Roots of Rumba (created in 2013) is a festival presenting and celebrating diaspora dance theatre (Dance Theatre with dances of the African Diaspora at the heart). In 2018, supported by Arts Council of England, Roots of Rumba toured to: Bristol Trinity Centre, Lion Salt Works in Northwich (Near Chester), Horniman Museum in London, Yorkshire Dance in Leeds and Richmix in London. The events included theatre shows presenting a diverse selection of artists, workshops, afterparties, talks as well as development days for artists. (See here for a detailed break down of the local, national and international acts, teachers and DJs involved and why the festival was created) The evening performances included a selection of fully developed works, extracts and works in progress from the very best of local, national and international dance theatre artists representing dance of the African diaspora. With elements from Rumba, Tango, Afro-Brazilian, Hip Hop and Capoeira, covering topics such as racism, migration, feminism and identity, it is no surprise that the dance performances re powerful, challenging and breath-taking. In some cities there were also workshops, lectures, artist CPD and afterparties with international DJs. Roots of Rumba was supported by funding from Arts Council England 2018. Read the after festival blog about the festival here

Quotes from the Festival

“Diverse, inclusive and completely engaging” Candice Wu, Bristol 2018 “A true marriage of dance, feeling, culture, politics and love” Carly Trigg, Northwich 2018 “Brilliant: Vibrant, life affirming dance with enormous power to move and inspire” Fiona Young: Audience member, Leeds 2018 “Be prepared to dance, laugh and cry” Audience member, London 2018 “The best dance event in the UK” Audience member, London 2018 “This is one of the most amazing events of the year!” Iris De Brito, Batuke Festival 2017 “I found it entertaining and at the same time different in a positive way and I believe with potential to develop a secure platform for the enjoyment and edutainment of the dance forms you work with” Mercy Nabirye, One Dance UK 2013