Name: IRIE! dance theatre
Address: Moonshot Centre Angus Street, London, ENG, SE14 6LU, GB
Telephone: 02086916099

Championing
Black Dance and Culture in Britain

We are Britain’s leading dance theatre company working in the field of African & Caribbean dance fusion. Founded in 1985 by Beverley Glean with the principal aim of heightening the profile of Black dance in Britain, the company set out to create a repertory of works reflective of the African Caribbean influence on the Black British cultural experience.

The Moonshot Centre: IRIE! Dance Theatre's Home

The Moonshot Centre is the dedicated community and performance home of IRIE! dance theatre. For over four decades, we've demonstrated an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and the social empowerment of our community.

Through the power of African and Caribbean dance and performance, we connect artists with the community of Deptford and Lewisham. We enable people of all ages to tell their story to the world, celebrating the profound cultural heritage and vibrant future of the area.

Beverley Glean MBE: Champion of African and Caribbean Dance

Beverley Glean MBE is the visionary founder and Artistic Director of IRIE! dance theatre, a choreographer, and an academic pioneer who has championed African and Caribbean dance for over four decades.

Motivated by the need to increase the visibility of Black dance in Britain, Beverley established IRIE! in 1985. The company immediately set out to create a repertoire that reflected the profound African Caribbean influence on the Black British cultural experience.

Beverley’s work extends far beyond the stage; she is a ground-breaking educator.

She led the research and development that resulted in the BA (Hons) Diverse Dance Styles degree the first UK course of its kind to place African, Caribbean, Contemporary, and Urban dance techniques on an equal footing. This initiative has been crucial in breaking down institutional barriers and integrating Dance of the African Diaspora (DAD) into mainstream Higher Education.

As a cultural leader and the driving force behind the Moonshot Centre, Beverley’s dedication has transformed lives, communities, and the dance sector itself. Her persistent focus remains on using the art form as a powerful tool for social empowerment and cultural understanding.