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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250512
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250518
DTSTAMP:20250330T161458Z
CREATED:20241218T111120Z
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UID:37810-1747008000-1747526399@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:LDIF25 Early Bird Festival Pass
DESCRIPTION:Content is protected.
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/ldif25-early-bird-festival-pass/
LOCATION:Multiple Venues\, Leicester\, United Kingdom
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250512T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250512T210000
DTSTAMP:20250507T214406Z
CREATED:20241218T172033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T214406Z
UID:37836-1747076400-1747083600@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:CIA PÉ NO MUNDO
DESCRIPTION:Cláudia Nwabasili and Roges Doglas are the creators and directors of Cia Pé no Mundo. The company was founded in the search for Black representation in the contemporary dance scene. Cia Pé no Mundo’s dance language is based on practical and theoretical research on the dialogue between Brazilian African Indigenous manifestations and contemporary dance. \nWith a very diversified background in dance\, Cláudia Nwabasili and Roges Doglas have studied with Francesca Harper (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Forsythe Company)\, Marta Coronado (Cia. Rosas – Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker)\, Teresa Navarrete (Dance Conservatory of Seville/ Spain)\, Shelley Senter (Cia Trisha Brown) and Ko Murobushi\, amongst others. Together they toured several countries such as Argentina\, Austria\, Spain\, France\, Portugal and Russia. Acting as dancers\, they also worked with Antonio Nóbrega\, Ismael Ivo\, Ivaldo Bertazzo\, Fernando Lee\, Maxine Happener\, Né Barros\, Pablo Sansalvador\, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui\, Tati Sanchis and Tino Sehgal\, amongst others. \nIn 2022\, they developed a research project at the artistic residency Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris\, through the Brasil Cena Aberta project in partnership with the City of Paris and the Consulate of France. \nThe company made their LDIF debut in 2023 and return with a new duet\, celebrating the start of the festival week\, exploring the intangible connections across the Diaspora and the hidden histories that are woven into the fabric of cities such as Leicester. \n  \nThis event is currently sold out. Please contact 0116 482 1394 or email info@serendipity-uk.com to be added to the waiting list.
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/cia-pe-no-mundo/
LOCATION:The Guildhall\, Guildhall Lane\, Leicester\, LE1 5FQ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers,On Now
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ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250512T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T220000
DTSTAMP:20250510T094655Z
CREATED:20250228T134220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250510T094655Z
UID:38464-1747076400-1747260000@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:LDIF25 Presenter Package
DESCRIPTION:Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF) is a vibrant and dynamic annual dance festival dedicated to celebrating the art of dance while also pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and cultural discourse.   The festival offers a diverse and innovative programme that encapsulates the rich international tapestry of Leicester\, featuring an array of performances\, engaging discussion seminars\, hands-on masterclasses\, and an insightful annual conference.  Over the past fifteen years\, LDIF has emerged as a crucial platform for the arts\, showcasing over 340 artists and dance companies\, highlighting its role as a launchpad for new works and talent in the dance community. \nSerendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage is inviting dance presenters and programmers to join over 60 international dance practitioners for LDIF25.  The following bespoke package of events provides the opportunity to see high quality dance performances from five artists and companies\, engage with best practice in the sector through the annual conference and have time for key meetings. \nThis package includes: \nCia Pé No Mundo\nMonday 12 May\n7.00pm\nThe Guildhall\n\nAn intimate performance from Brazil’s Cia Pe No Mundo\, bringing Leicester’s oldest building to life.  The company’s rich dance vocabulary explores a dialogue between Brazilian African Indigenous manifestations and contemporary dance. \n  \nIntersection: Diasporic Dialogues\nConference\nTuesday 13 May\n10.00am – 5.00pm\nSerendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage \nAn annual gathering of artists\, activists and practitioners.  This year’s conference initiates a conversation in culture\, connections and collaborations across Africa\, the Caribbean and Latin America.  Featuring panellists: \n\nMelissa Blanco Borelli\nAnita Gonzalez\nDiedre Nyota Dawkins and Torens L Johnson\nCláudia Nwabasili and Roges Doglas\nEduardo Vilaro\nMelissa M Young\n\n  \nNetworking Event\nTuesday 13 May\n5.30pm\nSerendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage \nAn opportunity to meet fellow practitioners and open the door for innovative collaborations\, talent development and ideas exchange. \n  \nSignatures and the Black British Dance Platform\nWednesday 14 May\n7.45pm\nCurve \nTwo platforms in one evening of dance\, Signatures and the Black British Dance Platform showcase emerging talent in a unique mixed bill performance\, supported by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage and FABRIC.  The line-up includes: \n\nTETHERED – Jameel Hendricks\nA Body of Rumours – Liam Francis\, FranDanCo\nDon’t Step on My Shoes – BlacBrik\nEchoes of Connection – Blake Arts\n\n 
