COMMONS Festival 2023: Workshops

15 May - 28 May

COMMONS returns for 2023. A curated dance festival of performances, workshops and exhibitions.

Stanley Arts continues its commitment to showcase dance for everyone with a joyful programme of exhibitions, workshops, performances and parties; all celebrating the glorious diversity of dance and exploring our shared love of movement and music!

As part of the programme, we’re offering 12, open-to-all workshops that will be led by our key partners and some specials guests.

Workshops taking place at COMMONS Festival 2023

From Hip Hop introductions, an OTA dance styles Battle , to workshops exploring the process behind Thick & Tight’s productions and Akademi will be bringing South Asian twist to our Workshops schedule.

Tuesday 16th May – Akademi presents: Contemporary Bollywood class with Aanchal Gupta 
An hour-long workshop is designed to you give a fun-filled experience of India through Bollywood music and dance.

Wednesday 17th May – Oceanallover Presents: Ecdysis – Shedding Your Skin
In this workshop we will look at the process of becoming transfigured, both visually and emotionally.

Thursday 18th May – Conscious Dance: 5Rhythms Plus
On Thursday evenings, South London Dance Community host freestyle dance for every body. Beginners welcome. No steps to learn – just follow your feet!

Friday 19th  May – The OTA Battle Zone with  BirdGang Ltd
An all styles battle workshop! BirdGang LTD will lead a hip hop ‘Battle Box’ workshop open to all dance forms. Exchange, learn, create and then battle it out for glory.

Sunday 21st May – Thick and Tight workshop with: Corali Dance Company
Thick & Tight lead a workshop with their long-time collaborators Corali Dance Company, the UK leader in dance by artists with a learning disability.

Sunday 21st May – Thick and Tight workshop with: Vidya Patel
Thick & Tight and Vidya Patel lead a workshop about the making of ‘Empire’, a solo in which Vidya plays Winston Churchill.

Sunday 21st May – Thick and Tight workshop with: Azara Meghie
Thick & Tight and Azara Meghie lead a workshop about the making of Finding Grace, a solo in which Azara shares her response to fashion and music icon Grace Jones.

Monday 22nd May – Akademi presents: Understanding Bharatanatyam’ – Open to all with Mathangi
This session will offer participants an opportunity to understand Bharatanatyam through an interactive session with a 3rd generation artist Mathangi Keshavan.

Tuesday 23rd May – Akademi presents: Breakdance and Bharanatyam with Shreya
Gain insight into the intricacy of Bharatanatyam (Indian classical) and let loose with some Breaking (Breakdance). This workshop is open to all ages and abilities focusing on beginners level. Shreya welcomes you to try something new!

Wednesday 24th May – BirdGang Ltd Presents: An Intro to Hip Hop with Kayla “Peackock” Lomas-Kirton
Have you ever wanted to try a new art form? Give Hip Hop a go? But maybe felt you might feel like the odd one out? NEVER AGAIN! Kayla creates a warm, supportive and encouraging environment to try things out.

Thursday 25th May – BirdGang Ltd Presents: Dance on film workshop with Simeon ‘Van Hasselt’ Qysea
Come and get an insight into BirdGang Ltd’s approach to dance on film with Simeon ‘Van Hasselt’ Qysea.

Thursday 25th May – Conscious Dance: 5Rhythms Plus
On Thursday evenings, South London Dance Community host freestyle dance for every body. Beginners welcome. No steps to learn – just follow your feet!

There’s something for everyone, no matter your level of skill.

#COMMONSFestival2023 #DanceForAll #ThisIsCroydon

© 2023 Stanley Arts Charity No: 1155680