NO. 6 SPRING 2022
BLACK WOMEN IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
| p. 6
DANCE PERFORMANCE AS A TOOL | p. 10
A SEAT AT THE TABLE
| p. 14
Cover Photo Credit: Ballet Hispánico in Con Brazos Abiertos. Photographs by Paula Lobo
Editor-in-chief
Pawlet Brookes
Research
Amy Grain, Heather Saunders
Vanguard c/o Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage 21 Bowling Green Leicester LE1 6AS CL00.14, Clephan Building De Montfort University The Gateway Leicester LE1 9BH
+44(0)116 482 1394 info@serendipity-uk.com
WWW.SERENDIPITY-UK.COM
CONTENTS 5
Editors Welcome Pawlet Brookes
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Black Women in the Creative Industries from my and B.O.O.K's (Building.Our.Own.Knowledge) perspective Melissandre Varin
10
Dance Performance as a Tool to Unearth the Colonial Past in the Present Farida Nabibaks
13
Serendipity Welcomes Pauline Black OBE
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A Seat At The Table Chandenie Gobardhan
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A Tribute to: Leonora Stapleton
19
A Tribute to: Jackie Guy
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News, Events and Festivals
Ballet Hispánico’s Dandara Veiga in Batucada Fantástica. Photography by Rachel Neville
EDITOR'S WELCOME Pawlet Brookes This edition of Vanguard is one of reflection but also one of galvanisation. It is a recognisation of legacy and of the journey still to be travelled. With this is mind Issue six offers a series of thoughtful articles that champion the need for community, the need to build resource centers, the need for restitution, reparation and recognition of how colonial pasts have shaped our contemporary landscapes. Melissandre Varin details the work of B.O.O.K, a collective based in the West Midlands that seeks to re-think and re-make knowledge and culture on our own terms. Farida Nabibaks unpacks the colonial history of the Netherlands and the use of dance bring hidden stories and histories to life. We also give voice to emerging artist Chandenie Gobardhan who details her experiences as an artist for Northern Connections. We look forward to forthcoming events for 2022 and the opportunity to reconnect in person.
Image Credit: Pawlet Brookes. Photographer The Unloved
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B.O.O.K Building.Our.Own.Knowledge Melissandre Varin Black women and genderqueer beings have been systematically under-privileged or constrained to perform within de-limited roles within the creative industry. This is part of the ruins on which we are growing B.O.O.K. Building. Our. Own. Knowledge (B.O.O.K) is a co-created cloud for interrogating, finding, making, and sharing experiences and knowledge emanating from Black artists in particular. The communal project is an invitation to re-think and re-make knowledge and culture on our own terms. B.O.O.K (r)evolves through radical sharing, caring, and disrupting by using and developing non-extractive collective mechanisms for reinventing the everyday as a political space for collective healing and liberation. The soft infrastructure of B.O.O.K is supported by a self-organised working group composed of 9 Black artists, writers, researchers, facilitators and curators including: Antonio Roberts Mojere Ajayi-Egunjobi Jae Tallawah Samiir Saunders Sym Mendez Last Mafuba Hannah Adereti Ayesha Jones and myself - Melissandre Varin
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We are running artist residencies; commissioning West-Midlands-based Black artists; making B.O.O.K podcast inviting Black artworkers and authors to share their knowledge; holding space for B.O.O.K club to collectively reading, bouncing ideas, and dreaming inspired by Black authored texts for children and grown-ups; we are also preparing the ground for curatorial interventions in Birmingham, supporting Black filmmakers - ultimately attempting to build loving environments. B.O.O.K aims at facilitating access to, creation, and sharing of knowledge by any means necessary. We try and test ways not only to bear witness to local Black artists, but to actively acknowledge, celebrate and honour their existences and artistry. I could not mention my love and admiration for beings such as: Amahra Spence who started MAIA group, Yard Art House, this is Abuelos, and Black Land and spatial Justice project in Birmingham; educator, researcher, curator Sylvia Theuri, and visual arts producer, and founder of BLOCK radio Cara Pickering in Coventry creating the magic and solid ground for projects such as B.O.O.K and beings such as mine to find their footing. Thinking about locally based Black women in the creative industry I thought about sharing about Loraine Masiya Mponela. Loraine Masiya Mponela, a Black, mother, poet, sanctuary seeker (activist), current chairperson of Coventry Asylum and Refugee Action Group (CARAG), used to be a beloved housemate of mine at Coventry Peace House – among other things. I have been nourished by this friendship and its emphasis on the importance of practicing communion as an artworker. 7
Last Winter 2021 Loraine shared with me a recording of one of her talks. I compiled a meditative performative writing to ‘repost’ her work. In Spring 2021, Loraine shared her knowledge during a soon to be released audio conversation on: ‘revolution: a space where I feel safe and loved’ with invited artists Roo Dhissou, and Ryan Christopher. I later invited Loraine to make an installation and perform at Arcadia Gallery in Coventry as part of a group show I curated under the name: multiplicity of us. It has then been a pleasure to find another way to support Loraine’s artistry with an artist residency at B.O.O.K. As B.O.O.K artist-curator, I asked Loraine while inviting her to do a B.O.O.K residency: What does it mean to do nothing while being Black?