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/ldif25-presenter-package/
LOCATION:Multiple Venues\, Leicester\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers,On Now
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ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250513T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250513T170000
DTSTAMP:20250512T103122Z
CREATED:20241218T173609Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250512T103122Z
UID:37866-1747130400-1747155600@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:INTERSECTION: DIASPORIC DIALOGUES CONFERENCE
DESCRIPTION:The conference for Let’s Dance International Frontiers 2025 explores the theme of Intersection: Diasporic Dialogues. This annual gathering of artists\, activists and practitioners has established a growing reputation as a leading voice and home for Black dance. \nIntersection: Diasporic Dialogues is centred in exploring the dance practices of the Diaspora across Africa\, the Caribbean and Latin America. It initiates a conversation in culture\, connections and collaborations forged through diverse socio-political environments with a shared global history. From Cuba and Columbia to Honduras and Haiti\, Black presence has led to a diverse range of dance practices including kumina\, kalinda\, salsa\, bachata\, tango\, son and merengue. However\, Black erasure has also led to the appropriation and commercialisation of dance styles\, removed from their ancestral connections. How do we connect the threads across the Diaspora to honour the past\, present and future of Black dance in all its complexity? \n  \nContributors include: \nMelissa Blanco Borelli (USA/Cuba/Colombia) \nMelissa Blanco Borelli is a critical dance studies scholar\, choreographer and cultural critic. She is an Associate Professor of Theatre and the Director of the Dance Program at Northwestern University. Her research interests include Blackness in Latin America\, critical dance studies\, performative writing\, popular dance on screen\, Black performance theory\, (Black) feminist (auto)ethnography\, historiography\, archives\, and the digital humanities. She was the Principal Investigator in a UK Arts and Humanities Research Council and Colciencias funded grant project (2018-2021) that focused on embodied performance practices\, memory\, and archives working with Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities affected by the Colombian armed conflict. She is the author of She is Cuba: A Genealogy of the Mulata Body which won the Dance Studies Association’s De la Torre Bueno Prize® for best book in dance studies in 2016. In 2022\, she received the UK’s Theatre and Performance Research Association (TaPRA) Best Edited Collection prize for the special issue of Contemporary Theatre Review “Outing Archives/Archives Outing” co-edited with Professor Royona Mitra (Brunel University) and Professor Bryce Lease (Royal Central School of Speech and Drama). \n  \nAnita Gonzalez (USA) \nAnita Gonzalez is a Professor of Performing Arts and African American studies at Georgetown University and a Co-founder of their Racial Justice Institute. She was recently elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her edited and authored books include Performance\, Dance and Political Economy (Bloomsbury)\, Black Performance Theory (Duke)\, Afro-Mexico: Dancing Between Myth and Reality (U-Texas Press) and Jarocho’s Soul (Rowan Littlefield). Gonzalez also directs\, devises and writes theatrical works. Her innovative staging of historical and cross-cultural experiences have appeared on PBS national television and at Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors\, The Working Theatre\, Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre\, New York Live Arts\, Tribeca Performing Arts Center\, and other national and international venues. Her librettos have been produced by Atlanta Opera (Faces in the Flames\, 2023) and Boston Opera Collaborative (Courthouse Bells\, 2023). Other musical writings include Zora on My Mind about Black women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship and Ybor City the Musical about Cuban unionism and racial division in 1918. Gonzalez is a Fellow in the American Opera Project’s Composers and the Voice programme\, a member of the National Theatre Conference\, Lincoln Center Director’s Lab\, and the Dramatists Guild. \n  \nDiedre Nyota Dawkins and Torens L Johnson (USA) \nDiedre Nyota Dawkins is a 2003 New York City Bessie Award winner for outstanding dance performance and a 2016 recipient of the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for National and Community Service. She is also the 2020 Evidence Award recipient for Artistic Expression with the theme Sistas Prepared\, Positioned and Pivotal for Such a Time as This. She is the Founder and Director of Dance is Healing\, a mentorship programme for middle school girls and is currently the Dance Director at ConneXions: A Community Based Arts School and the Founder and Director of Connexions Repertory Company. She served as an adjunct professor in dance at Coppin State University for 10 years and is currently Assistant Professor in Dance at The Johns Hopkins Peabody Conservatory BFA programme. Dawkins spends the summer months mentoring middle school dancers as the Director of AileyCamp Baltimore/Peabody. \nTorens L Johnson completed the dance certificate programme at The Ailey