Ladylike
by Ella Mesma Companydance, physical-theatre-and-circus
In a landscape of Latin and Hip Hop Dance & Culture, four females cluck, fight & undress our preconceptions of what it is to be ‘Ladylike’.
about the production
At the crossroads of hip-hop, latin and theatre, the multi-faceted dance and choreographer Ella Mesma’s ‘Ladylike’ is rooted in the female perspective through the tempestuous and sexually charged dance style Rumba. Four warriors cluck, remember and undress their experiences of pleasure, consent and gender roles. Each finds her own way to challenge, rewrite and celebrate what she makes of ‘Ladylike’ across time and cultures. Described as a ‘stunning and provocative piece’, Ladylike is an absurd, comical, and emotionally charged ritual of dance theatre. In the 20s, chick or hen became slang for woman. Often, like chickens, women are seen as ‘body parts’
about the artist
Described by Graham Watts as “carrying that vital spark of originality” and “dance at its most physical and most sensual”, Associate Dance artist at Dance City 2016-2017, Ella Mesma loves to share her passion for Afro-Latin and Hip Hop Dance Theatre. The Company create dance productions with a focus on social and cultural identity, and like to engage with their audience through discussions, workshops and outreach work, including a new sex education project alongside ‘Ladylike’. Ladylike will premiere at Sadler’s Wells on June 8th 2017. Ella Mesma is currently developing ‘Papillon’, a solo about her experience as a ‘white passing’ person
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stage dimensions
width: 8 metres
height: 4 metres
depth: 8 metres
Link to Tech spec: http://ellamesma.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/LADYLIKE.pdf
Adult, Young Adult, Latin, HipHop, Contemporary Dance, Dance Theatre,
“A powerful display of timeless and current issues that women continue to face everyday” “Absolutely stunning and provocative piece I saw last night , thank you for the inspiration and celebration of your exploration !!!” Audience member- Yorkshire Dance 2016 Completely engaged- enthralling, emotional, inspiring and grounding work” Audience member – London 2015
"Contemporary dance at its most physical and most sensual... a captivating story of female strength and solidarity”
“carrying that vital spark of originality” “A compelling watch” Theatre fullstop “Unabashedly emotional” Sanjoy Roy – The Guardian “The superb Ella Mesma” Donald Hutera – The Times
Accessible
Company Class, Production/Theme based workshops including Sex Education, Gender debates, All Female, Afro Cuban, Performance Based, Contemporary Latin, Breaking (Breakdance), Capoeira, Yoga
£200 per workshop, at the theatre or can travel to schools and dance studios
£2000 Negotiable
