Local Traditions, Global Culture: A Modern Folk Dance Symposium
Join us at The Dance Space for a day of workshops, performances and discussions exploring global folk dance traditions.
How can celebrating and sharing folk dance keep traditional cultures alive? As part of a discussion led by dance journalist and writer Sanjoy Roy, hear from and experience the work of dance artists from the Senegalese Simb*, Yoruban Bàtá* and English Morris* communities as they discuss and demonstrate their work as part of a diverse global dance tradition.
The day will feature dance artists including:
Palaye Seck, Founder of One Lion Heart of Africa Company, dancer, choreographer, performer, dance teacher and skilled craftsman - making and repairing drums - from Dakar, Senegal. Palaye has dedicated his life to promoting and preserving traditional African dance and music and is the presenter of the symposium.
Cheikh Diop, Founder and Creative Director of Rhythm Generation, Master Djembe player and educator who has studied with some of the most renowned Griot, guardians of African Cultures and Traditions.
AJ Allen, Cotswold Morris Dancer for over fifty years. AJ has been involved in several funded dance research projects including a week's joint residency at Cecil Sharp House with choreographer Kate Flatt, and a week with performing artist and dancer Lucky Mayo exploring Morris and Zulu dance. He taught Brighton Morris in its formative years as Sussex University Morris, and more recently danced with Shepherds Crown Morris, the Stepback Morris and Broken Ankles Appalachian.
Fatimo Tijani, a UK-based Nigerian dance artist specialising in traditional Yoruba cultural dances including Bàtá and Dùndún. Fatimo recently led Roots in Motion at Theatre Deli, introducing participants to the timeless Yoruba Cultural Dances; Bàtá and Dùndún dance through movement, rhythm and cultural exploration, while contributing to wider engagement with African diasporic dance practices in the UK.
Schedule
11am: Introduction to Simb by Cheikh Diop.
11.15am: Open Simb Lion Dance workshop led by Palaye Seck and his team –all welcome.
12.15pm: Lunch.
1pm: Panel discussion & Q&A: How can we support folk dance traditions to thrive in a digital world?
2.15pm:Tea Break.
3pm: Simb performances and celebration. Featuring a performance by professional dancers and drummers, a performance by emerging dance artists who have been learning Simb with Palaye Seck as part of a 12-week programme, and an invitation to take part.
5pm: Finish.
Presented by Palaye Seck; panel discussion developed by Cath James and Palaye Seck; Produced by Marie-Helene Palmer and Emily James-Farley.
Supported with investment from Arts Council England.
*Senegalese Simb: a traditional Senegalese street performance and lion dance that blends dance, drumming, folklore, and theatrical storytelling.
*Yoruban Bàtá: a traditional, energetic dance form originating from the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
*Morris: a form of English folk dance based on rhythmic stepping and sequences of choreographed movement by a group of dancers in costume, usually wearing bell pads on their shins, their shoes or both.