School and performed nationally and internationally with Ailey II. He received his BFA from Towson University and served as a dance educator for Anne Arundel County Public Schools\, Pasco Academy High School\, Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School and Friends School of Baltimore. He taught dance at AileyCamp for many years and in 2021 he became the AileyCamp National Deputy Director. He has worked as a freelance educator and choreographer for Anne Arundel Community College\, George Mason University\, Morgan State University\, and numerous educational institutions. His performing credits include ClancyWorks Dance Company\, Stephanie Powell DansEnsemble\, Edgeworks Dance Theater\, Tony Powell Music and Movement\, and Wylliams/Henry Dance Theater. In 2020\, Johnson completed his MFA at Wilson College\, and he currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Dance at Texas State University. \n  \nCláudia Nwabasili and Roges Doglas (Brazil) \nCláudia Nwabasili and Roges Doglas are the Founders and Directors of Cia Pé no Mundo. The company was founded in the search for Black representation in the contemporary dance scene. Their dance language is based on practical and theoretical research on the dialogue between Afro-Indigenous Brazilian expressions and contemporary dance. With a very diverse dance background\, Cláudia Nwabasili and Roges Doglas had the opportunity to study with artists from companies such as Francesca Harper (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Forsythe Company)\, Marta Coronado (Cia. Rosas – Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker)\, Teresa Navarrete (Conservatory of Dance of Seville/Spain)\, Shelley Senter (Cia Trisha Brown)and Ko Murobushi\, amongst others. Together they have toured several countries such as Argentina\, Austria\, Spain\, France\, Portugal and Russia. Acting as dancers\, they have also worked with Antonio Nóbrega\, Ismael Ivo\, Ivaldo Bertazzo\, Fernando Lee\, Maxine Happener\, Né Barros\, Pablo Sansalvador\, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui\, Tati Sanchis and Tino Sehgal\, amongst others. \n  \nEduardo Vilaro (Cuba/USA) \nEduardo Vilaro joined Ballet Hispánico as Artistic Director in August 2009\, becoming only the second individual to lead the company since its inception in 1970. In 2015\, he expanded his role to include that of Chief Executive Officer. A member of the Ballet Hispánico family since 1985\, Vilaro initially contributed as a dancer and educator before founding the Luna Negra Dance Theater in Chicago\, where he served as Artistic Director for ten years\, establishing a significant record of achievement. Vilaro has enriched Ballet Hispánico’s legacy with a bold and eclectic brand of contemporary dance that reflects America’s evolving cultural landscape. In 2024\, Vilaro joined the Cultural Diplomacy Leadership Council of the Meridian International Center based in Washington\, DC. Additionally\, he received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from his alma mater\, Adelphi University\, in recognition of his distinguished achievements in learning and the arts. \n  \nMelissa M Young (Honduras/USA) \nMelissa M Young started her career at Dallas Black Dance Theatre as a dancer for eleven years\, then moved up the ranks as Rehearsal Director\, Academy Director\, Associate Artistic Director\, Interim Artistic Director\, and was appointed as Artistic Director in September 2018. She was an Assistant to the choreographers\, Hope Clarke for The Dallas Opera’s Porgy and Bess and Christopher L. Huggins for Dallas Theater Center’s production of The Wiz. Young is a graduate of the Leadership Arts Institute\, Class of 2022\, a programme of Business Council for the Arts in Dallas County. She is a member of the International Association of Blacks in Dance. Young has served as an advisory panellist for arts organisations that include the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture\, Texas Commission on the Arts and Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation\, and is a former board member for the Dance Council of North Texas. Additionally\, Young serves as a mentor for the 2024 Dance/USA Institute for Leadership Training (DILT)\, a mentee-driven national dance mentorship and leadership development programme. \n  \n*Early Bird Available until 28 February 2025 \n  \nLimited Availability Remaining
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/intersection-diasporic-dialogues-conference/
LOCATION:Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage\, 8 Bowling Green Street\, Leicester\, LE1 6AT
CATEGORIES:Conference,Let’s Dance International Frontiers,On Now
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ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T120000
DTSTAMP:20241219T125438Z
CREATED:20241219T125405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241219T125438Z
UID:37922-1747216800-1747224000@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:LDIF+ Masterclass - Cia Pé No Mundo
DESCRIPTION:LDIF+ Masterclasses are an opportunity to experience high quality dance techniques and practices\, led by internationally acclaimed practitioners\, not frequently accessible in the UK. \nCia Pé No Mundo’s practices are rooted within body and reflexive practices. Their methodology involves articulating moments of culture\, history and racial relations in Brazil with moments of study of movements and techniques of Afro-Indigenous Brazilian dances and different African Diasporic dances. The class will establish a parallel with dance artists closely linked to the issue of Black representation in the Brazilian\, UK and global contemporary dance scene.
