A powerful celebration of youth, dance, music and Tottenham will be electrifying the Bernie Grant Arts Centre from Friday (June 22).
Described as a “battle cry and a love song”, SESSION is a collaboration between local young dancers and musicians, drawing on the identity of the performers.
Part of the London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT) 2018, it’s the culmination of weeks of rehearsals between youngsters from Steppaz Performing Arts Academy, Empire Sounds music group – both based in the Tottenham arts centre – and star choreographer Dan Canham. He said:
“I worked in Tottenham for LIFT a few years ago and was just so inspired that I was itching to return. The Steppaz dancers come from a background of competitive hip hop but I’ve pushed them into territory they have never done before which is a bit slower and more spacious. I’ve also challenged them to do something more intimate to what they’ve been used to because the audience won’t be sitting in the dark – they will be right in their faces.”
To ensure a carnival feel to the shows, all SESSION performances will take place outside in the Bernie Grant courtyard, and audience-members will be expected to play their part in the 45-minute performance.
Following the half-a-dozen BGAC performances, the Tottenham youngsters will tour the country including the prestigious River Stage at the National Theatre.
Bernie Grant Arts Centre artistic director, Pete Courtie, said:
“It makes me proud to see some of Tottenham’s finest producing such a quality performance that is going to be seen by hundreds of people.
Bonnie Smith from LIFT said:
“People should come along because the music and dance are going to be so amazing and energetic and you’ll find yourself dancing along to this summertime treat. It’s going to be such a powerful celebration.”
SESSION performances will take place at 9pm on June 22; 23; 26; 27; 29, and 30. For the first two nights, you can use promo code JUSTDANCE for £5 off your tickets. This offer ends on June 20.
For more information and to book, visit: www.berniegrantcentre.co.uk/see/session
