Hear from dance captains Sophie and Vivian.
Close to Home: The Mass Dance sees hundreds of dancers of all ages weave together real-life stories of migration, community, activism, history and the people of Lewisham through movement and music. At the heart of this storytelling are the dance captains bringing this all to life.
We spoke to two dance captains, Sophie and Vivian who have both been dancing since they were children and shared their experience of working on Mass Dance with us.
How did you get involved with Mass Dance?
Sophie: I saw a callout and as soon as I saw it, I felt instantly connected and drawn to the project. Bringing people together into spaces where they can express themselves through movement is important to me and I feel this project does this well.
Vivian: I saw a call out from the Albany and Alleyne Dance, and I was really excited to apply, and I am so happy to be a Dance Captain in it!
What has been your favourite moment during the project?
Sophie: Receiving feedback that participants have found the sessions valuable, empowering and it's made them want to dance more!
Vivian: Leading some of the creative tasks we offered where the participants got to make their own movement material based on the dance movement, we had taught them, or on stories of Lewisham. The moments of seeing people express have been so touching and I love seeing people's ideas and individualities embodied.
What is dance able to do that other art forms can't?
Sophie: Dance transcends language. It is innate, as old as time and fundamental to our expression.
Vivian: Each art form is so magical and unique. The aspect of dance that I love is how connected it is with the body together with the mind, it is so active, and it connects the elements of an athlete and an artist! It also brings people together and I have seen a real power in people connecting through dance.
Why should we come and see Mass Dance?
Sophie: It's an opportunity to move, connect and find joy with people from all walks of life.
Vivian: That is so much fun, they get the opportunity to connect, get a performance experience and dance with people from all ages and backgrounds! It is all about movement and we all move all the time, so come join us!
Mass Dance is a collaboration between Alleyne Dance, Dance Umbrella, IRIE! Dance and Trinity Laban and involves participants from Lewisham Mencap, Queens Walking Group, primary, secondary and university students dancing alongside professional dancers.
Taking place on 22 & 23 October 2022 at Sedgehill Academy, Bellingham Mass Dance promises to be a spectacular opportunity to visit Lewisham as London Borough of Culture 2022.
Mass Dance Rehearsals