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/ldif-masterclass-cia-pe-no-mundo/
LOCATION:Curve\, 60 Rutland Street\, Leicester\, LE1 1SB
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers,Masterclass
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cia-Pe-No-Mundo-Class.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T160000
DTSTAMP:20250507T132804Z
CREATED:20241219T125107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T132804Z
UID:37927-1747231200-1747238400@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:LDIF+ Masterclass - Horton Technique – Melissa M Young
DESCRIPTION:Teaching master classes both nationally and internationally\, Melissa M Young specialises in the dance technique of Lester Horton. Horton technique emphasises a whole-body approach to dance\, incorporating dance practices from across the globe; the practice became the standard training for students at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. She was the primary Horton Technique Instructor for the Dallas Black Dance Theatre company dancers from 1998-2017. As an Adjunct Instructor\, she has taught at Southern Methodist University\, Texas Woman’s University\, and Abilene Christian University. Over the years\, she has led several movement workshops for Leadership North Texas and Leadership Dallas. \n  \nThis event is sold out\, please contact info@serendipity-uk.com or call 0116 482 1394 for any additional ticket releases.
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/ldif-masterclass-horton-technique-melissa-m-young/
LOCATION:Curve\, 60 Rutland Street\, Leicester\, LE1 1SB
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers,Masterclass
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MelissaYoung.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T194500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T213000
DTSTAMP:20250427T113518Z
CREATED:20241218T172706Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250427T113518Z
UID:37846-1747251900-1747258200@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:SIGNATURES AND THE BLACK BRITISH DANCE PLATFORM
DESCRIPTION:Two platforms in one evening of dance. SIGNATURES and BLACK BRITISH DANCE PLATFORM come together to showcase emerging and developing dancers and choreographers locally\, nationally and internationally for a unique mixed bill performance. \nBOOK NOW \nRunning time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes (including a 15 minute interval) \n  \nSIGNATURES \nTETHERED\nJameel Hendricks \nTETHERED is a new ballet centred around a particular sector of the human experience expressed through the music selection\, and the virtuous efforts of the dancers. Conceptually\, the work embodies the current state of mental health in society and the impact of the aftermath of the pandemic\, racial tensions and inflation. Daily reports of mass shootings\, domestic violence\, hate crimes and murder are at the forefront of news outlets and social media. Yet despite these occurrences\, the public are still held to the functional expectations of a society that existed prior to the traumatic events of the past four years. \nTETHERED is a ballet that reflects the social masks that people wear every day\, so as not to be perceived as unstable\, when the reality is one of instability. \nJameel Hendricks is a graduate of the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) where he received his early training as a dance major and was appointed the position of Dance Captain entering his senior year. In 2016\, Hendrick began his tenure as a company member of PHILADANCO and has worked with choreographers such as Anthony Burrell\, Sean Bankhead and Rennie Harris. On the commercial stage\, Hendricks has performed alongside artists such as Cardi B\, Megan Thee Stallion and XSCAPE. Hendricks also has extensive experience in collaborating with the School District of Philadelphia using dance as a way to contribute to the artistic and communal endeavours. He recently launched his new production company M3 (ME) Productions\, a parent company to MOVE Dance Collective. \nHendricks made his LDIF debut in 2017\, performing with PHILADANCO and now makes his choreographic debut at the festival with TETHERED. \nSIGNATURES \nA Body of Rumours\nLiam Francis \nA Body of Rumours is a visceral performance that explores the dynamic synergy between\nmusic\, the body\, and brotherhood\, while showcasing the intimate bonds among three young Black performers. Choreographed by Liam Francis\, the performance delves into what it takes to become part of a community\, allowing feelings of isolation and competition to be replaced by trust\, intimacy and friendship. Here\, the soundscape\, mixed live by Chloe Mason\, is created by capturing the sounds of the dancing bodies. First one\, then two\, then three bodies build a unique and spontaneous compilation of sounds that speak of the joyful complexity of a life lived fully – together. \nThe work is currently supported by Théâtre de la Ville\, CNDC Angers\, South East Dance\,\nBrighton Dome\, Choreodrome at The Place\, Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage\, FABRIC\, Studio Wayne McGregor\, The Lowry and the Abderrahim Crickmay charity. \nLiam Francis is an international dance artist and choreographer.  