PRODUCTIONS
The Unknown Soldier
A Compellingly Captivating Ode To The Black British War Veterans
Presented by Alison Ray Dance Company, The Unknown Soldier explores the personal stories of the brave men and women of Black British heritage and the part they played in Britain’s successful war effort. Told through a variety of dance styles including Lindy Hop, African, Caribbean, and contemporary dance, The Unknown Soldier weaves together visuals and live music to bring the narrative to life, offering a compelling tribute to Black British War Veterans.
“The Unknown Soldier” is more than a performance—it’s a poignant homage to those who served, fought, and triumphed in the face of adversity” – Black Wall St. Media
Touring Now & Coming Soon
INSTALLATION/ EXHIBITION
2ND – 31ST OCT – Swiss Cottage Gallery, London (A collection of images and film of Black servicemen and women from Africa, the Caribbean, and the UK, who served in World War I and World War II. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and partnerships with Camden Council).
2024/25 Tour Dates
OCTOBER 2024
19TH – Trinity Centre, BRISTOL
26TH – Theatre Peckham, London
NOVEMBER 2024
10TH – Royal Air Force Museum, LONDON
FEBRUARY 2025
27TH – Willesden Green Library, LONDON
MARCH 2025
2ND – Albany Theatre, COVENTRY
8TH – Hat Factory, LUTON
“At the heart of The Unknown Soldier lies a captivating blend of dance styles, from the spirited rhythms of African and Caribbean movements to the fast, energetic Lindy hop dance to the poignant grace of contemporary dance”
Cast & Creative Team
Choreography and Concept: Alison Ray MA, Artistic Director of Alison Ray Dance Company
Assistant Choreographer & Rehearsal Director: Theophilous Alade
Dancers: Marion Fagbemi (Dancer & Singer), Stanley Duventru (Dancer), Gaddiel MVUTU (Dancer)
Musicians: Gary Washington (Violin), Papis Mane (Drummer)
Composers: Elle Imani Baglira & Michael Ray
Dramaturgy: Dr Funmi Adewole
Casting Director: Selma Nicholls (Looks Like Me Casting)
Producer: Deborah Baddoo MBE
PR: Carol Ann Walters
Social Media: Iris de Brito
Photography: Aisling Mcgill and Matea Photography
Videographer: Ben Mouloungui
Lighting: Ben Garcia
Costume: Alison Hamiton
Imperial War Museum Film: F/O Weekes 132 Squadron
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
2023 Tour Dates
18th April – Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre
28th April – Bernie Grant Arts Centre, London
2023 Cast & Creative Team
Choreography and Concept: Alison Ray MA
Assistant Choreographer: Theophilous Alade
Dancers: Theophilous Alade, Yannick Mindu and Amarnah Amuludun
Musicians: Elle Imani Baglira and Michael Ray
Acting Company Manager: Rrenford Fagan
Dramaturgy: Funmi Adewole
Producer: Deborah Baddoo MBE
Photo by Matea Photography
Videographer: Ben X
Lighting: Ben Garcia
Costume: Alison Hamilton
Researcher: Donald Campbell Ex RAF Officer
Social Media Manager: Iris de Brito
First performed in 2019 at Shift SKG, AfroDance Xplosion (Rich Mix), Alison Ray Dance Company Online Remembrance Day Performance, and as a digital show for the Black Cultural Archives.
The Resonance of Water
Master of Choreography Trinity Laban Conservative of Music and Dance
“The Resonance of Water” was created in 2015 as part of my final research project exploring the “Image and the live Body,” in collaboration with Wayne Binitie.
Dancers: Aaron Chaplin and Viola Derrico
Dance and Perception
Commissioned in 2015 as part of Serendipity Black History Month.
Performed at The Curve Theatre Leicester as Part of Explores the similarities and differences between dancers of different dance styles and backgrounds.
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Choreographers: Alison Ray
Dancers: Lewis Rhomes , Michelle Buckley and Alison Ray
Performance: Sept 2016 Afro Dance Xplosion South Bank
April 2015 Serendipity Leicester BHM Live
Alison Ray’s performance work, “Dance and Perception”, encapsulates the essence of a shared movement narrative and it’s re-translation, through the dance experience of three performers, who specialise in a variety of styles ranging from ballet and hip hop to African and contemporary dance genres. It is their individual and collective unity of performance that makes this work intriguing and dynamic to watch; wonderful sections of duet and trio motifs fill the stage, and opportune the use of repetition of movement vocabulary that frames a sense of individual/togetherness. An exciting and engaging piece of work that showcases the talents and versatility of the artists, whilst unfolding wider questions about identity and the perception of culture in today’s society.
What Lies Beneath Our Feet
Choreography: Alison Ray
Music: Wayne Binitie & Michael Ray
Dancers: Laverne Wynter, Theophlious Alade, and Alison Ray
2nd-3rd August 2014 Edinburgh Fringe festival ”What lies beneath our feet” @ Spotlite Theatre Hanover Edinburgh
October 2014 Afro Dance Xplosion (WAC)
Music: Wayne Binitie & Michael Ray
Dancers: Kemi Durosinmi, Theophlious Alade, and Alison Ray