In January 2023, IRIE! were delighted to welcome Sini from Finland to engage with a short 3- month stay with the company, she engaged with classes on the BA Course, including making a contribution to the Year 2 Site Specific Project, where she helped with the group direction and filmed her solo choreography as part of the performance. Sini also took part in volunteer activities for the ‘Pioneers and Places’ Project when the Company recreated Reggae ina Ya Jeggae’. From start to finish Sini was a joy to work with and we look forward to her next visit! Here she shares her thoughts on her time with IRIE!
Going to IRIE was one of the best decision I have made in my life. I never thought I would be able to learn so much in such a short time as three months. The experience I gained is unforgettable - I learnt different styles, techniques and choreographic methods. IRIE made me grow as an artist.
I have always had a big interest towards Caribbean and African dances: the culture within the dance fascinates me. Being able to embrace the culture fully throughout the dance is something beautiful. I also enjoyed how the teachers combined the traditional dances with other dance forms eg. Caribbean dance and contemporary dance together. Personally, it made my jump into the deep end easier, and it helped me to understand the original form better.
What is next? I am looking forward to returning to IRIE asap! Meanwhile, I will keep on practicing dance and most likely will create something artistic in Finland with my dance colleagues. Yet, if you are interested in seeing something of mine don’t miss ‘ House of IRIE! the Site Specific Project at the Moonshot Centre on the 12th of May, where you will be able to see a film of my solo piece.