"Passing Through"

On 08 July 2010, the grounds of the historic St Paul's Church in Deptford will again be the 'venue' for a performance by the first year Dance Foundation Degree Students.   In addition, they will be joined by connectingvibes* who will perform part of their  current  repertory from the piece Leave Me A Message.

The Dance Foundation Degree Students first performed "Passing Through" at St Paul's in May and now they will be performing as part of T-Mobile's Big Dance festival that takes place from 03-11 July across the UK.

About St Paul's

St Paul's was built between 1712 and 1730.  It is one of London's finest Baroque parish churches.  It's designer, architect Thomas Archer surely never imagined that this church would be used in this manner.  However, it is the aim of the students that their performances, an inspiring fusion of African, Caribbean and contemporary dance accompanied by live drumming and percussion, will help to reflect the magnificence and splendour of this beautiful building.

Dance Foundation Degree

The Dance Foundation Degree program is the result of a partnership between IRIE! dance theatre, City & Islington College and London Metropolitan University.  It is the only course of its kind in the UK where African and Caribbean dance are given equal status alongside ballet and contemporary dance.  And it is designed to help students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to build a career path in areas on dance performance, education or community arts.  You can read more about this program by clicking the URL below:

Dance Foundation Degree Factsheet

"Passing Through" - a Site-Specific Performance

For this site-specific performance the Dance students are collaborating with students from the Foundation Degree in Fashion and Photography run jointly at City & Islington  College and London Metropolitan University.

The idea behind doing site-specific work is to emphasise that dance should be accessible to all and demonstrate that dance can be performed in a variety of settings and not just confined to the proscenium arch.

Last year, students did their site-specific performance at Moonshot Centre, IRIE! Dance theatre's base and one of the venues where the Dance Foundation Degree is actually taught.  St Paul's has presented fresh challenges but challenges that the dancers have thoroughly enjoyed and, judging from the reaction to the first performances, the audiences thoroughly enjoyed what the students working together with their tutors have created.

Your Invitation...

There are two (2) performances on 08 July 2010.  Both are open to the general public and FREE to attend – although donations will be gratefully accepted.  Simply reserve your place(s) by using the ticket booking system above.

We do hope that you can join us for what promises to be an entertaining and inspirational way to pass the time for an hour or so on a summer's afternoon or evening.

Photo Credits: Viesturs Gross, Saed Jodat, Michal Madera (main photo).