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B.O.O.K residencies are windows to revisit past work (ideas, projects, dreams…) by all means. B.O.O.K operates within cracks where we identify fictitious gaps of support, we inject abundance. B.O.O.K offers to its beloved residents a £1000, mentorship sessions by a Black-led arts organisation from the region, and an unlimited access to linoleum dreams. Linoleum dreams is a caravan we converted into a healing (art, library, rest) station. We support Black artists from the region by allowing them to breathe in and out for a moment. We do so and do it - well because we are a bunch of Black queer, gender fluid, women, and men who listen, observe, contribute, and attempt to transform lived experiences.
MOVING LINES: FIFTY REASONS TO DANCE Following from the offerings in Creating Socially Engaged Art: Can Dance Change The World? (2021), this figurative publication by Patricia Vester transcends lines by questioning and challenging how dance connects us through the intergenerational encounters that have shaped us. AVAILABLE FROM 29 APRIL 2022 £10 LIMITED EDITION Pre order online
DANCE PERFORMANCE AS A TOOL TO UNEARTH THE COLONIAL PAST IN THE PRESENT Farida Nabibaks The work of Dutch artist, performer, and
Since 2020 Nabibaks has been
philosopher Farida Nabibaks is shaped
creating Radiant Shadow, a triptych of
by the principle that the integration of
dance-theatre productions. These
embodied knowledge in debating our
contain personalised stories and
shared history is necessary to represent
historical traces from the realm of
the whole of the past in our present,
workers and caretakers who were
embodied experience.
made invisible and whose existence has consequently been erased.
Nabibaks was born in Suriname, a
Radiant Shadow can move audiences
former colony of the Netherlands in
as the hidden stories creep out of the
South America and part of the
shadows to present themselves
Caribbean. For over twenty years she
through the bodies of the performers.
has lived in the Province of Gelderland
They unveil the ‘other side’ of colonial
in the Netherlands. Nabibaks is the
wealth and riches in the eighteenth and
founder and artistic director of
nineteenth centuries as testimonies of
Reframing HERstory Art Foundation,
an underrepresented part of this
which centres on using dance
shared history, the dark side of Dutch
performances to delve into the colonial
prosperity.
history of the region and its current reverberations.
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Image credit: Farida Nabibaks performing during the InScience Festival, Photographer: Almichael Fraay.
To date, two Radiant Shadow
As an extension of this artistic practice,
performances have premiered. The
Nabibaks is working with Radboud
first, Margaretha, revolves around the
University’s Radboud Institute of
household of a castle in the eighteenth
Culture and Heritage (RICH) on the
century, where a portrait of a white
government funded research project
countess dominates the hall. On closer
Feeling the Traces of the Colonial
inspection her Black servant emerges
Past, led by professor Liedeke Plate.
from the shadow to offer her fruit while
The aim of this project is to understand
a trustworthy dog sits at her feet. What
how dance can be used to mobilise
is their story? What is daily life like in
feelings and emotions for a more
their world? The second performance,
capacious understanding of the Dutch
Anna, is about a Black enslaved girl in
colonial and slavery past. Traces of the
the eighteen century who chaperoned
colonial past pervade contemporary life
her master’s two daughters, who are
and affect people physically and
almost her own age, from their
mentally, in various and often
plantation in Suriname to Arnhem in
unacknowledged and unrecognised
the Netherlands. She remained there
ways.
her whole life, in obscurity. Through the dance performance the space of these en-shadowed ancestors is reclaimed.
Image credit: Foto ANNA = PR picture for Radiant Shadow performance 2, Anna. Photographer: Ton van de Born
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The research asks how dance performance and participation can elicit sensory responses to, and emotions about, our colonial legacy. Personal experiences and emotions, addressing themes ranging from the modernity/coloniality nexus to Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome are investigated. Through these approaches, Feeling the Traces will develop a methodology for integrating embodied knowledge about the colonial and slavery past in current public debate on
To read more about the research project please visit the Radbound University website
the subject.
