What is the ESCAPE Dance UK Weekender?

Anthony "A.D." Duncan

A.D is a professional dancer with credits including Leona Lewis & Flawless Ent (Britain’s Got Talent 2009), Street Dance Movies 1 & 2, Nike, Reebok and Ford.

Coming from a predominantly Hip-Hop & commercial dance background A.D uses his years of Knowledge, Stage Experience and Musical Honesty when delivering classes & Workshops.

Fusing his passion for, music, dance and his innate ability to inspire and motivate, his prime focus is elevating people whether that be by sharing his dance knowledge or just his infectious energy. There’s something for everybody.

Iona Waite

Born and raised in Birmingham Iona Waite is a professional dance artist and teacher. Iona trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and is a company dancer and Education Manager at ACE dance and music. With over 15 years’ experience of performing and teaching Iona is bringing her distinctive Afro-Fusion flair to this year’s Escape. Iona’s contagious energy will get your feet stomping, torso undulating and rocking away to the sweetest tunes under the sun!

DJ G-ZEE

Jessie Gayle, also known as DJ G-ZEE is a freelance DJ & Music Teacher who is very passionate about sharing his knowledge with the wider community. With over 15 years experience, he has a very technical style DJ foundation as well as a great understanding of music selection. Some of his recent DJ work includes working with or alongside some of the biggest names or companies in the music industry.

Folk Dance Remixed

Folk Dance Remixed is a fresh, quirky, colourful and magical collision of traditional and Hip Hop dance and music: high-energy, with a unique remix of Clogging, Ceilidh, Street and House, with a soundtrack of fiddle & beat box – this is Folk and Street Dance like you’ve never seen it before!

Folk Dance Remixed is a groundbreaking company creating unique fusions between Folk and Hip Hop styles with live music. Artistic directors and dance artists Kerry Fletcher and Natasha Khamjani were brought together by East London Dance to explore and create new ideas and concepts using the traditional vocabulary of folk dance expressed through the voice of contemporary street dance styles, and create a current and relevant fusion as a platform for outstanding performance and participation activities.

Paradigmz

Performance Artist, Poet, Teacher and Choreographer, Paradigmz has worked with a diverse array of choreographers across contemporary and classical African Peoples Dance, as well Jazz and Hip Hop and Modern Dance Forms. It includes artists and companies like Sakoba Dance Theatre, Jackie Guy, (Norman Rubber) Stephenson, Bullies Ballerinas, Irven Lewis, Kwesi Johnson, Stuart Thomas, Benji Reid Jonzi D, and Lloyd Newson (DV8 Physical Theatre).

Paradigmz has worked internationally with several companies. He was a guest dancer for Jan Hveding in Oslo Norway, and Movements Dance Company in Jamaica, as well as a core member of Garth Fagan Dance in New York for a season.

Paradigmz choreographed works on himself as well as his own company London Diaspora Dance Theatre (which he created between 2004 and 2009) from 2001-2013. Choreographing a diverse repertoire based on experiences working with various choreographers and independent primary research and experimentation.

Paradigmz is now a freelance teacher of various dance forms, as well as adviser, and mentor, to new and aspiring choreographers.

Cherilyn Albert

Cherilyn Albert is a dance teacher and choreographer who draws on all parts of her classical, hip hop and contemporary training. After graduating from Middlesex University in Choreography and has formed her own dance company Instigate Unknown who have presented work at venues such as Southbank Centre, EXCEL London and The Place. As performer she has worked in various capacities for Wayne McGregor, Alexandra Seutin and Hofesh Shechter. Cherilyn is committed to pushing the popular aesthetic of dance, welcoming new audiences and empowering people to find their own movement.

Josie Norman

Principle and teacher of Reading School of Dance. Josie started dancing at the age of 9 years old. She went on to join Impact Dance in London with the amazing Hakeem Onibudo. She also studied dance full time at a dance school called The North London Dance Studios. Josie went on to dance professionally for a couple of years before setting up Reading School of Dance in 2013. Josie is an IDTA Qualified dance teacher and fully trained Zumba instructor.

Josie became a Zumba instructor in 2012 and has loved every minute of it. The thing she loves the most about Zumba is that it is so much fun that you don’t even realising you are working out. Ditch the workout and join the party!

Ashleigh Trezise

Ashleigh began dancing aged 10 under the tutelage of Arlene Phillips and joins a long line of Matt Mattox based jazz teachers who have studied directly from the maestro himself in Paris and at his studio in Perpignan France.

