A Very British Rhythm

Akram Khan

Akram Khan, of Bangladesh heritage and born in London, studied Indian classical dance Kathak under the tutelage of Guru Pratap Pawar and contemporary dance at De Montfort University and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. He has choreographed a wide-ranging oeuvre of performances including Jungle Book Reimagined, Outwitting the Devil, XENOS, Until the Lions, Kaash, iTMOi (in the mind of igor), DESH, Polaroid Feet, Ronin, Vertical Road, Gnosis and zero degrees. Khan has choreographed Dust, Giselle, and Creature for English National Ballet. He is the founder of Akram Khan Company established with Farooq Chaudhry, a renowned dance producer. Khan has been the recipient of numerous awards throughout his career including the Laurence Olivier Award for DESH, the Bessie Award, the ISPA (International Society for the Performing Arts) Distinguished Artist Award, the Fred and Adele Astaire Award, the Herald Archangel Award at the Edinburgh International Festival, the South Bank Sky Arts Award and eight Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards. He has been a Chancellor of De Montfort University, and he is also an Honorary Graduate of University of London as well as Roehampton and De Montfort Universities, and an Honorary Fellow of Trinity Laban. Khan is an Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells and Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London and Curve, Leicester. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Jonzi D

Jonzi D is a skilled dancer, theatre performer, rap artist, poet and emcee. After graduating from the London Contemporary Dance School, Jonzi D. founded Breakin’ Convention - an annual festival of hip-hop dance theatre. He was an Associate Artist at The Place. His critically acclaimed performances include Lyrikal Fearta, Aeroplane Man, TAG… Just Writing My Name, Markus the Sadist, and he directed films like Our Bodies Back and its sequel, AUTOCORRECT – a running theme in all his works has been contemporary experiences of racism and displacement in Britain. In 2011 Jonzi turned down an offer of MBE for services to British dance because of the link between empire and colonialism, and later used it as inspiration for his solo performance The Letter: To Be or To MBE? In 2023, he was awarded a citation from Al Taylor of the 71st District - New York State Assembly in recognition of his efforts for advancing and advocating hip hop culture in the UK and abroad, and the De Valois Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Dancing Times Critic’s Circle. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Future of Dance with Steph Be & Geni Lou

Dance producer Farooq Chaudhry is joined by Geni Lou and Steph Be for a conversation about the future of Dance. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Geni Lou has forged a career as a dancer and choreographer in the UK. She’s presented her work at The Place, The V&A, The Yard, Sadler’s Wells and many other prestigious venues.  Steph Be is a producer working mainly in Contemporary & Hip Hop Dance theater. Her main focus is on elevating the next generation of UK Black artists, by providing support with partnership building, fundraising and strategic planning.  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Behind the Scenes with Farooq Chaudhry

Farooq Chaudhry is one of the most well-known and respected dance producers working in the UK. He’s perhaps best known as the co-founder of the Akram Khan Company, but his passion for dance has led him to work with many acclaimed international artists and organizations, and he has consulted, mentored and taught emerging artists and producers around the world. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

David Hamilton

David Hamilton is the founder and first artistic director of Phoenix Dance Theatre (formerly Phoenix Dance Company) in 1981. His choreographies fused vernacular reggae dance, martial arts and contemporary dance technique with Black British cultural experiences and rose to national prominence. He established RJC Dance and is Chair of the Black History Month Sub-Hub in Leeds. He also encouraged aspiring dancers and artists in the city and beyond to explore their own artistic interests and to share their skills in educational and community settings. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.