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Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening as Irie Dance Company presents “Groundation: Dancing from the Archives” on 26th October at 7pm at the Black-E, Liverpool.
This powerful performance draws from the archives of African dance, bringing the richness of history, rhythm, and culture to life on stage.
Irie Dance Intensive: A Summer 2024 Journey of Celebration, Exploration, and Knowledge
Earlier this summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Irie Dance Intensive—three days dedicated to African dance, live music, and deep cultural exploration. From the moment I stepped into the space, it was clear this was more than just a dance workshop. It was a celebration of heritage, a journey of exploration, and a well of knowledge.
“The Intensive was a beautiful and holistic experience. I felt a deep connection not only to the movements but to the history and stories behind them. It was a celebration of our culture, explored through every twist and turn of the dance.” – Ithalia Johnson
Guided by renowned teachers like H Patten, Nii Kwartey, Beverley Glean, and Karime Labelle, we delved into the origins of dances and rituals like Kpanlogo, Junkanoo, Dinki Mini and Yanvelou understanding how these art forms and traditions were shaped by history and continue to influence modern movements such as Afrobeat and Carnival.
The layers of song, language, and technique brought each dance alive in a profound way, connecting us to our roots.
“Dancing with Irie Dance, I realized we weren’t just learning steps—we were connecting to the resilience and strength of our ancestors. The ‘Groundation’ performance embodies that spirit, grounding us in the past while moving us toward the future.” – Ithalia Johnson
Special FREE Event: Black Women’s Health Forum – Female-Only Session
In addition to the performance, the Black Women’s Health Forum is hosting a FREE female-only session at the African and Caribbean Centre on 28th October from 7-9pm.
This intimate gathering is designed for women to explore African dance in a safe, empowering environment, where movement becomes a tool for healing and connection. Spaces limited so get in touch to confirm your space.
The Black Women’s Health Forum was set up by Kerry Nugent, Donna Allyne (former Delado dancer), and Suzanne Osagie to address and respond to the health inequities experienced by women of the African Diaspora in Liverpool. Membership to the Forum is free and offers several benefits:
Access to all Forum-facilitated activities
Invitations to take part in health-related events
Access to vital information relevant to African and Caribbean women’s health
One of the highlights is the “Dancing Queens” dance group, led by Ithalia Johnson and supported by Laurentine Amaliza which meets every Thursday from 7-8pm at the African and Caribbean Centre.
This free session invites women of all abilities to explore African dance and fitness in a supportive and joyful environment. As Ithalia reflects on the experience:
“Leading the Dancing Queens group has been an inspiring journey for me, as I’ve witnessed women reconnect with their bodies and their heritage through movement. The energy in the room is always electric, and it’s a space for women to release, express, and heal.”
To join, simply come along to a session and register as a member of the Black Women’s Health Forum.