BOOST celebrates London 2012 Open Weekend through song and dance
The three year countdown to the London 2012 Games was launched over the weekend of 24 – 26 July 2009. Luton showcased its talent and ability in a series of free arts and culture events linked to the Cultural Olympiad themes and invited groups across Bedfordshire to join in.
Friday celebrated song, and Saturday was dedicated to dance and talent and announced the winner of “My Olympic Dream” poetry competition.
Lord Seb Coe said “We’ve always been clear that London 2012 is more than just sport. We want to create a Games for the Nation and Games that are accessible to everyone. We created Open Weekend as part of the Cultural Olympiad to enable people to share in the countdown celebrations towards London 2012 but also inspired by the Games to discover new interests and develop their talents.”
Open Weekend was part of the vision for London 2012 to deliver “legacy” and inspire lasting change. The fantastic range of Open Weekend events across the country provided opportunities for everyone across sport, art and culture to try something new.
"Open Up: Ability 2 Sing" was a unique Harmonising workshop to “Ain’t no mountain high enough” by Marvin Gaye was led by Voices with Soul, Lutons X-Factor finalists. Sisters, Corene, Hildia and Grace, from a family of 16 children, have been singing since birth explained “harmonizing” is where the separate ranges of a song come together like pieces of a jigsaw.”
Aaron Soul, a recording artist who was the first UK artist signed to Def Jam UK, taught Luton's freshest talent to write and produce their own song in a 4-hour workshop at the Hat Factory, Luton. Singers included Stephen Anamelechi whose song “I will make it through” inspired from his struggle with depression and suicide and coming through the other side. Brother and sister, Joseph and Renatta Maniski-Luke produced pieces based around heartbreak and being left behind.
Saturday started with an "Open Up: Ability 2 Dance" workshop conducted by Eventaprise. The inclusive class was designed to attract a mixed audience of disabled and abled bodied young people. The participants practiced a routine to Britney Spear’s Womaniser by Carla Holmes, the instructor, who accommodated the range of abilities. Unseen Shadow then performed a magical piece of work which celebrated how disability was no factor in producing tremendous pieces of dance.
The Rampage Ribbon Dance produced by members of the carnival group provided great fun as participants made ribbon sticks and grass skirts and performed a number of dances to soca music in true carnival style.
Talent Show, winners of the £25 Mall Vouchers went to Eleanor Kirkby, for her Irish dancing piece, Isobelle Kirkby for her singing, and Rush productions their dancing.
This project was created by Saundra Glenn, made possible with funding by BOOST and support from the Luton Cultural Services Trust, Diversity Arts Incubation Programme (DAIP), UK Centre for Carnival Arts and Street Dance Productions.
Lloyd Conaway is the Chair of BOOST the group in Bedfordshire and Luton working to realise the benefit of London 2012 to local communities. Says Lloyd Conaway: “BOOST is delighted to be a partner to deliver these tremendous opportunities for young people to inspire and be inspired by London 2012. The Cultural Olympiad is a crucial tool to involve as many people as possible. The “Ability” initiative is a terrific example of people working together to realise the benefits of London 2012 to local communities. The Ability to Dance project was particularly special as it celebrated the involvement of people with disabilities.”
Andy Grays, Director of Arts at the Luton Cultural Trust said: 'The Luton Cultural Services Trust were delighted to have had the opportunity to support the 'Open Up' event in Luton, and welcome the excellent work being undertaken by Saundra Glenn through Nubian Jak Community Trust. The hard work on this event helps raise the profile of culture at a local level and therefore significantly contributes to the ideal of the Cultural Olympiad.'
