Press Release: Classically British & Co celebrates 21 years of world class dance with gala event

[Jan McNulty]

Classically British & Co celebrates 21 years of world class dance and choreography as part of Black History Month 2024 

 

 

• Special one night only event at Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells Theatre to feature an array of distinguished guests and performances 

 

• Local schools to enjoy dress rehearsal performance as part of educational afternoon  

 

London, UK, 03 October 2024:

 

On Thursday 24th October as part of Black History Month, Classically British & Co, part of the non-profit charity The Mark Elie Dance Foundation, will celebrate its 21st anniversary with a special gala performance event and educational afternoon at Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells Theatre.  

 

Pioneered by Mark Elie, CEO & Artistic Director at the Mark Elie Dance Foundation and Founder of the Portobello Dance & Performing Arts School, Classically British & Co showcases and celebrates diverse talent across a dynamic range of world class classical and contemporary dance and choreography. 

 

Mark Elie, CEO & Artistic Director, Mark Elie Dance Foundation commented, “I established Classically British & Co to produce an annual event showcasing some of the very best emerging dance talent from across the Black/mixed ethnic community, supporting diversity and equality across the classical ballet and contemporary dance sector in the UK.”  

 

Elie continued, “Progress has been made in recent years and the dance landscape is now changing here in the UK with more and more companies working with people of colour. However, there is still a lot more work to be done. I’m proud of the role Classically British & Co has played over the last two decades - and continues to do so - in contributing to educating and inspiring current and future generations.” 

 

Included in the line-up for October’s gala is award-winning British choreographer Namron OBE who has choreographed a piece for the event.  

 

In addition, classical music composer Joy Sigaud will debut her first composition for a ballet commissioned by Classically British & Co. Sigaud’s composition, entitled ‘Resonance & Resilience’ is inspired by the journey of the Windrush generation and their descendants. The movement will be choreographed and performed by students and alumni of the prestigious Rambert School of Ballet & Contemporary Dance, thanks to the collaboration and cooperation of its Principal and Artistic Director, Amanda Britton MA. 

 

Meanwhile, Vincent Osbourne, Artistic Director of the Black British Classical Foundation, will orchestrate an opera performance with dancer Oraine Frater. 

 

Audience members attending the gala will also enjoy inspirational talks from Kenneth Olumuyiwa Tharp CBE, Julie Felix MBE and Amanda Britton MA as well as a special video message from Classical British & Co alumnus and star of stage, screen and Strictly Come Dancing, Layton Williams. 

 

Earlier in the day on 24th October, pupils from local borough schools will enjoy an educational afternoon, featuring a dress rehearsal of four dance pieces. This will be followed by an educational film celebrating the history and contributions of British black dancers, with a Q&A with Mark Elie and selected dancers. 

 

Tickets for the evening gala are available to purchase on the Sadler’s Wells Theatre website here: https://tinyurl.com/y4jz29yt  

 

 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

 

Choreographers confirmed include: 

• Namron OBE 
• Amari Webb Martin   
• Dakota Rodgers 
• Amanda Webb Martin 

 

Dancers confirmed include: 

• Crispin Maccatrozza  
• Owen Kitney-Foster  
• Rosie Lindsey 
• Isabella Chandler 
• Oraine Frater                                                                        
• Amari Webb Martin  
• Maya Inniss 
• Roshaan Asare 
• Leo Wallen 
• Sabina Kuku 
• Tre’von Gibson 
• Gabriella de Souza Jacquet 
• IMPACT Dance  

NB – names subject to possible change  

 

About Classically British & The Mark Elie Dance Foundation: 

Classically British & Co is an event organised and run by The Mark Elie Dance Foundation, a non-profit charity based in London, dedicated to helping children of all ages within ethnically diverse communities to be inspired by the mesmerizing and creative healing power of dance. Many have gone on to have stellar careers within this highly competitive sector. www.classicallybritishandco.com 

 

About Mark Elie 

Mark Elie is the Artistic Director, CEO, lifetime Achievement Award Winner & Author and founder of the Mark Elie Dance Foundation and the Portobello Dance & Performing Arts School. He is also one of the UK’s most successful classically trained professional dancers. Mark was born in the UK of Dominican W.I. and Scottish descents and raised in a Westminster children’s home in London. Mark went on to graduate from the Rambert School, Mercury Theatre in 1979 and has enjoyed a stellar career, working with some of the world’s leading ballet and contemporary dance companies including the Ballet Gulbenkian School Lisbon and the legendary Dance Theatre of Harlem school, New York. He has worked with many acclaimed and much-loved dancers and choreographers such as Arlene Phillips from Hot Gossip and numerous smash hit West End Shows.  

 

Useful Links / Reference: 

 

• Tickets for 24th October Event: https://tinyurl.com/y4jz29yt 

 

• Classically British & Co 2022 Event Highlights Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoDM6d5E_HU  

 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicallyBritish 

 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/classicallybritishandco?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=