Whether leading creations\, or as a collaborator in other artists’ work\, he lets his passion for ‘play’ inform his contributions\, decisions and performance. His practice currently seeks to authentically express the hybrid nature of his embodied knowledge; something he’s acquired through working in both hip-hop theatre and contemporary dance. His practice is also informed by an interest in the relationship between Flow state and dance. \nBLACK BRITISH DANCE PLATFORM  \nDon’t Step on My Shoes\nBlacBrik \nBlacBrik is a contemporary dance company committed to crafting dynamic dance theatre that resonates with audiences. Founded by Darius Drooh and Nahum McLean\, the company merges storytelling and choreography to delve into themes of relationships\, identity\, and shared human experiences. As an emerging company\, BlacBrik strives to produce accessible and engaging work that speaks to audiences from diverse backgrounds. \nNahum McLean trained at The Ailey School on scholarship\, toured internationally with West Side Story\, and performed in London’s West End in Inala – A Zulu Ballet. He was also a member of Richard Alston Dance Company. Darius Drooh is currently performing in the West End’s The Lion King. He has received the Beach Blanket Babylon scholarship and choreographed for the NYC Jazz Choreography Festival. His training includes scholarships to prestigious programs such as The Ailey School. \nDon’t Step on My Shoes is a bold and dynamic contemporary dance piece that examines themes of pride\, respect\, and conflict within the Black male community. With intricate choreography\, spoken word and creative contributions from lighting designer Joshie Harriette\, the work explores the act of ‘stepping on someone’s shoes’ as a metaphor for identity\, materialism\, and vulnerability. \nBlacBrik’s productions aim to bring fresh perspectives to contemporary dance\, combining high-energy movement with relatable storytelling. \n  \nEchoes of Connection\nBlake Arts \nEchoes of Connection delves into the intricate web of human relationships and the profound impact these connections have on our lives. The piece captures the ebb and flow of our interactions\, portraying moments of intimacy\, struggle\, joy\, solitude and longing. \nBlake Arts is an independent dance and mentoring programme\, providing high quality performing arts experiences through comprehensive training. It contributes to the development and presentation of diversely capable artists with the skillsets to sustain their careers in an ever-changing global arts environment. Blake Arts is led by David Blake\, an international performing artist\, lecturer and choreographer with more than 25 years’ experience in the entertainment industry\, appearing in commercials\, TV shows\, film and print. A former principal dancer with the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica and formerly a company member of Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King playing ‘Banzai’\, he is currently Academy Director at Urdang. \n  \n 
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/signatures-and-the-black-british-dance-platform/
LOCATION:Curve\, 60 Rutland Street\, Leicester\, LE1 1SB
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers,On Now,Performance
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ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250515T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250515T120000
DTSTAMP:20250507T132454Z
CREATED:20241219T124938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T132454Z
UID:37933-1747303200-1747310400@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:LDIF+ Masterclass – Exploring the Dunham Technique: A Journey of Self and Social Awareness - Alexandria Davis
DESCRIPTION:Alexandria Davis is an Assistant Professor of Dance and a multi-disciplinary artist whose work as an actress\, choreographer\, dancer\, educator\, and screen dance artist explores social commentary and alternative narratives. Davis’ artistic journey is deeply influenced by her research of dance performance\, ritual and technique. Her movement is her story—abstractions of America’s Black History strategically linked to form an ever-evolving tale of myth and culture. \nThis lecture demonstration is designed for individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of the Dunham Technique as a physical practice\, a performance-as-research framework\, and a holistic way of life. The Dunham Technique is not just a dance style but a comprehensive approach that integrates the mind\, body and spirit\, promoting self-discovery and community connection. Participants will engage in an in-depth study of the philosophy behind the Dunham Technique\, which includes the principles of self-knowledge\, detachment and discrimination. The session will also explore Katherine Dunham’s legacy as a multifaceted artist\, anthropologist and humanitarian\, as we discuss the impact of her pioneering work in arts activism and dance studies. \nThis event is sold out\, please contact info@serendipity-uk.com or call 0116 482 1394 for any additional ticket releases.
