches

+ DJs Cal Jader (Movimientos) vs. Sacha Dieu (Stranger Than Paradise)

Village Underground
Information and tickets on all shows: www.comono.co.uk/la-linea

FROM OUR FRIENDS
Bajofondo Remix Live at The O2, March 21st 2012
No pictures? View email in full
Live at The HPA Gaucho International Polo
At The O2 - March 21st 2012
Performing at various points during the polo event and also kicking off the post-match festivities.
Visit http://www.gauchopolo.com/ for full event details and tickets.

LET'S DANCE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Launch: Sun 29 April 2012


Festival: Sat 12 - Sun 27 May 2012
Serendipity are delighted to announce that Arts Council England, Legacy Trust UK, European Regional Development Fund, Igniting Ambition at the East Midlands and Leicester City Council have confirmed their funding for Let's Dance International Festival, part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
Let's Dance International Festival will launch on International Day of Dance on Sunday 29 April 2012 with an exclusive performance by World Dance Champions Flawless.


Flawless are the stars of the hit StreetDance movies and were described by Simon Cowell as "One of THE best things I have ever seen in my life... not just the best dance group, it's one of the greatest acts I have ever seen!" Following Flawless's own successful UK tour last year of Chase The Dream;, the ten strong group will begin a collaborative national tour with English National Ballet in June 2012.


Let's Dance International Festival will run from Saturday 12 May till Monday 27 May 2012 and features a range of international performances, dance on film programme and special events.


Let's Dance International Festival is part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad in the East Midlands and is supported by Igniting Ambition. Igniting Ambition invests in projects and people that take the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as their inspiration to create once-in-a-lifetime cultural opportunities for audiences and communities right here on our doorstep. Igniting Ambition is a programme for the East Midlands, funded by Legacy Trust UK, the European Regional Development Fund and the East Midlands Development Agency, with the support of Arts Council England and many others.


Pawlet Brookes, artistic director of Let's Dance International Festival says "We are delighted that Flawless will be coming to Leicester to launch the Let's Dance International Festival which is an official part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Cultural Olympiad programme in the East Midlands."


Peter Knott, Regional Director, Arts Council England said: "The Arts Council is delighted to be funding Let's Dance International Festival for its second year to deliver an exciting, wide-ranging, world-class programme. The festival will reach new audiences and inspire young people to participate in and enjoy excellent dance. 2012 promises to be an unprecedented year for the arts with the eyes of the world on the UK. The Let's Dance International Festival provides a showcase for artists from around the globe as well as reflecting the quality and diversity of talent right here in the East Midlands. I look forward to seeing you at Let's Dance International Festival."


Let's Dance International Festival will see 162 artists create 26 events in 11 venues across Leicester. The programme will also host five international companies who will bring spectacular and diverse high quality dance and run master classes for emerging dancers and dance enthusiasts. The full programme will be released on 30 January 2012 on www.ldif.co.uk


For more information, please contact: Samir Bhamra on or tel: +44 116 242 2945.


Notes to editors:


About the Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival


The London 2012 Cultural Olympiad is the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Movements. Spread over four years, it is designed to give everyone in the UK a chance to be part of London 2012 and inspire creativity across all forms of culture, especially among young people.

The culmination of the Cultural Olympiad will be the London 2012 Festival, a spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK, from Midsummers Day on 21 June and running until the final day of the Paralympic Games on 9 September 2012.The London 2012 Festival will celebrate the huge range, quality and accessibility of the UK's world-class culture including dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, fashion, film and digital innovation, giving the opportunity for people across the UK to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.


Principal funders of the Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival are Arts Council England, Legacy Trust UK and the Olympic Lottery Distributor. BP and BT are Premier Partners of the Cultural Olympiad and the London 2012 Festival.


For more details on the programme and to sign up for information visit www.london2012.com/festival

Legacy Trust UK is an independent charity set up to create a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from London 2012 in communities across the UK. The trust is funded by a £40 million endowment from the Big Lottery Fund (£29m), the Department for Culture Media and Sport (£6m) and Arts Council England (£5m). Legacy Trust UK supports a wide range of innovative cultural and sporting activities that celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and will leave a lasting legacy in communities throughout the United Kingdom. Please visit http://www.legacytrustuk.org/


European Regional Development Fund: The ERDF programme aims to strengthen economic and social cohesion in the European Union by supporting regional economic development. For more information on ERDF funding generally, please visit www.erdf.communities.gov.uk

Website: 2012.emda.org.uk/cultural-olympiad


Facebook: www.facebook.com/IgnitingAmbition


Twitter: @Igniting2012


Follow Let's Dance International Festival on:


Twitter: @LetsDanceFest


Facebook: www.facebook.com/LetsDanceFestival


Website: www.ldif.co.uk

Shout out for Afro-Cuban dance lovers: we are looking for dancers to join us training in Afro-Cuban dance at an advanced. level. This project offers an opportunity to study the dances of the Afro-Cuban Orishas in depth from a range of specialist and experienced Cuban tutors. Aimed at dancers with experience in any of the following styles:


Afro-Cuban/Afro-Latin/African/contemporary/Afro-contemporary/jazz.
Classes will take place on Sunday afternoons at a studio North London and will be priced between £10-15 for 2 hours (possibly cheaper, depending upon numbers), first session 3-5pm 11th March 2012 at The Room, 33 Holcombe Road, London N17 9AS, (nearest tube Tottenham Hale). To register your interest and for more information please message Hannah here: https://www.facebook.com/Hannah.B.Marie

Or on 07941861768

Or Amanda Demerara Royes (also on Facebook)