Kente, the new khaki

This year marks sixty years of Ghana independence. 

Last Friday Dr Malika Kraamer enlightened me by sharing some fascinating facts about Ghanaian heritage and how it is expressed through the intriguing and wide world of Kente cloth.

From its influence on the African fashion industry to it's political use it is safe to say the world of Kente cloth is a wide and complex one. 

Thank you, Dr Kraamer for opening my eyes to this culture at such an important time as this. Sixty years of Ghana independence is something to be celebrated and what better way than through a textile business that has so much history and heritage?

Now, where can I buy some Kente cloth?

 
Bethany Shirtcliffe

A Businessman, Buddhism and Break-Dancing

Kizuna Dance offered three unique and absolutely mesmerising pieces of exciting choreography on Wednesday 28th February.

The male dancers in the first piece 'Koibito' were on point. Their timing and energy never dropped and the emotion was believable the whole way through. The narrative of "a businessman struggling to balance his drive to succeed with a desperate desire to rediscover intimacy" was powerfully depicted through the blend of contemporary, hip-hop and house. 

I don't know how the company was able to feel so personal and understandable while they explored the three sins of Buddhism through their piece 'Three Poisons'.

As a dancer I was blown away by their levels of energy and strength through all three dances! I particularly loved the way they slipped into the breaking and house dance.

Kizuna are a company to watch out for. Don't miss out when they next come back to DMU! Come back soon, Kizuna! 


Bethany Shirtcliffe

Kizuna Dance Company are coming to DMU!

All the way from NYC Kizuna Dance, led by Cameron McKinney, are coming to give an exciting and exclusive performance in our PACE building at De Montfort University, Leicester. The performance will include the European premiere of their latest dance piece Koibito and Hitsuzendo, a piece inspired by Zen Buddhism and Japanese calligraphy. 

McKinney founded the Kizuna Dance company in 2014 with the aim of creating works that celebrate Japanese language and culture. Hip-hop, house, and contemporary movements create an original blend of physicality, humanity, humour, and intricacy.

You don't want to miss out on this amazing opportunity to see the Kizuna Dance company wow us with their "compositionally fascinating”, “beautifully crafted”, and “intricately detailed” work (Stewardship Report).

There are still some tickets left but get them quickly, before they all go!

Book your tickets here! 

Bethany Shirtcliffe