Formerly a commercial and cabaret dancer Ashleigh toured the UK before moving to Asia to join Bangkok Dance Company and work internationally in theatre, film and TV.

With over 20 years teaching experience, her unique style of Jazz is rooted in classical ballet and fuses lyrical contemporary and theatre jazz.

Her technique classes are structured using isolation work and rhythmic syncopation which are core elements of the Mattox method.

Ashleigh has taught at The Place, Arts Educational, London Studio Center and Danceworks. Ashleigh is also a freelance arts and events producer and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

‘I’m so excited to be teaching on the Escape Dance Holiday for their special 10th Anniversary! I attended last year and there really is something for everyone! You can train, relax, socialise and recharge. I can’t wait!’.

Party n Paint

Introducing London’s Hottest Paint Party! Party n Paint events are fresh and inspiring and make a great alternative night out. We believe that everyone has a creative flair and offer a fun platform where all can enjoy creating a masterpiece.

We host vibrant and colourful events that gives you the chance to create your very own artwork, in a relaxed and fun space full of paints, art materials, music, creative energy and buzz. Our events are all for all levels and welcome those who haven’t picked up a brush in years! Run by our trained artist and tailored Party n Paint Hosting Team we offer you on hand guidance, encouragement and party vibes to get you partying while you paint.

Check out their: Website / Instagram / Facebook

Bradley Charles

Having started dance professionally over 15 years ago, his experience has allowed him to perform both nationally and internationally. He has worked with some of the top commercial and underground artist in the entertainment industry.

He has been able to perform and choreograph for some of the leading UK dance companies such as Impact Dance, Zoonation’s “Into The Hood” West End run, Boy Blue Entertainment Laurence Olivier award winning company and Flawless UK dance group to name a few.

Bradley has always been humbled by his successes and names staring as a lead character (Frankie) in the 1st UK Street Dance cinema released film STREETDANCE3D, as well as, performing and choreographing for the Opening Ceremony 2012 Olympic games as his career highlights to date.

Fun, energetic and dynamic, Bradley’s dance style is hard to miss as well as his beaming characteristics when he’s performing.

Kloe Dean

Kloé Dean founder of Myself UK Dance Company has performed in as well as choreographed numerous productions, showcases and competitions around the world. She has an array of dance credits including Worldwide Street Dance Sensation ‘Blaze – The Show’, Nike, The Jungle Book, professional cast member of London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony and dancing in videos and live performances with music artists such as Rag N Bone Man, Jenifer Hudson, Rita Ora, Years and Years and Bluey Robinson.

Kloé has presented with her own work on many platforms including; Ladies of Hip Hop at the Alvin Ailey Theatre, New York. Alliances Urbaines in Paris, Denmark’s Sub Urban Festival – Copenhagen, HHI in Las Vegas, Breakin Convention at Sadler’s Wells London as well as TV appearances on Channel 4, CBBC, ITV, Sky 1 and BBC for the Queen’s Coronation celebration at Buckingham Palace.

Proudly representing Hip Hop Dance along with a range of other Steet Dance styles, Kloé teaches regularly being resident teacher at Pineapple Dance Studios, Studio 68 London and Rambert. As well as teaching both nationally and internationally over the past 10 years.

CLICK HERE TO SEE KLOE IN ACTION!

DJ Davy Diamond

DJ Davy Diamond is from London UK. Davy started DJing playing at house parties with his own custom-built sound system inspired by DJs such as Cash Money and Jazzy Jeff. Davy is known for his unique mixing turntablism style and has held residencies in some of the most prestigious clubs in London. Kanye West heard Davy DJing at a show in London asked Davy to DJ at 6 concerts with him. In 2010 Davy was head hunted by the Gorillaz to be their video mix DJ on a European tour. Davy is currently developing his cutting-edge video mixing for high end events.

CLICK HERE TO SEE DJ DAVY DIAMOND IN ACTION!

DJ Venxm

Venxm (pronounced VENOM) is a music enthusiast with many talents relating to sound. He DJs, produces original music for himself and the likes of Nina Hudson, and creates remixes that set the dance floor ablaze.

When behind the decks Venxm’s creative style of mixing and eclectic knowledge of modern music really gets the party going. Over the past 5 years he has played a variety of gigs up and down the country such as; MOVE IT, 4X4 Dance Championships, Film Premiers, Live Vibe, and he has two Escapes under his belt. The experience of playing to these diverse crowds keeps his style and taste accessible.

Theres an urban legend that “Music doesn’t sound the same without Venxm!”

Rebecca Leslie

Responsible for social media, communications and content.

