Working together with award-winning Hip Hop and Street Dance Company, Elementz, and the vibrant dance troupes that bring the Indian Summer Mela to life each year, we invite you to EXPERIENCE these energetic, global dance forms as we kick off the autumn season.
Bringing together opportunities to move and be moved, the day will consist of classes, workshops, refreshments and an open rehearsal to preview the latest work from artist and choreographer, Chandenie Gobardhan, who blends Hip Hop and South Asian dance forms to create a unique movement vocabulary. The sharing will be followed by a Q&A.
This is a free event but spaces on classes and workshops must be booked in advance. Please see below for more information.
EXPERIENCE: HIP HOP DANCE
Kick off the new term with a high-energy day of workshops led by Elementz!
Elementz Entertainment is an award-winning Hip Hop and Street Dance Company based in London, with its academy located in Loughton, Essex. Founded in 2006 by renowned choreographer Lindon Barr, Elementz offers classes at DanceEast for children and adults, focusing on various street dance styles including hip hop, popping, locking, breaking and house. The classes build technical skill, creativity and performance, providing students with authentic Hip Hop dance training in a supportive environment.
Come and groove with us!
EXPERIENCE: SOUTH ASIAN DANCE
Bringing us a taste of Indian Folk Dance, Soul Steps company leader, Rianka Kumar, will be leading a workshop and sharing a first glimpse of the companies dance works as they prepare for performances at the upcoming Durga Puja event. Indian folk dance represents the diverse cultural expressions of India’s various regions and communities. These dances are often characterised by their vibrant costumes, energetic movements, and storytelling through music and genre.
More information about the upcoming Durga Puja event, organised by Suffolk Bengali Society, can be found here.
EXPERIENCE: LIVE PERFORMANCE
A preview of Chandenie Gobardhan’s latest work, Caught Again In The Net of Rebirth.
“Time opens the door for leaving and coming home. In time’s womb begins all ending. Central to this is the idea of ego death – a surrender that allows the dissolution of the old self, creating space for transformation. Each moment becomes a crossroads where past choices meet future possibilities, reminding us that every ending is a new beginning in disguise.”
Caught Again In The Net of Rebirth is a work driven by Trimurti, a layered concept of cosmogony. The concept’s use of symbolism leaves space for interpretations – the essence lies in the phases of the cycle: creation, preservation and destruction. The piece features a powerhouse case of five dancers, including the choreographer, each bringing unique movement skills rooted in street, contemporary and classical Indian dance styles.
Chandenie Gobardhan is a London-based, Netherlands-born artist known for her unique movement vocabulary and political perspective. Trained in Bharatanatyam, hip-hop, locking, and contemporary dance, her practice blends Eastern and Western styles to create new narratives. She holds a BA from Fontys School of Fine and Performing Arts and an MA from Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Her work, including the piece CREATOR, explores themes of Hindu heritage and the concept of Trimurti. Gobardhan’s commissions include Tate Britain, Whitechapel Gallery and Nike London.
Here is the full schedule for the day and booking links to the classes and workshops:
10.00am HIP HOP DANCE | 8-11s
10.00am BOLLYWOOD WORKSHOP AND SHOWCASE
11.00am HIP HOP DANCE | 12-18s
12.00pm INDIAN FOLK DANCE WORKSHOP | All ages
12.30pm HIP HOP DANCE | 18+
1.00pm SOUL STEPS: DURGA PUJA PERFORMANCE PREVIEWS
1.30pm REFRESHMENTS BREAK
2.00pm CAUGHT IN A NET OF REBIRTH | Chandenie Gobardhan – Preview
3.00pm Q&A with Chandenie Gobardhan
Extend your EXPERIENCE
We invite you to continue your day of dance by heading over to Snape Maltings to catch the world premiere of Shobana Jeyasingh’s new Tempest-inspired production, We Caliban.
One of the most dynamic and distinctive forces in UK dance, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance’s vivid and powerful performances live long in the memory, applauded by audiences and critics alike across the globe. This bold and imaginative interpretation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest gives a fresh perspective on a much-loved classic.
Find out more here.
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MOVING MINDS
Suitable for ages 16+
Run in association with Inside Out, Moving Minds is open to anyone who feels drawn to the idea of creative dance and movement to support their wellbeing and mental health.
EXPERIENCE: INDIAN FOLK DANCE WORKSHOP
Join local Indian Folk Dance group, Soul Steps, for an Indian Folk Dance workshop followed by a first glimpse of the groups Durga Puja performance pieces.
EXPERIENCE: BOLLYWOOD WORKSHOP AND SHOWCASE
Join Bhushan Salunke, Bollywood choreographer, theatre director, and founder of Dance Folks, for an energetic Indian Folk & Bollywood dance workshop in the run-up to Platforma Festival 2025!
