PROJECTS, PERFORMANCE & COLLABORATION

Between 2010-2019 Iris Directed BATUKE! International Festival in London. It was initially self-funded and in the last 5 years it received funding from the Arts Council of England.

During this time Iris choreographed a yearly performance project with her dance company - Batuke project - presented at the festival. Iris collaborated with international artists, created a platform for artistic development and developed  key partnerships including Nandos, Trace and Sushiraw productions with Kaysha.  BATUKE! also facilitated King's College London Modern Moves research project and welcomed AkomaAsa Performing Arts Academy.

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This event provided a unique opportunity and space whereby Afro-portuguese culture was able to thrive and be represented in the UK on a professional platform. We would like to continue our efforts in developing awareness of Afro-Latin culture. Your donation will play a big part in this possibility. Thank you

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Iris De Brito

What's next?....Iris is currently preparing a performance project on the theme of colorism.

She's also setting up her Batuke Arts in Education company to teach African diaspora dance technique, history and song in schools. 

Watch this space or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know and attend private previews and class offers.

IAs a 2017 /2018 One Dance UK DAD Trailblazer starter I have been developing my choreographic project, researching and being mentored by relevant and highly experienced practitioners in the sector.

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The trailblazer fellowship has allowed me to explore and reflect on my ideas as an artist and draw a mind map of delivering my ideas into completion. 

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Upon my trip to Angola my ideas came into further focus and I'm drawn to choreograph around the theme of broken bonds  of those forced to immigrate to other countries and the emotional challenges that diaspora communities face throughout generations.

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The complete piece will be shared after some research and development time towards the end of the year at a platform produced and promoted through One Dance UK. 

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Follow any of my social networks for updates!

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5 Days in Angola / 2017

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It's a short documentary  (one hour) of my adventure into Angola, around Kizomba and Semba dance culture. As part of the Lisa Ullman travelling scholarship I travelled to Angola with a cameraman - Giulianno from Unikflow Grafik and visited some iconic places where these dances developed. I interviewed local dancers and found out about their opinions on the way these dance forms have travelled and transformed in the diaspora. 

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Contact to view full documentary

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"Vida Di Mar" - Batuke Dance  Company 2016

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This piece was commissioned and performed at Batuke Festival by the Batuke Dance company. 

The work relates to the life of sailors off to sea leaving their wives behind, becoming living ghosts to them who forever live wishing for their speedy return. 

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Music: Melody from Mayra Andrade's Navega

Choreography: Iris De Brito

Performers: Theo, Alvin, Didi, Kemi & Gaelle

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"Rumbera Soy yo" - Rumba Guanguanco Solo 

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This solo is an exploration of the rumba rhythm in all its many layers and meanings. I start by singing live and then "enter" the rhythm. Each drum touch is meant to be interpreted and embodied in the movement vocabulary. The interpretation is lyrical and goes through the different language in Rumba expressed in the song. It's the ability to be one with the drums.

Performed in the International festival circuit.

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Music: Maraca

Choreography: Iris De Brito

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Kizomba Fusion 

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Kizomba is a partner dance from Angola, derived originally from Semba.

This style is currently taking over Salsa all over the world.

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This performance is a fusion between Kizomba and modern movement.

Music:

Choreography: Iris De Brito & Nuno Campos

Performers: Iris De Brito & Nuno Campos