
CLASSICALLY BRITISH & CO
Lilian Baylis Studio, SADLERS WELLS
Thursday 23rd October 2024
Mark Elie, CEO & Artistic Director, Mark Elie Dance Foundation commented, “I established Classically British & Co to produce an annual event showcasing some of the very best emerging dance talent from across the Black/mixed ethnic community, supporting diversity and equality across the classical ballet and contemporary dance sector in the UK.”
Elie continued, “Progress has been made in recent years and the dance landscape is now changing here in the UK with more and more companies working with people of colour. However, there is still a lot more work to be done. I’m proud of the role Classically British & Co has played over the last two decades – and continues to do so – in contributing to educating and inspiring current and future generations.
In addition, classical music composer Joy Sigaud will debut her first composition for a ballet commissioned by Classically British & Co. Sigaud’s composition, entitled ‘Resonance & Resilience’ is inspired by the journey of the Windrush generation and their descendants. The movement will be choreographed and performed by students and alumni of the prestigious Rambert School of Ballet & Contemporary Dance, thanks to the collaboration and cooperation of its Principal and Artistic Director, Amanda Britton MA.
Meanwhile, Vincent Osbourne, Artistic Director of the Black British Classical Foundation, will orchestrate an opera performance with dancer Oraine Frater.”
Review by Richard Lambert, 3 Stars
The Mark Elie foundation’s annual event is 21 years old! A huge testament to the tenacity of its founder, a former dancer who “broke the mould” and with grit and determination championed ballet for black and mixed ethnic youngsters. Establishing the Portobello Dance School at The Tabernacle, Powis Square, W11 2AY, Mark is a firm believer that dance must be within the community.
The showcase could have benefitted from better lighting design and costumes – saggy socks do not best show off dancers’ feet, and there were way too many congratulatory speeches for an event billed as a “showcase”.
However, having said that, the dancing crossed many style genres, a good selection of choices made – from classical, pointe work, hip hop, youth, and the dancing sections of the evening were rather exciting and made the evening!
A trio of opera, violin and male dancer (Oraine Frater) from the Black British Classical Foundation was delightful and exquisite.
Full credit to the dancers who performed and gave us a wonderful evening, presented as part of Black History Month.
Highlight of the showcase was the duo Owen Kitney-Foster and Crispin Maccatrozza who mirrored and partnered. They are both students at the Rambert School and undoubtedly will be seen again!
Photo credit: Elliott Franks
Further information
Choreographers confirmed include:
-
Namron OBE
-
Amari Webb Martin
-
Dakota Rodgers
-
Amanda Webb Martin
Dancers confirmed include:
-
Crispin Maccatrozza
-
Owen Kitney-Foster
-
Rosie Lindsey
-
Isabella Chandler
-
Oraine Frater
-
Amari Webb Martin
-
Maya Inniss
-
Roshaan Asare
-
Leo Wallen
-
Sabina Kuku
-
Tre’von Gibson
-
Gabriella de Souza Jacquet
-
IMPACT Dance
About Classically British & The Mark Elie Dance Foundation:
Classically British & Co is an event organised and run by The Mark Elie Dance Foundation, a non-profit charity based in London, dedicated to helping children of all ages within ethnically diverse communities to be inspired by the mesmerizing and creative healing power of dance. Many have gone on to have stellar careers within this highly competitive sector. www.classicallybritishandco.com
About Mark Elie
Mark Elie is the Artistic Director, CEO, lifetime Achievement Award Winner & Author and founder of the Mark Elie Dance Foundation and the Portobello Dance & Performing Arts School. He is also one of the UK’s most successful classically trained professional dancers. Mark was born in the UK of Dominican W.I. and Scottish descents and raised in a Westminster children’s home in London. Mark went on to graduate from the Rambert School, Mercury Theatre in 1979 and has enjoyed a stellar career, working with some of the world’s leading ballet and contemporary dance companies including the Ballet Gulbenkian School Lisbon and the legendary Dance Theatre of Harlem school, New York. He has worked with many acclaimed and much-loved dancers and choreographers such as Arlene Phillips from Hot Gossip and numerous smash hit West End Shows.
Useful Links / Reference:
- Classically British & Co 2022 Event Highlights Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoDM6d5E_HU