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
Discover the full programme
24 Oct 2026, 2pm - 4pm
Touch The Floor Free
Rich Mix
Mapping the Dance Floor Zine making with Natifah White
Share your dance floor stories through collage, drawing and writing
24 Oct 2026, 6pm - 11.30pm
Touch The Floor
Rich Mix
Memory in Motion
An evening of stories, dancing, music and participation
24 Oct 2026, 1pm - 9pm
Touch The Floor Free
Rich Mix
The Common Space In collaboration with Natifah White, Dwayne Church Simms & Anthea Lewis
A welcoming place to gather, connect and exchange ideas
24 Oct 2026, 1-3pm
Touch The Floor
Rich Mix
Finding Ground Movement Workshop SERAFINE1369
Movement workshop exploring how dancing can connect us to ourselves, each other and the unseen
Venue & Access +
Venue
Rich Mix
35-47 Bethnal Grn Rd,
London E1 6LA
Access information
Rich Mix is an accessible venue, which aims to ensure their events are accessible to as many people as possible.
For access bookings, please call the Box Office to book on 020 7613 7498 or email [email protected]. These are not currently available to purchase online.
Rich Mix offer:
- Step-free access via a ramp at the main entrance on Bethnal Green Road
- Lifts provide access to all gallery, performance, and cinema spaces
- Wheelchair bays are available in all three cinema screens
- Accessible toilets are located on the Ground, 1st, 2nd (next to Screen 2), and 4th floors
- Box Office, Stage, and Studio spaces are equipped with hearing loops. Most hearing aids can connect by switching to the ‘T’ position
- Infrared hearing systems are available in The Studio and in cinema screens. Headsets can be provided on request.
- A portable FM radio system with neck loops and headsets can be provided on request
- Rich Mix accept CEA cards, which allow disabled guests to bring a carer free of charge
There are four accessible toilets in venue with RADAR locks:
- On the ground floor near reception / The Stage / Streetside
- On the first floor by the Cinema Bar and near the Gallery / Cinema
- Outside Screen 2 (2nd floor in the cinema)
- On the fourth floor near The Studio and The Mix space
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