ADAD 'Exposure' Review

The ‘Exposure’ event is particularly special because it is an opportunity to see performances by the current crop of artists that are being supported by ADAD and their trailblazer Fellowship. This is an annual development programme that supports UK- based practitioners working in the field of dance of the African Diaspora.

After an introduction of welcome by ADAD’s director Mercy Nabirye, there were some insightful speeches by previous artists that have been supported by ADAD’s fellowship programme. These included practitioners Victoria Igbokwe (Uchenna Dance), Cindy Claes and Akosua Boakye. This pre- show event concluded with the opportunity for ADAD to announce the recipients of the Champions strand of the Trailblazer Fellowship for 2014. These were awarded to Alesandra Seutin (Vocab Dance) and Freddy Opoku-Addaie- Congratulations!!

We were then invited to make our way into the auditorium for the evening’s proceedings to begin…

Once settled into our seats, the house lights go down and the performances begin, showcasing the work and creative processes of these emerging and established artists. With use of dance and movement vocabulary along with a fusion of other art forms including live music, installations and film, the performances were enjoyable and wonderfully inspiring, highlighting the creative and innovative skill set of artists and musicians creating work within the sector of dance of the African Diaspora.

Ballet Nimba - 'Exposure' Showcase at The Place, London

The night started with Ballet Nimba's captivating duet “Sagatala”, which explores the rites of passage of manhood within the constraints of modern society, then moved to Cleo Lake’s solo, “Israel Stone Rock,” a fusion of movement motifs and echoes of African and Caribbean dance and music, inspired by her recent research to Ghana and incorporating Cleo’s spoken word poetry and images. This was followed by dancehall artist Cindy Claes, with her entertaining and at times thought provoking solo “Time is Ticking, Phone is ringing” with its themes about the challenges of success against the compromise trying to find love. Lastly came Denise Rowe, the curator of the event, who with her musicians performed a collaborative piece called “She Who Walks-The Bridge”, a beautifully technical and holistic dance arrangement that explored the linkages between womanhood and nature.

There was a post-show talk that explored the position of dance from the African Diaspora within the UK today and it was insightful hearing from a panel of contributors chaired by Funmi Adewole about the logistics of acquiring funding and the aspirations of artists and their practice. ADAD’s mixed bill ‘Exposure’ reminded me of a quote from Denise Rowe’s installation that was part of her performance where she writes; “Give it up for the valley; give it up for the spaces that open all the way to the back”. This was an empowering evening that evidenced the fact that, the more artists that are supported in their practice to experiment and innovate, the more creative spaces will open up bringing opportunity to all those that want it…‘all the way to the back’.