FUN IN THE PARK
The event involves workshops in music, dance, costume-making and face painting, culminating in a prade around Fordham park. Other facilities include a bouncy-castle, a Power Pedal and park games such as, Soft-ball and Frisbee.
CONNECTING VIBES
HISTORY
Created in response to an invitation to perform at the National Dance Festival of Grenada in 2000 the company rehearse at City and Islington College and work in partnership with IRIE! dance theatre. Going from strength to strength the Company became a Registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee in 2003. Funding has been received from the European Social Fund, Arts Council, Awards for All, Islington Community Chest, The Foyle Foundation, Batty Charitable Trust, Mercers Charitable Foundation and the Clore Duffield Foundation. The Company is directed by Beverley Glean, the Artistic Director of IRIE! dance theatre and Rosie Lehan Dance Lecturer at City and Islington College/freelance practitioner.
Connectingvibes is a Company for young artists at the beginning of their career. Members gain the experience of working in a touring dance company with professional artists for support as mentors. Dancers, performers, singers, musicians, designers and technicians have been part of 7 National Tours working in Arts Centres, Schools, Colleges and Theatres.
The Company strives to create innovative pieces based on a fusion of African, Caribbean and Contemporary techniques. The work may be infused with film techniques and feature live or recorded sound scores. Students studying Theatre Design from the Foundation Course at Wimbledon College of Art have creatively designed and made costumes for several seasons.
EXAMPLES OF PAST PROJECTS
One Blood, 2006 a collaboration with the composer Rachel Bennett and Weekend Arts College, combining singers and dancers, One Blood explored issues of identity, particularly appealing for youth audiences.
A Very Brave Heart 2007/08 explored the many ways in which the heart impacts on our emotional state from running a marathon to falling in love.
DESTINATIONS
Past members have gone onto study at Laban, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Middlesex, DeMontfort, and Roehampton University as well as gaining employment with IRIE! dance theatre, Adzido Pan African Dance Ensemble, Green Candle Dance Company, Kompany Malaki, and a range of community and freelance projects including work with Choreographer Sian Williams from The Kosh.
Denzil Barnes returned to the Company from University in 2003 to work as an associate choreographer. Nasae Evanson in collaboration with two other graduates from Middlesex University formed C-12 in 2005.
ASSOCIATED WORK
RAW SKILLS
Based at City and Islington College and supported by Creative Partnerships London East and South from 2003-2008, this Company for young men aged 14-19 works alongside Connectingvibes and provides opportunities for young men to gain dance experience before auditioning for Connectingvibes.
MEMBERSHIP/AUDITIONS
Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays 6.30-9pm and Saturdays 10-2pm. These will be supplemented by intensive rehearsal weeks during the half term and Easter Holidays.
Members are invited to stay with the company for a maximum of 2 years and a minimum of 1 year. Those who are not ready to become a full member of the Company are invited to take part in Company Class run on Saturdays 10-11.15am.
Auditions for the next 2009 season will be held in October 2008- watch this space for details.
Website:www.connectingvibes.com