My MA Experience by Denzil Barnes

I decided to take on the MA at IRIE! because I wanted to carve out the time to look at my own practice in a way that allows me to magnify its uniqueness. It has been a space where I can explore the creation of my own form while looking at other avenues in a broader educational context. Right now, I am building a new appreciation for tracing, embodying, translating, cultivating, and producing waves of unseen narratives from a single moment. By using tried and tested practices, processes, and methodologies, I hope to continue to develop and share my work with new audiences and build sustained links for my future prospects. 

My background is quite varied, covering fusion-based movement blending, physical theatre, contemporary, West African and Caribbean dance forms, ballet, street dance, and hip-hop. This course has allowed me to explore my practice in ways I had not considered before, and I am very excited about the unknown journey ahead. When I think about why I chose IRIE! specifically, it seemed like the most suitable place to have an impactful experience. Knowing that the foundation to many avenues starts here and having felt the progress in my own personal and professional development, I feel very proud to have transitioned through this space.  

You might start studying here and then realize there is a wealth of experience that can be applied to all aspects of life as a creative and beyond. There is really no place that does it better; it is a place where you can immerse yourself in various diasporic art forms guided by specialists who are walking encyclopaedias helping you to embody all forms. 

I admire so many things about IRIE! that I could literally write an essay on them if I had the time. What I truly admire is how they stay true to their vision and what they represent from the very beginning to this day, with an uncompromising belief in true cultural representation and understanding. The consistent support of IRIE! has formed the creative I am today and I admire their longevity through a somewhat unbalanced system that is not as progressive as one would like.  

Knowing that IRIE! is one of the remaining Caribbean and African dance theatre companies with links that feed all communities makes it a necessity for those of a diasporic heritage. The work and productions speak volumes and are years ahead of temporary trending fads. It is a place where you can lay your roots and have a firm foundation to achieve anything you set your mind to. It needs to be protected and become an institutional staple, not just for Lewisham, but as a main hub for England. It is a place, a company, a feeling, and an identity that signifies changes in mind, body, and spirit. The quality of storytelling, artist development, workshops, and teaching needs to be honored; forty years of significance speaks volumes. 

My relationship with IRIE! goes back about twenty years. Before starting this MA, I was a visiting artist, choreographic practitioner, and specialist. I have served as a lead tutor and creative specialist for schools, colleges, and professional development, and I have been a visiting lecturer and former performer with the dance theatre. I’ve contributed to re-generations conferences through performances and by speaking on panels regarding dance on film. More recently, I was part of the creative team of choreographers on IRIE!’s most recent production Keha Seebii, which was an experience to behold. 

Through this MA, I am looking forward to understanding my practice in a way that allows me to articulate every aspect of its methodology. It is exciting to research the unknown and ask questions I may not have considered before. So far, I have been able to drill down on my practice to refine my craft and enhance my processes. I hope to be exposed to different forums and avenues to present my work, allowing for natural growth into untested areas. This will push me to become something far from where I first started, and I am happy to move forward with whatever changes may come. I feel that my plans will truly grow once I start my six-week research project; that might be the permission I have been waiting for to let loose and enjoy.