Roots of Rumba

Roots of Rumba comes to Bristol in July as part of a five city tour. The event (established 2013 at Richmix) is a platform for established professionals and emerging Latin dance artists to present Dance Theatre with dances of the African Diaspora at the heart.

During the evening there will be performances from the very best of local, national and international dance theatre representing dance of the African diaspora. There will also be two free introductory workshops in Rumba and Samba taught by Ella Mesma between 6:00pm-7.45pm.

Growing up, Ella often felt her dance forms didn’t get the same respect and opportunity to shine as contemporary and ballet. In response to this she decided to create a festival that allows Afro-Latin theatre a spotlight on the stage.

Roots of Rumba is produced & curated by award-winning dancer and choreographer Ella Mesma. Ella Mesma and her Company have been commissioned to curate for a number of leading arts organisations including Sadler’s Well and they have presented work in a number of highly regarded venues and festivals such as Dance City, Breakin’ Convention and Casa Latin American Festival. Roots of Rumba is supported by funding from Arts Council England and will visit Dance City in Newcastle, Lion Salt Works in Northwich (supported by Cheshire Dance), Yorkshire Dance in Leeds and Richmix in London alongside Bristol.

What is Afro-Latin Dance Theatre?

Afro-Latin Dance Theatre includes: Rumba, Tango, Afro-Cuban; Afro-Brasilian; Samba, Salsa; Capoeira; Baile Funk; Kuduru; Bachata; Hip Hop (many forms were created by the Latin community in the USA), Caribbean dances - including Haitian dance, Dance hall and African dances such as Sabar, Kizomba (as all Afro-Latin dance forms can be traced back to Africa in their roots).

Get Involved:

CPD workshops: Are you an artist in one of the above styles?

Would you like to build a long term relationship with the festival? Are you based in one of the above cities? Would you love to spend a day working with us on your newest piece? We would love to hear from you!

Apply using this form

Local artists and performers:-

Are you an artist in one of the above styles based in the above cities? Would you love to present your work in 2018? Do you have a show ready?

Apply using this form

Dance workshops 6th July :-

6.30pm – 7.00pm: Rumba (with Ella Mesma)

Roots of Rumba Promo 2018 from Ella Mesma on Vimeo.