Forge your own path: Sadé Alleyne's vision for the future of dance
In the picturesque setting of the Shepparton Art Museum's Amphitheatre, 21 dance students from VCA are rehearsing for their upcoming performance of 'HOME' at the Shepparton Festival. Leading the group is renowned choreographer and dance industry heavy weight, Sadé Alleyne.
In addition to being the choreographer of 'HOME', Sadé is also co-artistic director of Alleyne Dance, a UK-based company she founded in 2014 with her twin sister, Kristina.
Their innovative approach to storytelling and fusion of diverse dance styles from West Africa, the Caribbean, Kathak, hip-hop, circus, and contemporary dance have earned them international acclaim.
The 'HOME' project, which explores themes of memory and belonging, is the culmination of years of planning and hard work for Alleyne Dance.
"We love to share, perform, teach, and open opportunities for all generations. So, to be here working on a project that combines all these things is a dream come true," says Sadé. "In many ways, this project is more than just a dance show; it's a celebration of the human experience."
Sadé's path to success has not been without its challenges.
As People of Colour, she and her sister had to rise to the challenge of carving a space for themselves in an industry with limited visibility and representation.
"Even though you believe in your passion, and you're following it, it doesn't mean you'll be successful in that," Sadé explains. "We always had that question, what does that mean, following your passion, when there might not even be room for you?"
Fortunately, while studying at Northern Contemporary Dance in the UK, Sadé and Kristina met Kialea-Nadine Williams, who is now a Dance Tutor at VCA, and this chance encounter changed everything.
“Kialea has always been a hero to us," says Sadé. "We first met her while she was dancing professionally with Phoenix Dance Theatre, and the impact she had on us was profound. We resonated with her physically, mentally, and even heritage-wise. She helped us realise there was space for us too, so we just decided to go for it – with full force."
Their decision to pursue careers in dance has since paid off, with Sadé alone having performed in works by renowned choreographers such as Akram Khan, Ultima Vez, and Akiko Kitamura, to name a few. Through Alleyne Dance, she has also toured her choreographies around the world.
For Sadé and Kristina, dance is more than just a passion; it's also about empowering the next generation of dancers to blaze a trail all their own. This sentiment is reflected in 'HOME,' where the focus is not just on creating a stunning performance, but also on creating a legacy.
"I hope that through this process, I’ve instilled in these dancers the need to forge their own path. If people don’t understand what you do, that just means there’s space for you to make it,” Sadé reveals.
“It’s important that whatever the dancers learn through the ‘HOME’ project, that they can take those learnings into future projects, and in whatever they decide to do, whether it’s in dance or something else.”
Sadé's journey highlights the potency of determination and the importance of representation in the arts. As she clears the way for the next generation of dancers, her message remains clear: chart your own course, and make space for yourself.
‘HOME’ premiered to audiences at the Shepparton Festival on Saturday 1 April. Credits:
Choreography: Kristina and Sadé Alleyne
Creation Assistant: Giorgia Gasparetto
Composer: Will Tonna & Giuliano Modarelli
Costumes: Giulia Scrimieri
Dramaturgy: Fiona Graham
Performers: Amy Addison, Zodie Bolic, Chantelle Borg, Eiren Chamley, Stephanie Dixon, Jazmin Griffiths, Bethany Ha, Siobhan Henderson, Ruby James, Emilia Kyprianou, Anastasia Lonsdale, Abbigail Makin, Kathryn Riddoch, Emily Roberts, Mia Theeboom, Harshil Bipinchandra-Vora, Jake Ware, Rory Warne, Emily White, Taylor White, and Carmen Yih.