Rebecca Leslie trained at London Studio Centre. After graduating, she freelanced as an arts administrative in organisations who specialised in working with young people such as WAC Arts, Step Into Dance and Community Focus. Rebecca went on to apply for the role of Impact Youth Academy manager. On successfully being appointed, Rebecca has been coordinating the youth academy for the past 6 months exhibiting strong organizational skills and efficiency in running the academy. Her knowledge of young people and expertise in liaising with parents puts her in as strong position to support this project.

Having worked alongside Rebecca since February 2018, Onibudo and Jarrett felt like she would be a great and seamless addition to the ESCAPE team.

“I’ve seen the infectious energy that ESCAPE has created around peers and I needed to be a part of this. It isn’t every day you get to work with a company where their values match your own personal morals. To be in a community of likeminded people that are positive, open and adventurous makes working with Escape a holiday a must.”

Paige Jarrett

Responsible for operational, strategic & sales/booking.

Paige Jarrett is a graduate from Kingston University and worked alongside Onibudo as the Trainee Producer at The Place on the Arts Council Funded Changemakers Programme in September 2017 – April 2018. Paige has also worked on Ignition Dance Festival produced by DanceWest (2016 – 2018). During her role at the Place, Paige was responsible for producing 3 major events including LIVEVIBE, MIXIN’ MEDIA and TUNE-D IN. Paige is now a on her way to establishing herself as one of the new leaders in the arts and can seemlessly fills the role of any creative producer within any high-level arts organisation.

Why ESCAPE?

“In 2018, I came onboard ESCAPE as Operations Manager, coordinating everything behind the scenes for the getaway. I went into this role blind having never been to ESCAPE before but trusting Hakeem’s vision and all the positive testimonies I had heard. Going into 2019 I was asked to come onboard again, and let’s just say I did not hesitate to say yes. ESCAPE is an unforgettable and almost indescribable experience. It enables me to reconnect with dance on a practical level, meet so many people from various walks of life, and enjoy a holiday on a beautiful island. Whilst it is work, I still find myself able to recharge and refocus my energy and equip myself with the management skills needed to tackle situations at home; whether it be work or personal. ESCAPE will become an annual experience for me. “

Hakeem Onibudo

Responsible for the artistic direction of the event and the ESCAPE experience, as well as one of the ESCAPE teachers.

Why ESCAPE?

“I love seeing people come together, I love seeing people making new friends and I love entertaining people. This has been a major part of my work for the past two decades. Having taught on fitness and salsa weekends myself I always wondered what it would be like if we created a magical week where people could dance, dance and dance some more in the company of like-minded people. I realized there were a lot of fitness-based holidays but nothing that represented my origins of Hip-Hop dance and encapsulated dances of the African Diaspora as a whole. 9 amazing holidays later we are getting ready to embark on our 10th Anniversary!. The feedback I receive from people who have attended is very moving – Friends for life, even marriages have occurred – (not to say we are trying to emulate tinder!) Also, the amount of people who have returned three, four, fix, six times is a testament to the holiday and the special customer service we as a team deliver. I hope we can welcome many more people to future ESCAPE holidays.”

Andrea Queens

Andrea Queens is a versatile artist who wears many hats. A Performer, Creative, Founder and Director of AQ Arts London.

Her love of Dancehall stems from her childhood, specifically her family and community meet ups where the first thing you’d do on arrival is teach, learn and compete to see who can buss the latest dance!

Andrea then took this love of Dancehall and Caribbean folk dance into her career as a dancer and choreographer. Dancehall continues to inspire her in hip hop, contemporary and of course dancehall shows for various dance companies and clients.

Andrea has been blessed to share this part of her culture by teaching both dancers and local communities.

Vicki Igbokwe

Vicki Igbokwe is creative director, choreographer and founder of Uchenna Dance, a dance company, based in London, UK. Uchenna’s vision is to be the ‘go to’ company for all things dance and leadership on a global scale.

Vicki’s work focuses on empowerment, entertainment and education through the creation of dance theatre productions, coaching, dance-based empowerment workshops, public speaking, and teaching in further and higher education.

In addition to being the creative director and choreographer of Uchenna Dance, Vicki works as an independent choreographer, movement director, lecturer and facilitator. She is a trustee for One Dance UK, the UK body for dance, and an associate artist at The Place, the UK’s premiere centre for contemporary dance.

Career highlights include a sponsorship deal with Nike (2005-2010) and work as a Mass Movement Choreographer for the London 2012, Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies, Glasgow 2014 commonwealth games opening ceremony and the Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games opening and closing ceremonies.

What is the ESCAPE UK Dance Weekender?