IRIE! dance theatre are pleased to announce that following many months of negotiations, the BA(Hons) Diverse Dance Styles will now be validated by Goldsmiths, University of London from September 2023. The course is the first of its kind to present African, Caribbean, Contemporary and Hip-Hop Styles equally, with a mission to nurture the next generation of diverse dancers. At this point of change we would like to formally thank the Dance Department at the University of Roehampton for their generous and continuous support, in particular Erica Stanton who has always championed our cause! We valued their advice and enjoyed many sharing's of work and joint workshops (2018-2023)
IRIE! are excited to be partnering with Goldsmiths as the university has a history of activism, innovative courses and positive engagement, reflecting the issues of the local community and the Borough of Lewisham as a whole. Rosie Lehan, Director of Accredited Training for IRIE! dance theatre says “We believe that the partnership with Goldsmiths will enable IRIE! to continue to work on the promotion and visibility of African and Caribbean dance and culture within HE, thus providing a broader local, national, and international platform for the work. Beverley Glean MBE, Founder and Artistic Director of IRIE! dance theatre says that ‘this partnership has come at an important transitional point in the growth of the organisation. It will provide more opportunities and a solid platform for the practice of African and Caribbean dance and culture, including discourse, engagement and greater understanding’.
The Future
IRIE! are also working in partnership with Goldsmiths for the delivery of a new MA in Diasporic Dance Styles, scheduled to welcome the first cohort in September 2024. The company will deliver a series of advice sessions and workshops to introduce the course and application process from September 2023.
The new partnership with Goldsmiths is part of a period of change for IRIE! as the company became an NPO client of the Arts Council in April 2023. Watch this space for details of the new IRIE! dance theatre company tour in 2024.
Open Day
Applications for the BA( Hons) Diverse Dance Styles, starting in September 2023 are still open and we would like to invite all interested students to attend an Open Day on Thursday June 15 at 1pm. The afternoon will consist of classes in diverse dance styles with the opportunity to view student work and discuss the course with current students and staff. We hope you will join us on the 15 June and spread the word for any interested students.
For further information and to register for the open day please email: ba@iriedancetheatre.org