Introducing… at Birmingham Weekender!
Join us outside Birmingham’s famous rag market on Sunday 6th October from 1:00pm to 5:00pm as we showcase the region’s most exciting new dance.
Birmingham Dance Network brings you Introducing… a FREE jam-packed day of dance performances, showcasing some of the most exciting dance makers in the region. This will be the seventh Introducing… platform curated by BDN. Previous events have included contemporary dance, Kathak, Hip-Hop theatre, tap dance, ballet and ballroom. Hosted in BDN’s trademark style, we invite you to expect the unexpected and join us to be part of the future of new dance in Brum. You never know, you might even get the chance to have a boogie yourself! You can read more about Introducing… by clicking here.
What?! Introducing… is free? Oh yes, you heard right! Simply feast your eyes on the line-up below, turn up and enjoy! 
We thought you might like to know a little more about the choreographers and their work, so keep scrolling to see a little more about What’s on!
ON STAGE @ 1:10PM + 3:25PM Tom n’ Rob with Tom n’ Rob Break Free Tom ‘n Rob Break Free is the result of a Research and Development by the performers Tom Bright and Robert Hemming, responding to the idea of freedom in restriction. Tom ‘n Rob are two dancing artists who are on a mission to create accessible work which celebrates their common interests in dance and performance.
ON STAGE @ 1:30PM Vidya Patel with Last Leaf Parallel ecocide took place in the ancient forest of Khandava which was burnt to the ground by man to create a capital as stated in the epic Sanskrit poem Mahabharata. Now this ecocide has recurred again and again, in the Amazon and over several forests across the planet… This is an excerpt of solo piece Last Leaf (working title) by Vidya Patel which closes in on the creation and destruction of nature by a creator, and destruction by man.
ON STAGE @ 1:45PM Dc² Dance Company with The NEVER Mind Have you ever felt like what you’ve done is never enough? Do you feel like you’re making the right decision? Do you feel happy? Do you feel proud of you? Do you feel not worthy of doing what you love? No matter how hard passion drives you to achieve your dreams, this terminal of conflicting thought in your mind tests you in everyday life. Your mind is powerful. The Infinite battle of the ‘never mind’ continues.
ON STAGE @ 2:00PM – Cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances Mathew Lambden with I am a queen Nina Simone was declined a place at one of America’s most prestigious music conservatories due to the colour of her skin. Despite making a successful career as a singer-songwriter, she often spoke of how this painful experience stained her life. Matthew Lambden choreographs a heartbreakingly intimate solo as Shanelle Clemenson dances. Love, Life and Regret encapsulated through contemporary dance.
ON STAGE @ 2:20PM + 4:15PM Autin Dance Theatre with Dystopia Autin Dance Theatre presents ‘Dystopia’ with the support of Arts Council England, Dance Hub Birmingham and Midlands Arts Centre – MAC. ‘Dystopia’ is a jaw-dropping and thought-provoking performance, looking at our human need for connection and belonging, in opposition to our modern anxieties based on fear and violence. Striking physicality and an exciting soundscape take the audience on an intense visual and emotional journey. The show is ultimately a message of hope and a call for our common humanity. “…gender defying, circus-dance hybrid.” – The Place, London Review “Dystopia – another outstanding and hypnotic dance piece of the highest standard” – Darren Haywood (Birmingham Fest) “An explosive and memorable outdoor dance duet” – Audience member
ON STAGE @ 2:45PM Freewheelin Dance Group with Forge Freewheelin present their integrated dance project, which sees disabled and non-disabled dancers perform together. Freewheelin is an inclusive dance group based at St Chad’s Church in Rubery Birmingham that meets every Friday evening from 5.30pm onwards. Freewheelin are currently the National Champions in Para Dance, having gained nine gold medals collectively at this year’s competition in June.
ON STAGE @ 3:10PM + 4:40PM Marshon Dance Company with Masculine, The Mask You’re In (Masculine Law) ‘Masculine, The Mask You’re In’ was originally created and performed by Nathan Marsh and Jack Bain. Using Street dance as their vehicle, ‘Masculine, The Mask You’re In’ brings a socio-political commentary on toxic masculinity, masculine pride and mental health issues, addressing the alarming suicide rates among young men in the UK. This particular performance showcases all new content, set in a world where law defines and dictates the rules of masculinity. Three men are facing charges of depression, affection and vulnerability. Choreographed and performed by Nathan Marsh, Jordan Franklin and Ian Harris.
ON STAGE @ 4:00PM Stephanie Donohoe with I’m a Brummie Bab – an improvisation Stephanie Donohoe is a dance improviser whose work explores space and the environments we inhabit. She specifically works with improvisation scores and sound to create interesting and fun performance works. ‘I’m a Brummie Bab’ is an improvised solo made specifically for BDN’s pop-up stage at Birmingham Weekender, outside our very own rag market. Stephanie has created a very Brummie soundtrack for this work, so come see her groove, gambol and go right round the Wrekin!
