VIGOUR – An entertaining, infectious evening of Dance.
Keneish Dance uses physicality and form to question the ways in which we communicate with one another. The fiery female cast explore personal, cultural and social experiences, helping us make sense of the world that we live in.
Mission Statement
Keneish Dance is a fresh, innovative performance and Education company who use Contemporary and African Contemporary Dance forms to share and encourage appreciation of African Contemporary Art. Utilising the body as a vehicle for self expression, Keneish Dance strives to produce strong, distinct movement translating everyday life experiences. Creating work both independently and with other artists and art forms, the company aims to deliver powerful visual impact to the audience.
VIDEOS
rep 1 & 2: http://vimeo.com/32207936
rep 3: http://vimeo.com/32210076
photography rep 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vEVhG86Aek
Video Edit: Irven Lewis Photography: Paul Clifford & Cathy Hassan
~ Repertoire ~
1. I said, you said, we said
A playful study of human interaction. This piece investigates the subconscious body language individuals use to provoke a response. All three dancers have a different language but maintain a common ground. Running time: 15 minutes
2. All Seeing
Inspired by a stunning Shona sculpture by Zimbabwean artist Albert Manvura and displayed at The Horniman Museum. A watchful owl becomes a powerful weapon for defense against enemies and negative spirits – the dancers take you on a personal journey exploring the emotions held in the sculpture’s features. Running time: 17 minutes
3. It’s like a thorn in my side
Created in collaboration with sculptural artist Heidi Luker, inspired by personal experiences of femininity and fertility this piece draws on the intrinsic world of extreme emotions from suppressed anxiety to freedom and contentment. Running time: 30 minutes
A small exerpt performed by a local school or community group as a curtain raiser / interval to the triple bill. For West Midlands based venues we are currently working with 13 – 21 year olds from the area that are interested in working within the dance or arts industry. If you are interested in these young people performing then please let us know when you get in touch.
“Sweet with an infectious physicality” Resolution Review, The Place
“One of my stand out performances at Decibel” Diversity team member, Arts Council England
“This West Midlands born talent is the one to watch” West Midlands Dance
“The peice was amazing! Engaging from beginning to end”Audience member
“Commendable Choreography” Resolution Review, The Place
Marketing and Audience Development:
We want as many new faces to see and have access to our work as possible and we will work closely with your education and marketing departments to make this happen. As well as providing print to display at your venue, we will also tailor our own marketing campaign to ensure that we reach all potential audiences. Please contact marketing@keneishdance.com to discuss a marketing plan tailored to your venue.
~ Choreographer’s Biography ~
Keisha began dance classes aged three at The Maureen Smith School of Dance. Throughout her years there she was entered into many competitions held throughout the West Midlands. She won gold awards on countless occasions and was acclaimed as most promising dancer at least five times.
Keisha’s first experience on a professional stage was at the age of 16 when she starred in the musical Mac and Mabel at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. After completing A Levels, Keisha was awarded a scholarship in Dance and Drama at the prestigious Laban Centre in London. She then successfully completed a BA (Hons) double degree in Dance Studies & Fine Art at Roehampton University.
Keisha has toured internationally and nationally with companies including ACE Dance and Music, Tavaziva Dance, Movement Angol and State of Emergency. Dancing in a number of diverse productions choreographed by the likes of Vincent Mantsoe (South Africa), Akiko Kitamura (Japan), Bawren Tavaziva (Zimbabwe/UK), Gregory Maqoma (South Africa), Koffi Kokko (Benin) and Gail Parmel (UK). She has performed at concerts, theatres and festivals held throughout Europe and Africa. Upon graduation in 2007 Keisha worked in Zimbabwe for 3 months with Tumbuka Dance Company and Mathius Julius (ex Tumbuka Dance). Whilst there she visited many townships as well as performing in a two day run of Harares’ biggest Gospel Concert.
Keisha’s first professional choreography was a piece named Heavenly, inspired by the soundtrack of Lady Smith Black Mambazo for BACYA (Birmingham African Caribbean Young achievers awards) and performed at Birmingham Conservatoire in 2007.
Keneish Dance has been awarded three Grants for the Arts from Arts Council Englands Lottery Fund to support the production of three pieces part commissioned by DanceXchange (based at the Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham), Creative Leap; The Drum Theatre, Sampad Performing Arts, Birmingham City Council Partnership and T.Mobile Big Dance (through Southwark Council). The works have been performed at high profile venues including Stratford Circus, Sadler Wells – Lilian Bayliss, The Place, Greenwich Dance Agency – Borough Hall and The REP Theatre, Birmingham.
Keisha has delivered extensive education projects for countless schools and community organisations on behalf of Maximum Dance Design, ACE Dance and Music, State Of Emergency, Southwark Council, Solihull Council, MBK Dance and Artise; the pioneering company for creative learning. Credits include Roehampton and Wolverhampton and Plymouth Universities, The Brit School and Central School of Ballet as well as countless primary and secondary schools throughout the UK.
Contact Jenna Blair – Marketing and Development: E: marketing@keneishdance.com M: 07812596609
With thanks to: DanceXChange, Creative Leap; The Drum, Sampad, Ulpha Arts & Birmingham City Council.
