Body Politic presents theDECADE, 10th anniversary hip hop dance and theatre showcase, Pegasus Theatre, 10th September 2022

Body Politic is delighted to announce theDECADE, a one-night only hip hop dance and theatre showcase celebrating the company’s 10-year anniversary on 10 Sept 2022 at Pegasus Theatre, Oxford. The evening will include a restaging of Body Politic’s seminal 2015 dance film BREEZEBLOCKS, and a bespoke production created with young dancers of Oxford; it will also feature fun and energetic performances from London’s renowned Impact Youth dance company, Oxford’s street dance specialist Step 2 Dance, internationally renowned and multi competition-winning Definitives. Other guest performers include The Movement Initiative from Portsmouth, Oxford’s TPD Youth Company, Jayde Edwards from London and Jamaal O’Driscoll from Birmingham.

The audience will be invited to stick around for a post-show Q&A with Artistic Director Emma-Jane Greig, drinks and a live set by DJ SPINADA.

Body Politic’s Artistic Director Emma-Jane Greig said: “I can’t believe that Body Politic has been running for 10 years. I feel really proud of what a huge milestone this is. It’s been an incredible journey. And it feels really special to be able to come back to Pegasus Theatre, the heart of where it all started. Both as a young person performing on the Pegasus stage and later working as part of the Pegasus team. It’s where my inspiration and ultimately where Body Politic was born. I hope that many people can join us in celebrating the community, the place, and the people who have contributed to such a unique and special organisation that prioritises the creativity and empowerment of young people and their experiences.”

As a flagship female led organisation, Body Politic launched at Pegasus Theatre in September 2012. Since then, its work has empowered young people from under-represented communities through dance, on and off the stage.

From nationally acclaimed theatre productions THEM and Father Figurine, to community classes, young people’s leadership programmes, and initiatives such as Summer Camp 22 (supported by the Department for Education and Marcus Rashford’s Holiday Activities and Food programme), young people’s wellbeing and growth has been at the forefront of the organisation.

Georgia Bradley, Director of People, Programmes, and Partnerships at Pegasus Theatre said: “Our partnership with Body Politic feels so special. We’ve been working with them for 10 years and it’s been amazing seeing what this partnership has produced. They are such a key part of Oxford’s dance community and we’re proud to have them as our company-in-residence. We can’t wait to see what they’ve created this time!”

Date: Saturday 10th September 7.00pm

Venue: Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RE

Tickets: from £12, book online here

Running time: 120 minutes

Age Guidance: 11 years+

Find out more about Body Politic here

 

The Five and the Prophecy of Prana: Boy Blue Entertainment at Oxford Playhouse 7th November – Laura Duthie reviews

Technical excellence provided a sheltered Oxford with a taste of Hip Hop at its finest.  Boy Blue Entertainment have knowingly commanded the Hip Hop stage in the UK for some time now, always producing the latest ideas with the latest talent of the Hip Hop world. The Five and the Prophecy of Prana simply adds another depth to what this already Hip Hop encompassing company can produce, creating an amalgamation of numerous Hip Hop styles with a martial arts focus.

Leading you through the story is a commentary enhanced with imagery of anime design, some of which is crafted by world-class Japanese anime artist, Akio Tanaka. Photos of cast members were provided for the artist to incorporate into the would-be Japanese animated backdrop that frames the spectacle.  Japan, along with the martial arts, plays a huge role in the creating of this production as well as the sole inspiration. 

 

Nobulus presents Out of the Shadow at Oxford Playhouse 8th/9th October 2013

Nobulus, stars of Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells Theatre London, return to the UK this autumn with the full length version of their 2007-8 hip hop dance theatre show Out of the Shadow.  An extraordinary mix of breaking, popping and locking, contemporary dance, acrobatics and ballet, it tells a cautionary tale, from the creation of the universe and evolution of man through to an imaginary apocalyptic future.  Using only their bodies, this 10-strong crew from Austria create otherworldly scenes by morphing themselves into structures, creatures and even macines.  Set to an epic soundtrack, this thrilling show contains primal images of sacrifice and betrayal, love and pleasure, death and destruction.