On Saturday 23 July 100 dancers will showcase a mass dance performance that celebrates Knowsley’s sporting heritage and forms part of the epic finale to Knowsley’s Sporting Legends Relay.
At 1.15pm and 3pm on 23 July the troupe of dancers, made up of groups from across the borough and wider Liverpool city region, will perform the world premiere of ‘Legends’ to the hundreds of visitors expected to attend Super Sports Day, a FREE event taking place at Eddie McCardle Playing Fields from 12noon – 6pm.
The performance has been choreographed by Liverpool based Grace Goulding supported by the iconic Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE who has previously worked on events such as the London Olympics, World Cups and Commonwealth Games.
The performance will be a spectacular highlight of Super Sports Day which will be a celebratory end to Knowsley’s Sporting Legends Relay – a 6-day event with sporting events happening across the borough to explore and reflect Knowsley’s strong sporting history.
Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE said:
“From the start, when observing the recruitment process for this performance, I have been blown away by the talent here in Knowsley. Grace has created something very special that will be remembered for many years to come. I hope the people of Knowsley, and the wider city region, come to see the performance to see the influence sport has on Knowsley and the bright future of dance and sport in the borough.”
Grace’s choreography references team sports and the crowds that cheer them on. The performance will be a theatrical celebration of sporting heritage and ‘Legends’ draws on individual styles from all the participants to showcase their talents. Significantly the performance looks to the future, using the symbol of the sporting relay baton to celebrate young rising stars taking their place in the next chapter of Knowsley’s sporting history. It will be, accompanied by a soundtrack that uses the voices of the performers explaining what Knowsley means to them and what they love about dance and sport.
Super Sports Day is on from12noon – 6pm on Saturday 23 July at Eddie McArdle Playing Fields, Simonswood Lane, Kirkby. Entry is FREE and we welcome walk-ups but why not CLICK HERE to book to get event updates straight to your inbox.
For more information about Knowsley’s Sporting Relay visit www.cultureknowsley.co.uk/sporting-legends-relay/
Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE
Jeanefer Jean-Charles is a globally respected Creative Director and Producer with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in large-scale performances, opening ceremonies, stadium events, outdoor spectacles, carnivals, and parades. Her work has taken her to over 21 countries and has gone down in the Guinness Book of Records.
As a leading authority in mass movement and public engagement, Jeanefer is passionate about empowering and involving people in activities. Her passion and creativity bring to life the talents, strengths and shared stories of local communities and artists in inspiring and unforgettable ways.
More about Jeanefer’s work can be found on her website www.jeanefer.com
Grace Goulding
Grace is a Welsh Movement Director and Choreographer based in the North West. She is an award-winning artist who creates big hearted performances that champion humanity and celebrate community. 2022 marks Grace’s 15th year in Liverpool with a career that spans regional, national and international work across dance, theatre, education and outreach.
Grace commented: “I’m delighted to be working with Knowsley Council on this ambitious and exciting project as part of its year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture. I have been blown away with the creative and sporting talent of the young people across Knowsley and the vital work their leaders and local heroes do to support them.”
Participating dance groups:
- The Dance Depot
- Urban Queenz
- Jan Williams Theatre School
- Christopher Linzie School of Dance
- The Young Everyman and Playhouse (YEP)
- Liverpool Media Academy
- LIPA 6th Form College
- Knowsley & St. Helen’s School Girls Football Team
