A Meeting in Motion
Moving Memory Dance Theatre (MMDT) which challenges preconceptions of ageing, recently joined forces with Hip Hop dancer Bobak Champion and his crew, for a special collaboration at Applause’s HQ at the Southborough Civic Centre.
MMDT has performed in public spaces, festivals and theatres for over a decade. Their members bring energy, enthusiasm and a passion for dance and take part in activities and performances which celebrate the sheer joy of connecting with other people through dance and movement, regardless of age.
Bobak Champion is a professional dance artist, choreographer and theatre maker who is currently touring his show I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik, with his fellow performers. The show uses spoken word, dance, live music and clowning as Bobak tells his story about being British, Iranian, and a Hip-Hop dancer.
The two groups came together thanks to a partnership between Applause Rural Touring and the Rural Touring Dance Initiative (RTDI). To kick off a week-long residency at Applause’s base, Bobak and his team met up with MMDT, who regularly use the Civic Centre for rehearsals.
Programming Lead at Applause Sally Lampitt said: “We were thrilled to welcome Bobak and his team to be artist-in-residence at the Civic Centre as part of our established Artist Development Programme. Residencies like this give artists the time, space, and support they need to create bold, original work and connect with new audiences.”
Together the two groups shared their choreography, took part in improvised sessions and spoke about their personal journeys into dance over a Persian biscuit and a cup of tea.
An inspirational experience
“It was very inspiring” said one of the dancers and another said “we’re so lucky to have had this here today”.
MJ from Moving Memory Dance Theatre said: “It was a wonderful session, thank you to Applause and RDTI for making it happen. I’ve loved hearing everyone’s personal stories. Some people have been told they aren’t good at dance or being creative in their past but it’s about getting together, having fun and showing that anyone can get involved if they want to and really enjoy it.”
Bobak said: “I loved the way we could all contribute something, about ourselves and our different approaches to movement. My show celebrates how we can come together through dance, across cultural divides and that’s something very special in today’s world”.
