Black Victorians by Creative Director and Producer Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE is inspired by nineteenth century studio photographs of black men, women and children.
Exploring a complex, but often forgotten black presence in pre-Windrush Britain, this performance calls attention to previously hidden figures and challenges historical and contemporary perceptions.
Picture dancers dressed in restrictive Victorian costumes, shedding them in rebellion as they dance in African, contemporary and hip-hop styles re-imagining a moment in history.
This is an opportunity to experience history as told through choreography.
Creative Director and Producer Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE is a globally respected creative artist. Since starting her journey as Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Bullies Ballerinas Jazz Dance Company, her work has taken her to over 21 countries and has gone down in the Guinness Book of Records. Her unique creative process aims to bring to life the talents, strengths and shared stories of local communities and artists in inspiring and unforgettable ways.
Date: Monday 1st May 2023
Location: Thomas Steers Way, Chavasse Park, Liverpool, UK
On 1st May 2023 1,000 volunteers came together to celebrate Eurovision, Ukraine and Liverpool.
Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE from Jeanefer Jean-Charles & Associates and local choreographers; Lisi Perry and Grace Goulding invited local communities from across Merseyside and beyond to come together to create a vast human artwork - a giant Ukrainian flag and the iconic Eurovision heart, right in the centre of Liverpool at Chavasse Park documenting an unforgettable moment in Liverpool’s history.
Edward Morgan, Executive Director, and Alison Grist, Broadcast Director from Northern Town Film company, captured this mass spectacle using drones and up close cameras to create a 2-minute film which forms part of EuroFestival - celebrating Liverpool as the host city for Eurovision 2023.
With a specially commissioned soundtrack by DJ Walde, and lyrics by Pete Wylie - the message is bold and simple; by standing together in the heart of Liverpool, we welcome the world to the Eurovision Festival 2023.
Jeanefer Jean-Charles & Associates
Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE
Photo credit: David Edwards
Paul Doyle - Co-Choreographer
Kirsten Peters Roebuck - Recruitment Manager
Natasha Khamjani - Show Support
Chloe Robinson - Assistant Dance Artist
Tomo (Christopher) Tomlinson - Movement Assistant
Daz Scott - Jeanefer's Projects Assistant
Julie Karlsen - LIPA Movement Volunteer
Kathryn McEvilly - Movement Volunteer
Mary Lamb - Design Consultant
Molly Lacey Davies - Design Consultant Assistant
Along with 500 individuals from all over the UK, 22 local groups took part in the film, including:
OOMOO - Open Door Charity
The Choir with No Name Liverpool
Men!Dancing! & 50 Moves
Gods Dance Group (Growing Older Disgracefully)
Daisy Inclusive UK
Anchor Women’s Club
The Hammond Dance School Powered by Hip Hop (UC Crew)
Barbara Johnston Stage School
LIPA 6th Form Dance & Musical Theatre
The Dance Depot Theatre School
Batala Mersey
Merseyside Polonia
Jan Williams Theatre School & Christopher Linzie School of Dance
Gateacre School
Create Dance Wirral
7th Liverpool Boys Brigade and Girls Association
Stagecoach Wilmslow
Natalie Green School of Dance
Off The Ground Youth Theatre
George Ferguson School of Irish Dance
LIPA Core Group
For further information about EuroFestival please visit the EuroFestival website.
Jeanefer Jean-Charles & Associates
Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE