This month we are joined by Just Us Dance Theatre’s Hip Hop Apprenticeship company. Led by artistic director Joseph Toonga, the paid apprenticeship scheme provides a supported route into the professional performance sector, specifically for black and ethnic minority dancers. A Night of Hip Hop Theatre will showcase the extraordinary talent of the dancers through new pieces developed with guest choreographers.
Guest Choreographers
Bruno Duarte
Bruno Duarte creates work that fuses krump, capoeira, creation characters and minimalistic moves. Born in São Luís do Maranhão, his first contact with urban dance was at the age of 17. With a specialty in urban dances and contemporary dance, he began his international career in 2008 when he joined the cast of Grupo de Rua de Niteroi, and travelled to 27 countries. Bruno gives workshops inside and outside Brazil and he has danced with countless artists. He has also worked in commercials and television. Bruno is a krump specialist and became the first and only Brazilian to become a student of the dance’s creator Tighteyex.
Today he is an assistant to the choreographer Zebrinha, and is also known as Tha Maddhulk aka Maddripp X. He is the organiser of the Krump vs Krump and EBS- South America Qualifier events, a project responsible for taking Brazilians to Germany to compete in the Krump world championship “EBS – European Buck Session”.
Kloé Dean
Dean is a visionary storyteller, skilfully bringing narratives to life on stages and screens worldwide with unparalleled impact. A Choreographer, Movement Director and Performing Artist, originating in Hip Hop, Funk and Street Dance styles, Kloé displays an array of knowledge, experience and skill sets spanning over 20 years. Currently a workplace artist at The Place, Kloé is also the Creative Director and Choreographer of all female Hip Hop dance company, Myself UK Dance. Kloé has led and created training, performance opportunities, and produced events for dancers across her career.
She now continues to deliver workshops, training and mentorship all over the UK and internationally. Freestyling as a young person, Kloé developed a love for battling alongside her pursuit of performing and creating, moving through and exploring the battle scene. Kloé has battled in numerous events and also judges battles and choreographic competitions. She creates choreographic content for dance crews, schools and educational establishments.
Simeon Campbell
Simeon Campbell grew up as the only hearing member of his family, with BSL as his first language. He studied at Greenwich Musical Theatre Academy and Negus Post-16 where he received distinctions for BTEC First, a National Diploma in Performing Arts and an AQA in Street Dance. During this time, he established hip hop dance troupe ‘Ruthless’, recognised across Europe for particular choreographic talent. On graduation he began a teaching/choreography/performance practice, developing and sharing a unique and distinctive dance style.
Since 2013, Simeon has been a key member of BirdGang Ltd, touring Europe and the US with Breakin’ Convention. Simeon is known as an exceptional teacher with an inherent understanding of musicality and a uniquely accessible practice. He currently leads BirdGang’s youth group Eggz and teaches regular adult training sessions
Q&A with Just Us Dance Theatre
How are you feeling about your upcoming show in Worthing?
Just Us Dance Theatre are really excited to bring our Hip Hop show to Worthing – we have been to Ipswich, Nottingham and London so far and excited to see a new audience in Worthing.
What can audiences expect from A Night of Hip hop Theatre – without giving too much away?
They can expect amazing dancers and four incredible works by talented Hip Hop choreographers – it’s an evening full of energy and talent.
The event showcases up and coming performers from Just Us Dance, what can you tell us about the Hip Hop Dance Apprenticeship programme?
The Just Us Apprenticeship programme is the UK’s first and only paid Hip Hop apprenticeship programme. The programme is aimed at young performers aged between 18 and 25 years. It provides 12 weeks of training and upskilling, rooted in Hip Hop styles, as well as sessions on safeguarding, wellbeing and how to manage finances as a freelance artist. They also create work with leading Hip Hop choreographers, for the programme which then tours around the UK.
What have you enjoyed most in putting this piece together?
The different energies in the space and the collaborative way of working.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this show?
An interest in Hip Hop, an appreciation of the young talent, and that they have had a fantastic evening!
A Night of Hip Hop Theatre will be at the Connaught Theatre on Tuesday 21st May. Don’t miss your chance to see a new generation of talented dancers.