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/ldif-masterclass-exploring-the-dunham-technique-a-journey-of-self-and-social-awareness-alexandria-davis/
LOCATION:Curve\, 60 Rutland Street\, Leicester\, LE1 1SB
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers,Masterclass
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Alexandria.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250515T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250515T160000
DTSTAMP:20250127T141655Z
CREATED:20241219T124216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T141655Z
UID:37874-1747317600-1747324800@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:DANCE DIALOGUES - Thomas Prestø
DESCRIPTION:Dance Dialogues is a conversation with movement at the centre. A series of seminar and lecture-demonstration style presentations\, which unearth key research and issues across the sector\, led by esteemed international practitioners. \nThomas Talawa Prestø is an esteemed dance artist\, researcher\, and pioneer in African and African Diaspora performance studies. As the Founder and Artistic Director of the internationally celebrated Tabanka Dance Ensemble\, Prestø has led the company for 17 years\, performing in over 30 countries. Under his guidance\, the ensemble has produced fully professionalised dancers on several continents\, playing a pivotal role in diversifying the global arts scene. Renowned as the foremost specialist in polycentric dance technique\, Prestø developed the Talawa Technique™\, a fully codified dance method that integrates ancestral African and African Diaspora movements with contemporary sensibilities. His scholarly pursuits delve into how traditional African and African Diaspora dance practices are adapted for stage productions and artistic performances. He examines ethical considerations of cultural heritage utilisation\, miscommunication for sensationalism\, and the impacts of globalisation and cultural tourism on African cultural expressions. His work embodies inclusive and decolonial practices and his innovative documentation style\, known as Cognoscape\, immerses readers into his knowledge landscape.
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/dance-dialogues-thomas-presto/
LOCATION:Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage\, 8 Bowling Green Street\, Leicester\, LE1 6AT
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/csm_Workshop_2_Photocredit_Sigrun_Drivdal_Johnson_327bdb9b64.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250515T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250515T210000
DTSTAMP:20241219T124628Z
CREATED:20241219T123723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241219T124628Z
UID:37908-1747335600-1747342800@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:DANCE ON FILM - We are the Heat and Darío
DESCRIPTION:A showcase of film exploring the theme Intersection: Diasporic Dialogues. \n  \nWe are the Heat \nDirector: Jorge Navas \nColombia and Argentina\, 2018 \nIhr 44mins \nIn Buenaventura\, Colombia\, a kingdom of corruption and drug trafficking\, Harvey and his three friends are doomed to a life of poverty and uncertainty. While attempting to escape their harsh reality\, they use music and urban dance to overcome and defy their violent destiny. \nDarío \nDirectors: Manuel Kinzer and Jorge A Trujillo Gil \nGermany\, Colombia and Spain\, 2018 \n15mins \nDarío\, a 17-year-old boy from Barranquilla\, Colombia has a passion for dance. He loves his carnival group but has to keep it a secret from his mother\, who is afraid that he will not grow up to be a “real man“. Instead\, she forces him to spend the day working in his uncle’s shop. Will he be able to dance in the carnival parade? \n 
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/dance-on-film/
LOCATION:Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage\, 8 Bowling Green Street\, Leicester\, LE1 6AT
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WeAreTheHeat-still-1546562553-wath-still-3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250516T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250516T120000
DTSTAMP:20250330T163832Z
CREATED:20241219T123444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250330T163832Z
UID:37894-1747389600-1747396800@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:DANCE DIALOGUES - The Forensic Ballerina – Claudine Carter Pereira
DESCRIPTION:Claudine Carter Pereira studied extensively with the Joffrey Ballet School before she put her dance career on the “back-burner” to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Loyola College in Maryland and later a Master of Science Degree in Forensic Science from Virginia Commonwealth University. Despite her change in career path\, she continued dancing throughout graduate school at both Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond Ballet. Known as the “Forensic Ballerina\,” Carter Pereira is currently the Director of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory. She attributes many of her successes in life to lessons learned in ballet class and shares that it is possible to pursue an alternative career and yet still maintain your passion for the arts.