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Image credit: Tableau Radiant Shadow = picture of the cast of Radiant Shadow 1, Margaretha: Farida Nabibaks, Rohiet Tjon, Yara van Fraeijenhove, Jits Agema, Tiemo Wang, David Mackor. Photographer: Danielle Corbijn
PAULINE BLACK OBE
Serendipity is thrilled to welcome Pauline Black OBE into the fold as our newest Patron. Pauline Black is a singer and actress who gained fame as the lead singer of seminal 2tone band The Selecter. Black developed an acting career in television and theatre, appearing in dramas such as The Vice, The Bill, Hearts and Minds and 2000 Acres of Sky. She won the 1991 Time Out award for Best Actress, for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the play All or Nothing At All. Since 2010, she has toured internationally with The Selecter. Her memoir Black By Design was published by Serpent’s Tail in late summer 2011.
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A SEAT AT THE TABLE Chandenie Gobardhan
Chandenie Gobardhan is a 24-year-old Dutch dance artist and choreographer based in the UK. Her training and movement vocabulary has been enriched by many techniques including Bharatanatyam, Hip Hop, Locking and contemporary dance. She completed her BA at Fontys University of Fine and Performing Arts before moving to the UK to study MA Contemporary Dance Performance (VERVE) at Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Since graduating from NSCD, she has been working with several dance companies and choreographers throughout the UK. On the 11 of March 2022, Chandenie premiered her new work CREATOR at Riley Theatre, Leeds, as part of the Northern Connections 2022 programme. This premiere was the result of a choreographic residency at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.
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Image credit: Chandenie Gobardhan. Photographer: David Lindsay
As someone that is passionate about fighting for new narratives and storytellers in the contemporary dance field, it was such exciting news to hear I would be taking one of my first steps as a choreographer in such a professional environment as that of Northern School of Contemporary Dance. All while being supported by leading figures in the contemporary dance field such as Dance City and Serendipity. Being part of a programme like this is so meaningful as I believe changes in structure can not be made in the spaces I am not in and tables I am not invited to. With any work I am a part of, I want to encourage other artists to step into these spaces. Having this mentality I was determined to take advantage of every tool handed to me while taking part in this programme. Typically my work is led by connecting stories and knowledge I have gathered on my path in the Hindustani diaspora. As both a dance artist and choreographer, I am constantly trying to explore different ways of building bridges where others might not see that possibility.
Image Credit: Alessandro Biascioli
Image credit:Chandenie Gobardhan. Photographer: Elly Welford
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During the choreographic residency for Northern Connections, I took the time to explore Trimurti - the layered concept of cosmogony discussed in Hinduism. The concept’s use of symbolism leaves space for many interpretations. This includes one of viewing Trimurti as a representation of the cycle of life. The essence of the concept, however, lies in the phases of the cycle: creation, preservation and destruction. In this process, I focussed on the phase of creation. With this phase comes the careful consideration and detail in the intricacy of thoughts, speech and movement. This consideration was not only applied to the process in the studio but also outside of the studio. Which translated to silent mornings, fasts and meditations throughout the day. Northern Connections allowed me the luxury of working with other artists. One of them is Mithun Gill - a British born Kathak dancer. It was so valuable being able to translate my ideas onto another body. The intricate movements accompanied by quick counts and rhythmic changes required a dancer with strong rhythmic instincts. As the process went on I arrived to a movement style that echoed the phase of creation. With this movement style, CREATOR challenges the watcher to consider how the most intricate movements can impact the relationships of the space in and around us. When taking responsibility in carefully considering our thoughts, words and actions it will allow us to create a world we want to live in. Ultimately, we are all creators. 16
Image credit:Chandenie Gobardhan. Photographer: Elly Welford
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A TRIBUTE TO LEONORA STAPLETON Broadway Dancer, International Teacher, Choreographer and Director 1963 - October 2021 With an international career filled with Broadway shows, Leonora was an inspiration to many. She was a fantastic teacher, mentor and worked with a number of charities. Her family is honouring her legacy through the continuation of the Be Body Aware project. Donations are being taken through their gofundme page. Make a donation
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Image credit: Leonora Stapleton.
A TRIBUTE TO CARLTON H JACKIE GUY MBE, CD. OJ, Lifetime Achievement - ADAD August 1944 - November 2021 A lifelong dance enthusiast, 'Jackie' shared the joy and discipline of the sector throughout his career and leaves behind a legacy of captivating performances. Donations to His Legacy and Repatriation Fund are welcomed at his JustGiving page. Make a donation
Image credit: Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage
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NEWS, EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
COVENTRY CITY OF CULTURE UNTIL 26 JUNE 2022 For a whole year, Coventry will celebrate it's city with events, music, dance, theatre, and large-scale spectacle. This is the city where movement began, from innovation in the transport industry to a history of activism. The city of Coventry has moved people for centuries. See the full programme online
FIAP 2022 JAN - DEC, MARTINIQUE Curators Annabel Guérédrat and Henri Tauliaut combine the theory of performance art history and performance itself and bring FIAP Martinique. This year, Alicja Korek joins Henri & Annabel to bring this 3rd edition about Martinique, an ecosystem in precarious balance. Residencies run throughout 2022 culminating with an exhibition scheduled from 11 November to 30 December. More information online
LET’S DANCE INTERNATIONAL FRONTIERS 2022 LAUNCH FRIDAY 29 APRIL, 7:00PM LEICESTER MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY Let’s Dance International Frontiers 2022 returns with a unique launch event to celebrate International Dance Day, embracing the theme of this year’s festival, In Situ: Responding to Space, Place, People and Time.
More about the event
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LET’S DANCE IN THE CITY FRIDAY 29 APRIL – SUNDAY 8 MAY ONLINE AND IN SITU Embodying the theme In Situ: Responding to Space, Place, People and Time, dancers take to the streets and buildings across Leicester to respond with movement. Now more than ever it is important for artists to take ownership of public spaces, whether they are structures of power, places to gather or historic landmarks. The resulting improvisations will be documented in photography and film that will then be shared in the lead up to and throughout Let’s Dance International Frontiers 2022, online and at select sites across the city. Full event details
IN SITU: RESPONDING TO SPACE, PLACE, PEOPLE AND TIME CONFERENCE TUESDAY 3 MAY, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM CURVE THEATRE Dance can be anywhere, in a studio, on screen, in the streets, on a stage, dance can bring communities together, share lived experiences beyond barriers and express moments of joy. Dance can be a powerful tool for change. This conference brings together artists, practitioners and educators, rooted in the African and African Caribbean Diaspora to share ideas and research as a part of a collective questioning.
More about the event
BLAK HISTORY MONTH AUSTRALIA JULY 2022 Throughout July, we recognise and celebrate that Australia is steeped in a rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait history. First celebrated in 2008, Blak History Month, Australia profile Blak artists and provide educational resources. Full details of the campaign can be found here
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INTERNATIONALE TANZMESSE NRW 1 AUG – 03 SEP 2022, DÜSSELDORF GERMANY The largest professional meeting for contemporary dance. As a forum for exchange, knowledge transfer and networking, the Tanzmesse is an important meeting place for international dance creators. Exhibition details here
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACKS IN DANCE FESTIVAL 25 - 29 JANUARY 2023, ONTARIO, CANADA In partnership with dance Immersion, the International Association for Blacks of Dance (IABD) presents the 33rd annual international conference and festival. This year's theme is GLOBALLY CONNECTED: WHAT DOES OUR TOMORROW HOLD? Bringing together Black Dance professionals, agents, artistic directors, artists, choreographers, company managers, executive directors, historians, presenters, scholars and teachers, this event promises a diverse environment to share ideas, cultures and experiences. Full details here
DEMONTFORT UNIVERSITY WELCOME NEW CHANCELLOR AKRAM KHAN MBE The world renowned artistic director and choreographer studied dance at DMU and received an honorary doctorate in 2004. Akram said “I look forward to sharing my curiosity with the students and staff at DMU and being an advocate for the university in my Chancellorship.” His career has led him to work with world-class artists from all cultures and disciplines, incuding the National Ballet of China, choreographers/dancers Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Israel Galván and visual artists Anish Kapoor and Antony Gormley. Full announcement from DMU here
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EAST MIDLANDS WOMEN'S AWARDS NOW NATIONAL The Women's Awards have announced a National category to their line up. This year, women from across the UK can be nominated for one of their fourteen awards. These prestigious awards recognise women's achievements and the contribution women of all cultures, communities, races, and beliefs make across all industries. The 2022 Gala and Presentation Dinner and Awards Celebration will be on Friday 9 September at Colwick Hall. Event and nomination details here
DANCE XCHANGE AND DANCE4 MERGE TO FORM FABRIC A formal merger of Dance Xchange and Dance4 was announced in March with the two midlands organisations becoming FABRIC. Combining their expertise, FABRIC's vision is to 'inspire people through dance, transforming lives, communities and places.' They will remain in their Birmingham and Nottingham premises and operate as FABRIC from mid April 2022. More about FABRIC
SERENDIPITY BOARD MEMBER JAVIER TORRES ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT After a 22 year career in dance including 12 years at Northern Ballet, the award winning ballet dancer will retire in May. During his extraordinary career, Torres his performances include David Nixon's The Nutcracker and Swan Lake as well as Jean Christophe Maillot's Romeo and Juliet. He has also received international accolades including the Cuban Artists and Writers Union Villanueva Prize. His final performance will be in Casanova on Saturday 14 May at Sadlers Wells. Book tickets here
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Image credit: Ballet Hispánico in Con Brazos Abiertos Photo by Paula Lobo
