Tuesday 2nd June 2020, saw organisations and individuals across the world stand in solidarity in #BlackOutTuesday. Dance Stables is an extremely strong supporter of equal rights and the #BlackLivesMatter movement. We took the day to read, to watch, to listen and to open discussions with our friends and families in relation to race and our experiences of Black Culture.
We thank you for joining us on this day. We wanted to offer you some starting points for open discussions you may have with your children, and to highlight some inspirational work and artists that deserve to be celebrated for their contributions in their field. So much in dance comes from and is influenced by Black Culture. At Dance Stables, we aim to celebrate the diversity of dance and our valued families, schools and organisations.
Dance Stables : Mission Statement
Dance Stables provides an open, secure platform for children and adults to explore their creativity, build confidence and share their love for dance and the arts. We promote positive well being, celebrate cultural diversity and identity, and aim to educate and inspire the future of dance in the UK and beyond.
“Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances” -
Maya Angelou
At Dance Stables we;
Inspire Creativity and Artistry
Celebrate Cultural Diversity
Promote Positive Well Being and Arts Therapeutic Qualities
Educate individuals on the past, present and future of Dance
See below a list of books and other resources that we’ve personally picked out for our Dance Stables Families. This list is by no means exclusive and there are endless amounts of literature, art, dance and information available at our very fingers tips. We would love to hear your thoughts and for you to pass on any resources that you have that opens up these conversations and you have found helpful.
James Baldwin famously said, “it was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive” We think these books are a great place to begin.
Books for you.
(See document attached at the end of the blog for more reading)
Books for your children.
Inspirational Dance Artists.
Misty Copeland
In 2015, Misty Copeland became the first Black female principal at American Ballet Theatre, in the companies 75 year history. We are inspired by her passion, elegance and determination. Misty found her voice in Ballet, despite facing many challenges in regards to her race and body type, and in doing so has opened the way for many more aspiring young dancers to follow in her footsteps.
Her story is told in “A Ballerinas Tale”, which is now available on Netflix.
Carlos Acosta
Carlos Acosta is a Cuban dancer, who had a hugely successful career dancing with companies including the English National Ballet, National Ballet of Cuba and American Ballet Theatre. Carlos noted in an interview about his career “Nobody who look alike me has ever played the roles I danced”, and his success has inspired and opened doors from many black male dancers. He is such an inspiration.
The story of his life is the inspiration for “Yuli - The Carlos Acosta Story”
Alvin Ailey
“You didn’t need to have known (him) personally to have been touched by his humanity, enthusiasm and exuberance and his courageous stand for multiracial brotherhood”
Alvin Ailey grew up in the segregated South of America and was a pioneer of Black dance. He created his company Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre to present his vision of honouring Black culture through dance, and it and his dance school, The Ailey School, is still one of the worlds most renowned institutions of dance.
One of our DS Director’s favourite dance pieces is “Revelations” by Alvin Ailey, which she has been luckily enough to see live on two occasions. Here’s a clip. https://youtu.be/tNqaixKbrjs
Alleyne Dance
Friends and supporters of Dance Stables, Alleyne Dance are an incredible duo, twin sisters Kristina and Sadé Alleyne. Founded in 2014, and currently storming the Contemporary Dance world, their distinct work highlights their diverse backgrounds of athleticism and dance training. Their sheer power and elegance is hard to be matched, and can be seen in their high quality dance choreographies and teaching around the world. If you are lucky enough to ever find yourself in a class with these talented women, savour every minute - you are in for some hard work and an abundance of generosity from both Kristina and Sadé.
Here’s a clip of their double bill “A Nights Game” and “The Other Side of Me”
https://youtu.be/4d8QifFOQV0
Follow them on Instagram - www.instagram.com/alleynedance
Try out their new workout program, which has been launched this year - www.instagram.com/alleynesisters
Cree Barnett Williams
Another friend and supporter of Dance Stables, Cree Barnett Williams is the talent and brains behind "Elefantin" - a company which uses Dance-Theatre-Satire to explore human hopes and social issues. Our DS kids were lucky enough to see her latest production this year at its London Premiere, as part of "Resolution 2020" at The Place, as well as participate in an exciting workshop with Cree. Her work is authentic, thought-provoking and beautifully highlights issues/themes that are so relevant today.
Follow Cree's work on Instagram - www.instagram.com/_elefantin
To watch with your children.
“Hair Love”
We LOVE this short film and we think you will too!
Podcasts to listen to
“Have you heard George’s Podcast”
https://www.georgethepoet.com
Join us in discussion
We are super excited to announce that we will be having our first DS Online Assembly on Wednesday 10th June 2020 @ 3.30pm, for children and their parents.
Please join us on Zoom to share our experiences, hear your children’s views and celebrate through Dance that #BlackLivesMatter. This talk will be led by Dance Stables Director, Cara Louise Horsley and Dance Stables Manager, Despina Triantou. We can’t wait to see you there. Email us at DS.team@dancestables.co.uk to be sent the online meeting link.
Follow us on Instagram and tag us in your posts inspired by the above resources
“The time is always right, to do the right thing” - Martin Luther King Jr.
Sending our Dance Stables Love ❤️.
Further reading for adults - see below list.
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