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/dance-dialogues-the-forensic-ballerina-claudine-carter-pereira/
LOCATION:Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage\, 8 Bowling Green Street\, Leicester\, LE1 6AT
CATEGORIES:Coming Soon,Let’s Dance International Frontiers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1722346262238.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250516T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250516T160000
DTSTAMP:20250507T131910Z
CREATED:20241219T125239Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T131910Z
UID:37898-1747404000-1747411200@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:DANCE DIALOGUES - LUANDA PAU
DESCRIPTION:This lecture will delve into the vibrant Afro-Cuban culture\, exploring its roots in Yoruba traditions from West Africa\, specifically Nigeria. Transplanted to Cuba during the 19th-century slave trade\, Yoruba culture has been remarkably preserved through religious and cultural practices. \nThe lecture will focus on three key pillars that contribute to the richness and diversity of Afro-Cuban culture: \n\nStorytelling through Song: We will explore the historical narrative of the Yoruba beliefs in the Orishas through traditional songs and chants.\nMusic as a Representative Pillar: Participants will experience the central role of music in Afro-Cuban culture\, engaging with various rhythms for different divinities (spirits or deities) in the Yoruba religion (LIVE MUSIC).\nDance as Expression We will delve into the art of Afro-Cuban dance\, where movements and pantomimes convey historical narratives and cultural expressions.\n\nThese three pillars are interconnected and inseparable. \nParticipants will enhance their musical ear and memory through rhythmic exercises and song learning\, while having the opportunity to observe and experience Afro-Cuban dance movements\, connecting with cultural expressions through their bodies. \nThis event is sold out\, please contact info@serendipity-uk.com or call 0116 482 1394 for any additional ticket releases.
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/dance-dialogues-luanda-pau/
LOCATION:Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage\, 8 Bowling Green Street\, Leicester\, LE1 6AT
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/LauandaPau.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250516T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250517T210500
DTSTAMP:20250427T103304Z
CREATED:20240904T110434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250427T103304Z
UID:36029-1747423800-1747515900@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:BALLET HISPÁNICO: CARMEN.maquia
DESCRIPTION:BOOK NOW \nT: 0116 242 3595\nE: tickets@curvetheatre.co.uk\nW: curveonline.co.uk \n\nAge guidance: 13+\nRunning time: Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes (including a 15 minute interval)\nShow warnings: Themes of murder and death\n  \nBallet Hispáncio return to Curve for Let’s Dance International Frontiers 2025 (LDIF25) with their electrifying reimagining of CARMEN.maquia\, a contemporary take on Bizet’s beloved classic.  The physically charged and sensual choreography fuses contemporary dance with nods to the Spanish paso doble\, flamenco and movement of the Latin American Diaspora.  The full-length work is choreographed by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano\, whose work\, 18+1\, featured as part of Ballet Hispánico’s repertoire at LDIF22 \nBallet Hispánico was founded in 1970 by Tina Ramirez – challenging iconic representations and exposing the joy and celebration to be found in Latinidad. Today\, it is the largest Latin American cultural organisation in the United States and one of America’s Cultural Treasures. Eduardo Vilaro joined Ballet Hispánico as a company dancer in 1985\, becoming the organisation’s second Artistic Director in 2009 and CEO in 2015.  Vilaro has built on Ramirez’s impact: expanding and deepening a legacy showcasing the depth of Latin American cultures and exposing the intersectionality found in the Diaspora. \nLed by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage\, LDIF25 celebrates its fifteenth anniversary with a rich programme exploring the theme Intersection: Diasporic Dialogues. The programme features trailblazing dancers and companies who have forged new movement vocabularies and championed the voices of the African\, African Caribbean and Latin American Diasporas. \n“An experience unlike any other in the Latin dance space we’ve seen in quite some time…. CARMEN.maquia continues to haunt us in the most beautiful way.” – Latina Magazine \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/ballet-hispanico-carmen-maquia/
LOCATION:Curve\, 60 Rutland Street\, Leicester\, LE1 1SB
CATEGORIES:Coming Soon,Let’s Dance International Frontiers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ballet-Hispanico_featured_732x471.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250517T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250517T120000
DTSTAMP:20241219T125202Z
CREATED:20241219T122147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241219T125202Z
UID:37938-1747476000-1747483200@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:LDIF+ Masterclass - Ballet Hispánico
DESCRIPTION:Ballet Hispánico brings communities together to celebrate and explore Latin American cultures through innovative dance productions\, transformative dance training and community engagement. Work alongside artistic leads from Ballet Hispánico to learn more about their repertoire as a resource providing access points for movement\, socio-political and cultural context.
