Roaming Dance was a Hip Hop dance commission developed as part of Birmingham International Dance Festival 2021 (BIDF) and Gallery37 North.
The project was delivered in partnership by DanceXchange (now Fabric) and Punch, bringing artists together to create new work in collaboration with communities in North West Birmingham.
Hip Hop artists Joseph Toonga, Emma Houston and Bellatrix were commissioned to develop two new projects, exploring connections between artists, place and local communities. The commissions culminated in an outdoor performance in North West Birmingham as part of Birmingham International Dance Festival 2021.
Alongside the commissioned artists, early career artist Omar Spence joined the project through an artist development opportunity, gaining experience in producing, organising, performing and choreography while working alongside the creative team.
Roaming Dance formed part of a wider programme of six commissions that launched the three-year Gallery37 North (G37N) arts residency, led by Punch and Saathi House. Together, the commissions celebrated creativity in North West Birmingham while creating opportunities for artists, young people and local communities to connect through ambitious new artistic work.
The project reflected BIDF’s commitment to taking dance beyond traditional performance spaces, supporting artists to create meaningful work with communities and expanding opportunities for Hip Hop dance within the festival programme.
