Travelling Dancers: Cabaret Show was a memorable showcase. One could sense the joyous celebration that was deeply meaningful for each of the dancers, some of whom were on stage for the first time. Curated and performed by SWANA artists, the evening had something for everyone. Ana Gabriela Hernández curated the endearing programme featuring her Bellydance Lab group; a percussion duet by Ana and Seda; Juzour Dance Collective; Politika; a work-in-progress by Lucia; and her own character performance, Venus.
Following her degree in Dance and Anthropology at the University of Roehampton, Ana self-produced the evening at the cosy Kunstraum Gallery. For those not aware, this unique space supports artists with roots in the African and Caribbean diasporas and people of colour across the world. Kunstraum hosts a wealth of community events, including exhibitions, live music, dance, film screenings and spoken word. They also function as a full-production video and photo studio, with facilities and equipment that support artists to create new work.
As a Colombian artist fascinated by a Middle Eastern dance form, Ana is extremely conscious of her heritage. Her fascination with belly dancing began ten years ago, with Shakira popularising the folk form in Colombia. Each of the dancers shared personal stories and the obstacles they faced in accessing spaces where they could express themselves through dance. As community arts practitioners, we require constant self-questioning tools to avoid the trap of cultural appropriation. As a classical dance form removed from its social context, one was left wondering how we could appropriately honour the women who came before us, the hardships they faced and avoid that happening to those who come after us. All the teams presenting their explorations were rooted in the politics of understanding the form, centring joy and movement as a shared community experience.
The evening transitioned from social dance to folk dance to contemporary improvisation, dissolving the categorisations that historically served those attempting to control and create a hierarchy of joy and expression.
Seda delivered unforgettable hand percussion on the darbuka. The five emerging belly dancers making their debut—Rayan, Elif, Sana, Sofia and Nour—presented Mejance, incorporating props and choreography into synchronised movement.
The Juzour Dance Collective centred Syrian and Palestinian rhythms, bringing energetic movement that had the crowd enthusiastically clapping and shouting.
Politika offered poetry exploring her reflections on borders, choreographed with Lebanese pole dancing.
Lucia’s work-in-progress—arriving from within the audience and gently seeking consent to interact with people’s bodies—suited the intimacy of the space. Her exploration of the body as a resilient territory, where past and future collide in unexpected ways, revealed a continuous transformation.
Ana’s performance, Venus investigated the duality of showing up and the fear of being truly seen. We certainly need more spaces, curation and funding to support class-critical discussions around.
Reviewer: AP
Reviewed: 6th December 2025
North West End UK Rating: