As a celebration of Black women choreographers, Leeds-based Phoenix Dance Theatre has released three original dance films for the Theatre’s latest Digital Programme.
The films were commissioned in 2021 by Dane Hurst, who was Artistic Director at the time. The Digital Programme was established during the company’s 40th year, at a time when lockdowns had highlighted the need to find new ways of reaching the public.
The Phoenix Digital Programme supports emerging and early career artists and helps further the production of innovative digital dance content. This year, the work of four women is being showcased: Kristina and Sadé Alleyne (Alleyne Dance), Sarah Golding and Alethia Antonia.
The Programme also pays homage to the introduction of women to what was once an all-male dance company.
Dane Hurst, commissioning Artistic Director: “With this programme we are celebrating the vitality and dynamism of these choreographers and our dancers, as well as also making a gesture towards the moment in Phoenix’s history which saw four black women dancers joining the male dancers of the company in 1989. We are proud of this moment in history, which marked the expansion of the company and what it meant for the development of dance in this country”.
The company initially gave a platform to three emerging/early career Black male choreographers to nurture their talent and vision. This was a poignant gesture towards, and reminder of, the remarkable origins of Phoenix Dance Theatre which was founded by three young Black British men in 1981: David Hamilton, Vilmore James and Donald Edwards.
Dane Hurst: “Four decades later, Phoenix is still here, proud of all that has passed and looking forward to the continuation of the rising of the Phoenix and elevating the voices of today who will be the pillars of tomorrow”.
The three new original dance films are available to watch for free now at phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk
A film by Phoenix Dance Theatre & Alleyne Dance
Directed by Antoine Marc
Inspired by true stories of family and friends, Alleyne Dance created a duet exploring the emotional and physical stress of growing apart from a person that you used to have a bond with. Time and space are confused with what is reality, what is a flashback or a dream.
A dance film by Phoenix Dance Theatre & Sarah Golding
Directed by Dan Löwenstein
Inspired by, and a gift to, African American and Hispanic conductor Kalena Bovell, exploring the significance of her journey to the podium, a history of violin playing, her book of beautiful poetry and periods of depression.
A dance film by Phoenix Dance Theatre and Alethia Antonia
Directed by Dan Löwenstein
Confronted with all you are expected to be, how do you process, accept and put together the many fragments of self. Are you… Am I?
Cover image: Kalena by Sarah Golding.
