The ADAD Trailblazers fellowship scheme was set up by ADAD and Dance UK in 2003 to encourage and develop strong leaders in the field of dance of the African Diaspora. Former ADAD Chair, Funmi Adewole, recalls that ‘the idea at the time was to develop leaders within the dance sector who could inspire others, not necessarily as vocal advocates but as leaders in terms of being innovative, inspiring researchers, teachers and dance artists, capable of being role models - hence the idea of Trailblazers.‘ The programme was to have a holistic approach to artist development, according to Funmi: ‘Money was only part of the package. Mentoring, networking and having time and space to reflect was also thought important.’
To date, ADAD has supported 22 Trailblazers representing a diverse range of practices within the African Diaspora. In March of this year, ADAD hosted a reception at Moonshot Arts Centre (the new home of Irie! Dance Theatre) to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Trailbazers scheme, and to launch an alumni group. The event included short performances and a discussion with 5 past Trailblazers Adesola Akinleye, Paradigmz, Denise Rowe, Flavia Chevez and Naomi Green. Funmi shares her observations from this event:
“As a group, the Trailblazers have moved the level of discussion beyond stereotypical understandings of Africanist dance. Between 1993 and 2003 the question that dominated the dance sector in terms of 'Black dance' was that of definition.
These artists are comfortable with paradoxical questions that surround the ideas of 'heritage' and 'tradition' and ‘the contemporary'. They are comfortable exploring this in an individual way not expecting everyone to share the same perspectives or even concerns. The artists simply shared the results of their research and creativity. This is a great step forward for the sector. Hopefully the existence of this network of former and current fellowship holders will dispel the point of view that for a choreographer to acknowledge they have drawn on traditonal or non-western forms is to condemn themselves to being thought of as an 'ethnic artist' rather than one interested in mining the treasure inherent in a particular family of dance forms and aesthetics.”
ADAD continues to be committed to developing artists within the Diaspora who are producing authentic, engaging and excellent work. Building on the success of Trailblazers, the organisation is developing the depth and scope of its offering of professional development opportunities and continuing to develop a community of practice for dance of the African Diaspora.
Applications for this year’s Trailblazers fellowships will open in June 2008. For more information about Trailblazers and other opportunities at ADAD, please check www.adad.org.uk for further details.
