Dance Workshops – Cane Warriors

Ms Cambanakis arranged a three day project including talks and dance workshops around the novel ‘Cane Warriors’ by Alex Wheatle. Students had a talk from Historian Marie Brewer about the history of Beckford Tower in Bath and transatlanic slave trade, exploring historical artifacts and gaining an understanding of how a slave uprising spread in Jamaica. They then met author Alex Wheatle who talked very openly about his difficult upbringing which kept him from his Jamaican roots. He gave a fascinating and animated talk about how events in his life led him to wanting tell the important story of life on the plantations in Jamaica and the uprising, Taky’s rebellion which inspired the dance workshops.

Led by professional dancer Micheal Jospeh (MJ) who has danced with Rambert and Union Dance and musician Kenrick Lowe, drummer for The Specials, the students explored the female and rebel characters from the novel through movement, creating amazing pieces of dance that we were so proud of!

Students said the workshops were ‘creative’ ‘eye opening’ ‘fun’ ‘inspiring’ ‘active’ and ‘educational’.

Mia said “it was fun and interesting learning about history in a dance way by hearing someone’s story. I enjoyed the live music, creating dances and working with different people”.

A asked “can you organise more workshops like this Miss?!”

MJ was extremely impressed with the standard of work – the simple motifs using space and inspiration from symbols of Akan Gods made for some fantastic emotive work.