Join Chevon Edwards and Rhys Dennis for this afternoon lab, designed as a gentle incubator for movement-based research for and centring those of the Global Majority.
This session invites artists, movers, and curious bodies to gather in a supportive environment to explore communication through touch as a somatic and relational practice.
Through guided explorations, partnered work, and reflective dialogue, we’ll investigate how touch can act as a language — revealing layers of memory, emotion, and connection beyond words. This research-based session places emphasis on consent, cultural context, embodied listening, freedom and joy, inviting participants to contribute to the development of a broader practice in progress.
Come as you are – this is a soft space for experimentation, inquiry, and collective presence.
This research lab came about in response to a lack of opportunity for artists of the Global Majority to dance with each other and exist authentically, particularly within Contact Improvisation spaces. Therefore, this lab is held with the intention of offering space specifically for those of the Global Majority. To learn more, please see a definition below.
Cancellations and refunds
Prices for classes are kept very low and are subsidised by ID in order to support artists to attend. To keep admin manageable for our small team, we don’t offer refunds if you cancel or can’t attend a class, and we can’t transfer your booking to a different class/event. We hope this is understandable. If a class is cancelled or changed by ID however, we do offer refunds/transfers to everyone who has booked.
Rhys Dennis (he/him) is a choreographer, dancer, and intimacy coordinator based between London and Hamburg. His interdisciplinary practice spans theatre, film, photography, and museum work, often rooted in collaboration and movement exploration. Rhys has toured internationally, worked with leading music artists, and facilitated workshops across the UK, Brazil, Africa, and Europe.
Chevon Edwards (she/her) is a dance artist, researcher, and creative whose practice delves into movement, social inquiry, and embodied storytelling. A graduate of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, she has performed with companies including Tavaziva Dance Company and Earth-bound Dance Theatre, as well as with artists Bryony Ella and Dr. Tia-Monique Uzor.
She developed her practice through the Master’s programme at Rambert School, where she was awarded a distinction for her research into deepening somatic experience and experiential performance—work that continues to shape her artistic voice. Chevon’s practice explores the complexities of human behaviour, social dynamics, and audience engagement, striving to blur the lines between performance and lived experience.
Coined by Rosemary Campbell-Stephens, “Global Majority is a collective term that first and foremost speaks to and encourages those so-called to think of themselves as belonging to the global majority. It refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, mixed-heritage, indigenous to the global south, and or have been racialised as ‘ethnic minorities’.”
Independent Dance is resident at Siobhan Davies Studios. To find out more about accessibility and the amenities available within the building please see here.
If you have any questions about the accessibility of our programme and would like to discuss any specific access requirements, please feel free to reach out to us via email info@independentdance.co.uk or by phone on 0207 091 9665, to speak directly to a member of the Independent Dance team. Alternatively, you may phone the main reception at Siobhan Davies Studios on 0207 091 9650.
During the session, all participants are welcome to take breaks, observe, exit and enter the space as they wish. Lounge areas are available on the first and ground floors of the building. Yoga mats, blocks, cushions and ear defenders are available for use. We also welcome you being in contact if you would like to discuss the option of bringing your access support worker. Please speak to a member of the ID team if you require any assistance.