Dance Woking had an amazing day on Saturday 2 June at Stanwell Events Multicultural Day. The day was organised and managed by Stanwell Events, who did an amazing job. Dance Woking produced the Performance Tent Programme which featured two community platforms, Folk Dance Remixed – Ceilidh Jam, DJ, and Katie Dale-Everett’s performance piece Playscape – How to Build A Galaxy’ followed be an interactive workshop.
We also had lots of fun in the sunshine, Cherie from Dance Woking’s outreach team supported by Christina led two joyful intergenerational Maypole dancing sessions, with lots of great participation.
Dance Woking also led two dance outreach projects with Philip Southcote School & Stanwell Events to create pieces that were performed on the day. Both groups managed to create pieces that were performed on Sunday at the community Dance platform. Philip Southcote School were choreographed by Dance Woking’s Outreach Dance Creative Christina Hobbins & Dance Surrey Stanwell were choreographed by guest choreographer Sunita Kumar from Amina Khayyam DC.
CEO and Artistic Director Sam McCaffrey: I took some pictures of the days activities on my phone and have shared some highlights here. I really enjoy working with Anna-Marie and her team at Stanwell Events, thank you for inviting us to be part of this inspiring and engaging community event. Nothing phazes them! The day ran really smoothly and it was joyous to see such a diverse range of groups and dance styles come together and perform in the same space, providing a highly inspiring and entertaining day. I remain in awe of the dancers who performed in front of family and friends, as well strangers, some for the first time. This takes great courage and helps build confidence and self esteem, which we actively encourage. As you can see from the pictures, my focus was the performance tent, and the area around it, which we programmed, and where I spent the day. All the groups were amazing. Here is my review of the day…
Philip Southcote School opened the Community Dance Platform with their piece ‘Better Place‘ to track by NSYNC of the same name. Fun and upbeat the routine was all about having fun and being happy.
Dance Surrey Stanwell followed. This group came together during May Half Term to create a beautifully elegant piece telling the story of the joys of nature using the Indian dance style Kathak, choreographed by Sunita Kumar from Amina Khayyam DC.
Kristi’s Dance Academy closed the morning platform with an uplifting dance to ‘What a Feelin‘ with a 15 strong dance troupe, this made the tent rock! Kristi Jones, Principal at the school said ‘ Our dancers at Kristi’s Dance Academy really enjoyed the performance opportunity on Sunday at Stanwell Multicultural Day. Events such as these give the students a real taste of a community atmosphere celebrating dance with other groups from all backgrounds and experience. It is lovely to see everyone supporting each other through their love of dance.
Dance Woking’s Outreach team: Cherie & Christina led two Maypole Dancing sessions during the day. This activity was extremely popular with over 48 people enjoying it as some participants jumped in and out of the session. A truly intergenerational participation event, with all ages taking part, lots of fun, laughter and skipping around the Maypole, for some a chance to relive childhood memories.
Folk Dance Remixed – Ceilidh Jam were back in action and didn’t disappoint. They had the tent rocking with their live music and highly entertaining callers leading participants through a series of steps. Fun and organised chaos ensued. We were kept in check by the amazing team.
The afternoon’s community platform saw Staines & Edgam Sea Cadets take to the outdoor space and provide a precise demonstration of marching in sync. This was followed by North Performances Studios, with a jazz solo and group piece; Stanwell Youth group, performed a mix of dance styles choreographed by Katie Dale-Everett; Dance Surrey Stanwell were able to perform again! Urban Dance School closed this section with a dynamic and highly energetic street dance piece.
Outside and opening the Multicultural Day was New Generation Steel Orchestra, seen here with Stanwell Events Founder & CEO Anna-Marie. Providing a highly chilled atmosphere, with their steel pan sounds, it really did feel as if you were in the Caribbean!
Following the highly anticipated raffle Katie Dale Everett Dance Company performed Playscapes – How to Build A Galaxy. Using high tech and video projection the show was followed by a hands on workshop where young and inspired audience members were able to have a go with the highly technical suites to create their own galaxies.
This event was made possible through funding support from Spelthorne Borough Council, Stanwell Events and Arts Council England Grants for the Arts