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/masterclass-ballet-hispanico/
LOCATION:Curve\, 60 Rutland Street\, Leicester\, LE1 1SB
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers,Masterclass
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/BuscandoaJuan_BH_Paula_Lobo_1-11-24-2744.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250517T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250517T150000
DTSTAMP:20250325T214245Z
CREATED:20241219T122246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T214245Z
UID:37943-1747486800-1747494000@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:LDIF+ Masterclass - Kurt Douglas
DESCRIPTION:Kurt A Douglas is a graduate of New York’s LaGuardia High School of Music Art & the Performing Arts. Originally from Guyana\, South America\, Douglas earned a B.F.A. in dance from Boston Conservatory and an M.F.A. in dance from Hollins University in association with the American Dance Festival\, Frankfurt Conservatory of Performing Arts and the Forsythe Company.  After graduating from the Conservatory\, Kurt joined the Limón Dance Company\, where he performed in many of Limón’s most influential works. \nHe received a 2002 Princess Grace Award and was honored by an invitation to perform for the royal family of Monaco.  In 2007\, Douglas became the first African American to portray Iago in The Moor’s Pavane\, José Limón’s most famous work.  Kurt was named one of Dance Magazine’s “Top 25 to Watch” in the January 2006 issue.  He danced from 2002 to 2007 in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and joined Ballet Hispánico from 2005 to 2006 under the direction of Tina Ramirez.  In 2009 he joined the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company during their fortieth anniversary season\, touring throughout the United States and Asia.  In 2011 he toured with the Tony Award-winning musical A Chorus Line throughout the United States\, Japan\, Singapore\, and Australia. \nKurt Douglas joined the Boston Conservatory at Berklee faculty in 2015 where he is an instructor of technique\, repertory\, critical theory\, and pedagogy for modern dance. Douglas also serves as artistic director for the Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Summer Dance Intensive. Kurt reconstructed A Choreographic Offering for the Limón seventy-first Anniversary Season in 2017\, and he continues to reconstruct and stage Limón’s work all over the world. Kurt also serves on faculty with the Limón for Kids Program and the Limón Institute in New York City\, the official school of the Limón Dance Foundation. \nIn 2017\, Douglas was invited to perform for the Boston Conservatory’s 150th Anniversary Gala at Symphony Hall hosted by Alan Cummings. Some guest artist credits include Aszure Barton and Artists\, Prometheus Dance Company\, Thang Dao Dance Company\, Buglisi Dance Theatre\, Dzul Dance Theatre\, and the Sean Curran Dance Company.  Douglas remains deeply invested in his teaching practices\, conducting Limón Dance workshops internationally.
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/ldif-masterclass-kurt-douglas/
LOCATION:Curve\, 60 Rutland Street\, Leicester\, LE1 1SB
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers,Masterclass
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/headshot_douglas-kurt01_460x660.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250517T161500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250517T171500
DTSTAMP:20241219T122729Z
CREATED:20241219T121036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241219T122729Z
UID:37903-1747498500-1747502100@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:DANCE DIALOGUES - Tia-Monique Uzor
DESCRIPTION:Tia-Monique Uzor is a dance scholar and artist who writes and publishes around issues of identity\, cultural traffic\, popular culture\, and women within African and African Diasporic dance. She is a lecturer at the Royal School of Speech and Drama\, teaching across theatre\, performance and movement courses. At the heart of her work lies an investment in Black survival and identities. Her current practice is interested in exploring the intersections of ecological and social injustice experienced across Black geographies through digital performance. \nIn 2022\, she produced\, directed and choreographed the short dance film\, The Noise My Leaves Make which explores Black British women’s intimacy and pleasure in the English countryside. The film was an award finalist at Dance Camera West 2023 in Los Angeles and won the jury award for Best Experimental Short at the Cannes Short Film Festival 2023.
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/dance-dialogues-tia-monique-uzor/
LOCATION:Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage\, 8 Bowling Green Street\, Leicester\, LE1 6AT
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/download.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250517T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250517T203000
DTSTAMP:20250326T220932Z
CREATED:20241219T123950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T220932Z
UID:37919-1747506600-1747513800@www.serendipity-uk.com
SUMMARY:Cocktails and Conversation
DESCRIPTION:An exclusive reception to celebrate the finale of Let’s Dance International Frontiers 2025 and 15 years of bringing world renowned dance to Leicester. It is also an opportunity to see 100 Black Women Who Have Made A Mark\, an exhibition commissioned by Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage\, curated by Pawlet Brookes\, showcasing the portraits of Black British women\, including many who have changed the dance sector in the UK. \n 
URL:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/event/cocktails-and-conversation/
LOCATION:Curve\, 60 Rutland Street\, Leicester\, LE1 1SB
CATEGORIES:Let’s Dance International Frontiers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.serendipity-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Untitled-design.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage":MAILTO:info@serendipity-uk.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR