It’s very hard to believe that Body Politic is celebrating its 5th Birthday! Time has flown by. We thought it would be a perfect opportunity to reflect on the ‘then and now’ and highlight our five best bits!
1. Shaun Evaristo, Jillian Meyers and Pat Cruz
We think the title says it all! This was our first ever large scale International workshop and it still has a very special place in our hearts. As organisers we learnt an incredible amount from this workshop. In particular we learnt that carrying twenty portable mirrors up a flight of stairs is rough and you can’t bring you own beer into a youth hostel (if you know you know!). However, it was also the first time we had the incredible opportunity to bring over 100 dancers from over twelve different countries together in one space. The atmosphere was electric.
This is still one of our favourite pieces choreographed by Mr Shaun Evaristo.
2. mL X BP Showcase
Sometimes the unthinkable actually happens. In a good way! This showcase was one of those magical moments that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. I don’t think words will every be able to do this moment justice. Instead, here’s a clip that captures a whole heap of talent on stage.
3. theFOUNDATION
We promise to bring this back very soon! We truly miss our BP Foundation family. Unfortunately, whilst we create professional work for touring this has had to take a back seat. However, it is by far one of the best dance training programmes in London (if we say so ourselves!) theFOUNDATION provides dancers with quality dance tuition in a safe, non-competitive environment. A huge thank you to every individual who has been involved in theFOUNDATION. We hope to see you again very soon!
4. Reflections
Over the years the company has gradually transitioned away from hosting workshops, and moved into creating professional work for the stage. It is a body of work that we are immensely proud of and hope to tour in the South East in Spring 2019. Reflections has allowed us to explore issues surrounding mental health and enabled us to share our own voice and experiences.
The fight isn’t over yet.
Our body of work ‘Reflections’ isn’t just about raising awareness. It’s a fight to keep mental healthcare at the tip of our tongues and affect real change. Continuous change.
5. The ‘M’ Word
In May 2017 the company became a not-for-profit organisation. This enabled us to partner up with Dancin’ Oxford and secure funding for a pilot twelve month project for young people aged 12-16yrs. The project takes place during term time in Black Bird Leys, Wood Farm and Rose Hill, and aims to explore mental health and wellbeing with young people. The project is open to everyone an costs £1 to attend each session!
The young people will be showcasing their talent and skills at this year’s Christmas Light Night Festival on 17th November in Gloucester Green. If you have a young person who might be interested in joining please get in touch emj@bodypoliticdance.com
What’s next?
It’s funding application central at the moment in BP HQ. We are working very hard to secure additional funding for the next three years to develop and expand our ‘M’ Word project. The company have also been selected to perform our latest work ‘Reflections’ at RESOLUTION, The Place on 19th January 2018 and at South East Dance’s Regional Network event in October. It’s a very busy but incredibly exciting time for us at the moment!
Before we go and tuck into some cake we want to sign off with a final THANK YOU to all the artists, dancers, producers, lighting designers, friends and family who have contributed to our journey over the past five years. We couldn’t have done it without you. THANK YOU.