A Grand Stand in the Bandstand
Park Life: The old bandstand in Clapham Common is transformed, for one afternoon only, into a music and dance extravaganza.
October 2008
A crisp autumnal afternoon in Clapham Common was the setting for an explosion of vibrancy, energy and movement as Lambeth College’s celebrated performing arts students performed ‘Bring Da Noise’ in the bandstand.
Students celebrating this year’s Black History Month put the show together for a packed audience treating them to a colourful history of tap, contemporary dance and drama.
Amongst the dance genres explored were the ‘Mooch’ and the ‘Shim Sham’ from the Cotton Club of the roaring 20s and 30s through to modern and contemporary dance. Music by the Temptations, Duke Ellington, Curtis Mayfield and Gil Scott-Heron filled the air around the bandstand in what couldn’t have been more of a contrast to the type of entertainment it has traditionally been used for hosting.
Hot Tap: Professional dance superstar Junior Laniyan performs solo in the bandstand.
Special guest star at the show was the inspirational Junior Laniyan – a very popular tap teacher at the Pineapple Studios in London. Junior can boast a whole catalogue of acclaim to his name. He has performed throughout the world in shows such as Riverdance and the swing concerts of Robbie Williams. On-lookers including fellow cast members, audience and passers-by were left breathless by his performance.
Tutor Ruth Kendrick said: “We stage a show for Black History Month each year and the performances get better and better and more pulsating. This year having Junior as part of the cast is a real boost. His presence in the show has lifted the spirits and aspirations of the students.”
Our performing arts courses will be moving back to Lambeth College’s Clapham Centre next September (2009). A brand new performing arts centre with dance studios and 160-seat theatre is nearing completion in the new Sixth Form Centre. Click here to read more about our new Clapham Sixth Form Centre.
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