Artwork series inspires dance moves to flow

A dance group from Newark is taking part in Dance4’s annual youth dance showcase, which makes its debut at Nottingham Playhouse on February 5 and 6 at 7.30pm.

Clout Youth Dance, run by Barley Green, is one of 21 groups selected to perform self-choreographed work in the Episodes 10 event.

Clout Youth Dance — made up of people aged 15 and over from Newark and the surrounding areas — will perform on the Friday night.

Barley, a choreographer, dance teacher, and filmmaker, said: “We have a passion for high-energy, dance-based theatre.

“We are not afraid to speak with our bodies and move with our souls, creating slick, short dance films and platform pieces.

“The company performs and creates original and ground-breaking works by fusing styles such as contemporary, jazz, lindy hop and street.”

The group has created a dance piece called Stream, inspired by Earth, Fire, Water And Air — a new series of paintings by artist Nikki McKay.

Barley said: “We took these striking images as a starting point for the development of Stream. The piece uses bold, physical imagery, gesture with clout and a little theatrical magic.

Episodes 10 will feature a variety of styles, from street and break-dance to contemporary and traditional.

The groups, picked by judges from around the county, will be joined by special guests to perform pieces including new work by regional graduates and universities.