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East London dancers prepare to misbehave at UEL’s Mayfest extravaganza

Friday 21 April 2006

The University of East London (UEL) Docklands Campus is currently inspiring a group of local amateur dancers, aged 11 to 93, as they rehearse a specially created and choreographed East London Dance performance to be showcased at UEL’s free Mayfest arts extravaganza on Thursday 4 May.

Over 20 dancers from East London Dance’s youth, adult contemporary and over-50 dance groups have been exploring memories of school days for the performance, Let’s Misbehave!, which will form part of an exciting programme of events aiming to bring together the work of UEL staff and students, local school children and community groups in a celebration of culture and creativity.

Bettina Strickler, a freelance choreographer working on the Let’s Misbehave! project, said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant working with this enthusiastic, inter-generational group of dancers. It’s a big challenge for all of us, but we’re rising up to it brilliantly and having a laugh along the way.

“As well as finding out about each other’s memories of school days, we’ve also been focussing on preconceptions that old and young people might have about each other and the extent to which those stereotypes hold true.”

Eileen Sheppard, a Redbridge resident who has taught in Newham for many years at both Royal Docks School and UEL itself, said: ”I got involved with East London Dance a couple of years ago through taking part in a project for teachers who wanted to help students with special needs learn to dance properly. I've stayed involved because projects like Let’s Misbehave! offer such wonderful opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, cultures and colours to work together, dance together, and get to know each other.”

Another dancer, Leive Carchon, originally from Belgium but now living in Pimlico, added: “I’m usually an actor, but working with East London dance has really helped me to gain greater awareness of my body, my posture and my creativity. I’m especially enjoying this project because the location’s great, the choreographers are sweethearts and the music’s groovy. And, of course, it’s a great way to keep fit!”

Other highlights of Mayfest 06 include art and photography exhibitions, music, dance, poetry, and literature performances, and a range of seminars exploring the rich history and future development of the Docks.

Let’s Misbehave! will be performed at 3, 5 and 7pm in the main atrium building at UEL’s Docklands Campus on Thursday 4 May. For further details, visit www.uel.ac.uk/mayfest or www.eastlondondance.org

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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