BORN TO PROTEST

FREE WORKSHOPS WITH JOSEPH TOONGA / BE PART OF THE ENSEMBLE CAST AT BIDF

Join Hip Hop dance artist Joseph Toonga and his renowned company Just Us Dance Theatre this summer in a series of exclusive in-person workshops, where you can be part of the ensemble cast for his new work ‘Born to Protest’.

Born to Protest dismantles presumptions about black male and female figures based on intimidation, danger and isolation – revealing instead character traits around fragility, vulnerability and a constant battle to prove oneself.

Joseph is keen to work with communities in North West Birmingham, particularly those from black, Asian or other global majority backgrounds, and those who have experienced racism. All workshops are free. Age guidance 17+

LIKE MERCURY

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS WITH EMMA & BELLATRIX / TELLING UNDER-REPRESENTED STORIES

Join Hip Hop dance artist Emma Houston and World Champion Beatboxer and musician Bellatrix for bespoke online and in-person workshops this summer. You’re invited to take part in the creative process of their new work ‘Like Mercury’, which will be exploring dominant narratives of success and pleasure.

Through a queer lens, Like Mercury is an inquiry into showing up whole outside of these norms as an act of defiance.

Emma & Bel are keen to work with communities in North West Birmingham, especially the LGBTQ+ community, womxn, and anybody who feels that the video resonates.

Access support will be provided, and participants do not need to have prior dance experience to take part. All workshops are free.

To find out more about how you can be involved with ‘Born to Protest’ and ‘Like Mercury’ contact, emily.labhart@dx.dance

‘Born to Protest’ and ‘Like Mercury’ forms part of Roaming Dance – a BIDF co-commission with Punch Records and Saathi House through Gallery37 North, which premieres two new productions at BIDF this autumn. Hip Hop dance artists Joseph Toonga, Emma Houston and musician Bellatrix will be working with communities in North West Birmingham throughout the summer as part of the project, alongside Wolverhampton-based Breaker, Omar ‘Kidd Ronin’ Spence, who will be mentored by Toonga. Find out more about Roaming Dance here.

Produced by DanceXchange, Birmingham International Dance Festival will run 21 Sept – 3 Oct 2021.