G.O.D.S Black History Month Project Caribbean Funk Dance Workshop

For this workshop, Merville Joneswill draw upon his influences of working with Phoenix, Kokuma, Adzido and Peter Badejo, using the energy, passion and spirituality drawn from reggae, calypso, and African Dance forms. He will take participants on a cultural journey of excitement and energy! Find your carnival spirit in this high-energy dance class that blends African dance with the warmth and rhythms of the Caribbean. This workshop will be accompanied by live drumming and carnival sounds!

Merville was one of the founding members of Phoenix Dance Company and has since gone on to perform with Scottish Ballet, STEPS OUT, RJC Dance Theatre and Nubian Steps. During his 32 years in the dance industry, Merville has been a teacher at Hammond School, Assistant Artistic Director of Kokuma Dance Theatre, Artistic Director of M&EM Dance Company, Bucks Dance and North East Wales Dance. He has choreographed a vast number of dance works for professional dance and theatre companies, youth and community dance groups. Merville now lives in Swindon and is Artistic Director of Dansconnet and a freelance dance teacher for their Youth Dance Academy Centre of Advanced Training, BTEC performing arts scheme, Talent Development and youth and community dance programmes. He also teaches at Bath ICIA.

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For the month of October, Glasgow Open Dance School (G.O.D.S) is hosting an exciting programme of events for Black History Month: an annual celebration of people and events in the history of the African diaspora. Through a series of one off dance workshops and film screenings, we will explore a selection of the inspirational origins and developments of black dance styles. From Vodou to 'Thriller', we invite you to MOVE through history with us!