What do we carry, and what do we leave behind?
Join Dr Aleema Gray and Stuart Thomas in conversation with cultural producer Dwayne Church-Simms for a discussion exploring how Black cultural histories are remembered, preserved and passed between generations.
Reflecting on memory held in our bodies, photographs, music, objects and everyday rituals, they’ll consider what we choose to carry forward and how those choices shape the stories future generations inherit.
Audiences are invited to listen, reflect and contribute throughout the conversation.
Part of Touch The Floor, a Dance Umbrella event curated by Anthea Lewis exploring the history and evolution of Black British social dance and music cultures. Through talks, movement, music, making and participation, it celebrates the informal spaces where people gathered, connected and created community.
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Dwayne Church-Simms
Artist, Curator & Cultural Producer
Dwayne Church-Simms (he/him)
Artist, Curator & Cultural Producer
Nottingham (UK)
Dwayne Church-Simms is an artist, curator, and cultural producer working across dance, storytelling, and curation.
His practice creates immersive, emotionally charged experiences rooted in embodiment, memory, and human connection.
Drawing from his background as a performer, choreographer, and educator, he develops work that centres intimacy, care, and collective exchange. Alongside his independent practice, he is Producer – Learning on FABRIC’s Centre for Advanced Training in the East Midlands, supporting the next generation of artists and shaping inclusive cultural spaces.
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Stuart Thomas
Dancer
Stuart Thomas (he/him)
Dancer
London (UK)
Stuart is a former Union Dance Company member, specialising in Contemporary Dance, Soul Jazz and Graham technique.
Inspired by martial arts for over 20 years, he developed Martial Dance Fusion. Trained by Charles Augins, Diedre Lovell and William Luther, he has performed, taught and choreographed throughout the UK, Europe, China and the US.
Touch The Floor
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