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Breaking Borders Respectfully
Building relationships with creatives and artists can open doors to inspiring collaborations. I experienced this first hand with Sandra Golding, a Somatic practitioner and African Holistic Dance expert. Though I was familiar with her work, it wasn’t until I saw her dancers perform at an art installation that her artistic vision truly resonated with me. Her participation and her work in the Made in Brum Program for Birmingham Festival 23 made a deep impression, inspiring me to pursue a collaboration with her. That opportunity finally arrived in June 2024.
Sandra was leading Crossing Borders Respectfully, a three-day event in Birmingham exploring the intersections of dance across cultures, emphasising African Diaspora and European influences. Sandra, as the UK's leading African Holistic Dance practitioner, hosted this event alongside notable figures in Somatic and dance practices: Martha Eddy (USA), an expert in Somatic Movement and Education; Sylvanus Kwashie Kuwor (Ghana), who introduced choreo-holism; and Jahman Aggrey (Sierra Leone), who led Drumology workshops.
With limited time, just five days spread over four weeks, I was responsible for planning and coordinating logistics, supporting marketing, and ensuring all policies and safety protocols were ready. My background as a producer and college lecturer helped make this challenging timeline manageable, especially since Somatic practices deeply resonate with my personal wellness routines, like meditation and yoga. This alignment made the work feel especially fulfilling.
The three-day event kicked off with a launch and introduction to the facilitators, followed by a powerful libation ceremony. Day two offered meditation, a tranquil session at the Erdington allotments, a canal walk, and a Drumology workshop, followed by a series of sessions on Somatic principles, choreo-holism, and African Holistic Dance. The final day included more dance and Drumology, workshops by Sandra, Martha, and Sylvanus, and closed with reflective discussions.
Throughout the weekend, I was deeply moved by Sandra's approach and how participants engaged with each activity. The environment was alive with movement, music, and learning, providing attendees with a unique opportunity for connection and self-care. Crossing Borders Respectfully was a powerful experience, particularly in the West Midlands, where Caribbean and African dance practices are not widely recognised.
While managing this and another project meant long hours, the event was invigorating rather than tiring. The inclusive, healing atmosphere soothed my chronic health issues, giving me more energy than expected. Producing this event was more than a professional milestone, it was an experience that truly fed my soul.