Dance keeps London Bridge employees moving in lockdown
Ellie Beedham, Director of Arts writes about Dance as part of the Culture Programme at Team London Bridge
London Bridge loves dance. From taking part in the Pina Bausch Foundation’s famous Nelken Line, to hosting Pop City - one of the best Hip Hop dance competitions in the world, Team London Bridge has worked with some amazing dance artists and companies over the years.
We first worked with the International festival Dance Umbrella in 2019 to present the dynamic parkour/dance fusion performances ‘Zoo Humans’ by Urban Playground Team in the new Guy’s Courtyard space. The festival’s focus is bringing outstanding contemporary dance to London; they’ve presented more than 785 artists from 40 countries to over one million people since their first festival in 1978.
Last week we joined forces with Dance Umbrella once again to bring beginners’ contemporary dance class online as part of our Love Lunch series. The focus of our Love Lunch programme is to provide a variety of free activities to support London Bridge employees’ wellbeing at home; a dance class proved to be a popular choice, giving our community the opportunity to take some time out of whatever their current routine may be to reset and wake up the body.
An enthusiastic class of 58 people joined teacher Josie Sovegjarto to get moving in the comfort of their own homes via Zoom.
Was an absolutely great class, really enjoyed it.
Would like more classes. Needed a gentle class to get motivated today!
- Participant feedback from Dance Umbrella’s Love Lunch Session.
Keep an eye out for more Love Lunch dance sessions, keeping you moving and feeling motivated.
London Bridge dance history
POP CITY
In 2018 we began our collaboration with the dynamic Fiyahouse collective and local venue partner Ugly Duck, producing and supporting the international Hip Hop competition Popcity. Contestants came from near and far to compete in the ultimate hip hop battle, featuring world-renowned judges, live DJs and guest performers. Participants enjoyed a weekend dance intensive in the Autumn followed up by the main event in January, made possible with additional funding from Arts Council England
THE NELKEN LINE
In 2018 we created the short film for the International Dance Project The Nelken Line with the Pina Bausch Foundation, who called for citizens of the world to dance Pina’s famous choreography based on the four seasons. We partnered with London Bridge City, Potters Fields Park Management Trust, King’s College and London Bridge Station to create a film for London, whichis now part of the Pina Bausch archive.
For more information on our dance partners; https://www.danceumbrella.co.uk/ https://www.baseflowyoga.com/ www.fiya-house.com http://www.pina-bausch.de/en/