Leading Diaspora Dance Theatre in the UK
Creators and Performers: Ella Mesma, Jay X, Georgina X, and Joana Dias
Music: Marv Radio
Silks and Costumes: Zephyr Liddell,
Lights: David Bernard
Film and Photography: Daniel Martin
Movement Consultants: Claire Harvey (Aerial Silks), Emma Houston (breaking), and Bel/Wol (Beatbox).
Dramaturgy: Eva Martinez
We are grateful to Vicki Dela Amedume for her support with the making of this work.
The choreographers and dancers acknowledge with gratitude that this dance piece is informed by breaking (breakdance), Beatbox, Samba, Soca and Aerial dance.
We acknowledge the painful history of colonialism and enslaved people that led to the creation of these diasporic dances. We commit to honouring and respecting them and their history. We acknowledge all unrecognised cultural lineages and untold stories.
The Rainbow Butterfly is an immersive experience blending traditional storytelling with aerial circus, graceful contortion, and dynamic contemporary and Hip Hop dance, this show is perfect for children ages 3-7years old.
Maja has wings that sparkle and shimmer!
Their JOY is contagious as they embark on a transformational journey exploring the world and outer space as a Rainbow Butterfly!
Inspired by the lifecycle of the butterfly, this children’s story invites us to honour our imagination, ourselves and Mother Earth, and to explore what it is to be non binary, celebrating heroes such as Mae Jemison, the first Black woman astronaut! It also invites audience members to take part in the show, make sounds and have fun!
Performed by artists from the global majority, this show celebrates how unique we all are using creativity, carnival, aerial circus, beatbox, and Hip Hop dance, helping Maja fly all the way to the moon – because the Earth without Art is just Eh!
We have also created The Rainbow Butterfly, as a colouring book designed to spark creativity and joy in children.
This piece can be performed in rural settings, theatres, libraries, schools, and outdoor events and festivals.
Running time: 35 minutes + Stay and Play 25 minutes
No. Performers: 2 (total on road 2-3)
Breaking/Carnival Dance Lesson
Maypole Workshop,
Book Readings
Creating and Rehearsing on a Community Cast (aged 6-11 who will be involved in the final show!)
Online Resources to support enhanced understanding of the production
We also have an online platform (Utwopia) where we host exciting, virtual events!
We create magic experiences using a diverse range of folkloric styles & aerial silks to bring the stories that we would love to have seen growing up to life
