MK Dance Educators Network
The MK Dance Educators Network is an exciting new initiative from MÓTUS Dance to provide space for those working in dance education in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas to upskill, connect and share ideas.
The diversity of those working in dance education in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire is vast, but what binds us is our love of dance and its positive influence on young people. Feedback tells us that dance educators often work in siloed settings and enjoy opportunities to connect with like minded people and enhance their practice.
MÓTUS Dance aims to support dance educators with a high quality platform, primarily being once-a-term in person MK Dance Educators Network Sessions. All those working in dance education are welcome, including teachers in and out of school settings, outreach managers and community dance practitioners.
What to expect
Elements of the MK Dance Educators Network Sessions will include:
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Practical dance workshops with leading dance practitioners
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Q&A sessions talking with artists, guest speakers and other educators about key topics including creating dance, inspiring young people and advocating for dance
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Networking with other dance educators in the region, offering a space to share upcoming events and opportunities
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Receiving updates from the MÓTUS Dance team about upcoming opportunities for children and young people in your networks
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Exclusive ticket offers and social events
In addition, a dedicated web page on MÓTUS’ website will offer a platform for those taking part in the Sessions to share links to our audience, offering a comprehensive guide for those looking for dance experiences in the area.
MK Dance Educators Network Session 1
With Bawren Tavaziva, Tavaziva Dance
Date: Friday 22 November 2024
Time: 430-7:00pm
Location: Arts1, 1 Danbury Court
Linford Wood, Milton Keynes
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Watch Observe an exclusive sharing of Bawren Tavaziva's solo Natural Born Suit, being toured in 2025
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Discuss Take part in a Q&A about the solo, exploring Bawren Tavaziva's creative approach
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Dance Join a Tavaziva Dance workshop exploring creativity and technique
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Connect Meet the MÓTUS team and other dance educators from the area and share opportunities and events
Thanks to Arts1 for their
support of this project
Bawren Tavaziva, photo Jevan Chowdhury
About Bawren Tavaziva and Tavaziva Dance
2024 marks the 20th anniversary of Tavaziva Dance, founded by Artistic Director Bawren Tavaziva in 2004 after working as a dancer for companies in Zimbabwe and the UK.
Bawren Tavaziva was born in a rural village in Zimbabwe. As Bawren reached his teens he was drawn to a dance programme that targeted talented under-privileged youngsters. Classes were given in the townships in contemporary dance, traditional dance and ballet, and Bawren was soon selected to join extra classes for the most talented.
At 18, Bawren became an apprentice for Tumbuka Dance Company, touring Africa and Europe for five years. In 1998, he moved to the UK, where he performed with Phoenix Dance, Union Dance Company, Jazzxchange, Carol Brown, and Sakoba Dance Theatre.
In 2004, Bawren’s choreography was selected as one of five finalists in the UK’s prestigious Place Prize, and as a result of his choreographic success, Bawren formed Tavaziva Dance in the same year.
2024 marks Tavaziva Dance’s 20th anniversary, and the Company’s celebrated productions include: BOY’S KHAYA (2021-23); Izindava (2017-19) “spellbinding” (LondonDance.com); Africarmen (2015-17) “the
dancers are dynamite” (The Guardian); Tavaziva Ten (2014) “real dynamic fireworks of movement” (London Dance); Sensual Africa (2012); Wild Dog (2010); Heart of Darkness (2009); Chatsva (2007); Bophelo (2006); and Soul Inspired (2005).
About the Solo Sharing
To mark the company's anniversary, Bawren plans to return to the stage after many years with a solo performance reflecting on his arrival in the UK and his subsequent creative journey. Profound in meaning and elegiac in tone, Bawren’s new piece, for which the working title is 'Natural Born Suit', will be the work of a unique and mature artist working at the height of his powers.
As part of his choreographic and spoken word research and development for his new piece, Bawren will present an early excerpt from 'Natural Born Suit' as a work in progress for Motus Dance Educators Network and invites audience feedback as a welcome contribution to his creative process.
About the Workshop
Bawren will also lead a 90 minute workshop which will provide an opportunity for dancers to explore his expressive and rhythmic choreographic style, which combines the aesthetic line of contemporary dance and ballet with the rhythmic patterns of African dance.
This will be a stimulating and engaging practical introduction to a distinctive type of work in an energetic, enjoyable and supportive environment. No previous engagement with the Company’s work is required.