Breaking Barriers Through Dance: Moving Memory Dance Theatre and Bobak Champion’s Kent Residency
In a vibrant celebration of dance and connection, Moving Memory Dance Theatre (MMDT), a company dedicated to challenging stereotypes about ageing, joined forces with hip-hop dancer Bobak Champion and his crew for a special collaboration at Southborough Civic Centre in Kent. For over a decade, MMDT has brought energy and joy to public spaces, festivals, and theatres, with members who embrace dance as a way to connect across generations. Their performances and activities radiate enthusiasm, proving that movement can unite people of all ages.
Bobak Champion, a professional dance artist, choreographer, and theatre maker, is currently touring his acclaimed show I’m Muslamic Don’t Panik. Through spoken word, dance, live music, and clowning, Bobak shares his personal story as a British-Iranian hip-hop dancer, blending cultural narratives with dynamic movement. The collaboration between MMDT and Bobak’s crew was made possible through a partnership between Applause Rural Touring and the Rural Touring Dance Initiative (RTDI). Hosted at Applause’s base in Southborough Civic Centre, where MMDT regularly rehearses, the week-long residency kicked off with a lively exchange of creativity.
The groups shared choreography, engaged in improvised dance sessions, and bonded over Persian biscuits and tea while discussing their personal journeys into dance. One dancer reflected, “It was very inspiring,” while another added, “We’re so lucky to have had this here today.” MJ from MMDT shared, “It was a wonderful session, thank you to Applause and RDTI for making it happen. I’ve loved hearing everyone’s personal stories. Some people have been told they aren’t good at dance or being creative in their past but it’s about getting together, having fun and showing that anyone can get involved if they want to and really enjoy it.”
Sally Lampitt, Programming Lead at Applause, said, “We were thrilled to welcome Bobak and his team to be artist-in-residence at the Civic Centre as part of our established Artist Development Programme. Residencies like this give artists the time, space, and support they need to create bold, original work and connect with new audiences.” Bobak echoed this sentiment, stating, “I loved the way we could all contribute something, about ourselves and our different approaches to movement. My show celebrates how we can come together through dance, across cultural divides and that’s something very special in today’s world.” The residency highlighted the power of dance to bridge differences, leaving a lasting impact on all involved.
Image credit Applause Rural Touring