Serendipity is running a preview week of live and online performances, films, debates, and a book launch. Live performances will take place outdoors in Phoenix Square, Leicester and will be performed by dancer/choreographer Jean Abreu in a re-worked version of his critically acclaimed Solo For Two and Leicester-based trio Ana Paz, Helder Delgado, and Stephanie Freeman who will perform their new work Sombre.
This year’s LDIF – which would have taken place in Leicester in May 2020 – was swiftly re-configured to go online as The Alternative LDIF just after lockdown in a ground-breaking programme of performance, film, discussion and masterclasses featuring a cast of world-renowned dance practitioners. Embracing new technology overnight, LDIF thrust itself confidently into the online spotlight and was, for the first time, able to grab the attention of a global audience.
“Although we were unable to enjoy the planned return of PHILADANCO! and the always interesting Autograph and Signatures programmes of work by emerging choreographers, almost everyone booked to appear (at this year’s festival) will be back…for what promises to be a bumper LDIF21.” (Dancing Times)
Pawlet Brookes, Artistic Director and CEO of Serendipity said: “The week of live performance and online events in October is designed to continue the development of LDIF’s profile and to platform next year’s festival. I’m delighted that we’ll be able to present live performance during October’s programme and we will be focusing our online debates on the reframing of Black British dance.
“In May we upgraded our technology to present the Alternative LDIF online which enabled us to stay in touch with all our performers and collaborators and to reach out to a much wider audience. And it’s wonderful that we’re able to offer live performances in October, particularly by the hugely talented Jean Abreu and three of our most promising Leicester dancers in two shows which we’ll stage outdoors in Phoenix Square next to the Phoenix Cinema. Given the changing nature of government guidelines and to ensure everyone’s safety, we will share digital versions if we are unable to gather in person.
“In exploring how digital and physical programmes can work concurrently and interact, the October programme is designed to make the most of both worlds. The week will also focus on the hot topic of Black British dance and how we can unify practitioners as we continue to fight for greater visibility and respect.”
