Dance in Leicester 2010
Friday 20th August
Phizzical and their performance of Anjali in Wonderland
by Adam Taylor
Phizzical is an up and coming dance and theatre production company and is the brainchild of Samir Bhamra and Leylah Rumi, two emerging directors based in Leicester.
Over the last six weeks they have held a dance workshop for young people aged between sixteen and twenty-five incorporating established international choreographers from Argentina, New Zealand, India and South Africa.
The aim was to help develop and eventually produce a taster of their own ongoing production, ‘Anjali in Wonderland’, which was previewed in front of a selected crowd at De Montfort University’s PACE building this last week.
The story of the production was loosely based around ‘Alice in Wonderland’, as well as many of the main characters being tied to those seen in other childrens fairytales. It began with a first glimpse of Anjali and her grandmother dancing a traditional Indian dance, when we are also introduced to the red and gold anklets that both women hold so dear.
It seems from the outset that these anklets are a prized asset to Anjali and she is overjoyed when her grandmother gives them to her. What happens next is an amazing journey through Wonderland where Anjali meets some strange characters, some loving ones and faces adversity in trying to hold onto her beloved anklets.
Her journey ends with an almighty clash against the evil queen Mabuse and her army of Bakwari. Along the way the many forms of dance are represented with clever choreography and a smart but clear storyline. Each dance is shown in it’s truest form as we carry on from the traditional Indian dance at the start, we explore the brash New Zealand ‘Haka’ with Mabuse’s army of creatures, are enticed by the sensual but fiery Argentine tango when Anjali meets the prince, made to laugh at the comical elements of the hip hop street dance on show and then spoilt with a wonderful rendition of authentic South African dance towards the end.
Though the piece was only roughly fifty minutes long and was presented on a somewhat limited floor space, it cannot be said just how well Phizzical and it’s cast of performers have done to create a quite magical theatrical experience. The story was easy to keep with but not so simplistic that you knew where you were going with it.
The costumes were a very good use of story telling also as we immediately knew who was good and who was bad in relation to the characters. The choreography itself was very pleasant on the eye and the fact that you could tell the performers were loving every minute of each dance really did make me smile.
It’s so good to see a performance full of verb, brightness and edge and it reflects the fact that it was obviously a well run six weeks of work. Amongst the crowd watching the performance were the Creative Programmer of the Cultural Olympiad, the Igniting Ambition team and the Regional Coordinator for the Children and Young People’s Legacy from the 2012 Games Leicester/Shire and Rutland Sport.
Phizzical hope to attract some form of investment from these companies in order to further their own productive forces for future productions. I for one hope that they do achieve the funding necessary to develop this piece further as in the short time I was able to see them perform I have to say it has great scope for growing into a brilliant piece of big stage work.
I can see them turning it into an amazing visual spectacular on a grander stage and do not think that it is a piece you will watch just the once. It really was great to see a fresh new production that incorporated so many different styles and techniques and I wish Phizzical and it’s band of merry dancers and choreographers the best of luck for the future.
Oxfam dance event
Oxfam in the Midlands are holding a dance and movement event in Leicester on Monday 20 September
This is to to raise awareness of improving the health of expectant mothers around the world. We would love to get an African dance or music group to be involved. All activities would be in a public space to interact with the public.
The event in Leicester is one of several taking place in the country on the same day. These events organised by Oxfam is for our campaign called 'Mums Matter'.
We are doing this to highlight how many women are dying, around the world in childbirth because of poor healthcare, poverty and lack of facilities. Around the world every day, at least 1,000 women die due to pregnancy or giving birth. It is especially risky in areas such as India and Sub-saharan Africa. If you would like further information you can contact me by email (gsidhu@oxfam.org.uk)
or by phone. My mobile number is 07786 660 378. Gurvinder Sidu.
Indian Classical Dance
Find out about classical dancing from India through the Centre for Indian Classical Dance.
Leicester’s Best Dance Crew!
by Sarah Jane Healey
Twelve of Leicester’s finest dance crews will battle it out to win the 2010 trophy and £500 cash prize. With a record number of registrations, this promises to be an unmissable event! There will also be a surprise guest artist performing on the night and a £50 prize for the best dancer from the audience. The event kicks off at 8pm, Saturday 20th February 2010 (Doors open 7.30pm), The Peepul Centre, Orchardson Ave, Leicester. Advance tickets £8/ £5 (under 14’s) available from: 2Funky: 0116 299 0700/ www.2funkytickets.co.uk or The Peepul Centre: 0116 261 6000. More tickets may be available on the door, but they’re going fast, so booking in advance is advisable.
Dance to Do in Leicester
Belly Dance in Leicester
Andrea's Oriental Dance
46 - 48 Church Gate
Leicester,
LE1 3AN
Tel: 07704 334 121
A B C Ballroom
75 Humberstone Gate
Leicester,
LE1 1WB
Tel: 0116 253 0463
African Caribbean Centre
Maidstone Road
Leicester
LE2 0UA
Monday nights, 8-9pm for beginners, 9-10pm intermediate
Firebug,
Millstone Lane,
Leicester
Bharat Natyam/ Salsa/ Hip-Hop dance, Tap and Modern and Bollywood dance classes
All provided by Nupur Arts UK at
Peepul Centre
Orchadson Avenue
Leicester
Dance to See in Leicester
Matthew Bourne’s Dorian Gray, Curve Sept 15th-19th
Bourne’s first new creation in three years is coming to Curve and a chance to see the choreography of arguably the most successful choreographer/director from the U.K. should not be missed.
When Bourne and his company took ‘Dorian Gray’ to the Edinburgh festival, it was the highest attended dance event in the history of the festival and the premiere season was a sell-out success.
Oscar Wilde’s dark fable about an alluring young man who makes a pact with the devil has been re-told by Bourne and set in an image obsessed world of contemporary arts in modern day London.
Like most of Bourne’s work, the sexuality of the piece is overt and perhaps overdone, which is why it is only suitable for over 14’s, but you can guarantee that it will be an entertaining show and Lez Brotherson’s set design will be genius, as always.
For more information about the piece
Tango Fire, De Montfort Hall Sept 30th
Direct from Buenos Aires comes dance show Tango Fire.
It has been a sell-out hit in the UK and a worldwide phenomenon, this sizzling show features 10 dancers accompanied by Quatrotango, a quartet of musicians and a singer.
For more information about the piece
www.tango-fire.com
