Amanda Pefkou / Siren is a London based performing dance artist and maker. Her Cypriot, immigrant lineage and the amplification of hidden stories are the driving force of her artistry. Krump alongside contemporary and Hip Hop movement are her creative languages; spoken through intimate, poignant delivery.
Her craft serves as a socio-political commentary in performance; from krump and Hip Hop theatre to battles, commercial stages and grassroots collaborations. She is passionate to redefine the ‘performing womxn’ in all its expressions and mobilise an intersectional understanding for the experience of displacement and the working class.
Amanda Pefkou / Siren kindly took part in a Q&A and here is what we found out.
How did you get involved in Dance 2 Connect?
I first got involved through word of mouth from fellow artists and friends. I later had the opportunity to be invited to share my craft both on stage and through a workshop last year. I am really looking forward to this year’s festival!
Tell us about your style of dance in the Dance 2 Connect workshops?
Krump is a dance style born in the early 2000’s in South Central, Los Angeles. It is a high intensity dance that requires strength, power, control and a commitment to expressing raw emotions. The movements and facial expressions are often interpreted as anger, aggressiveness or even rage. However, after being familiarised with the dance, the average person will begin to notice and relate to the dancers’ expressions of passion, energy, physical and mental commitment as an outlet for their experiences. Krump is a freestyle type of dance: dancers spontaneously compose with dozens of codified basic movements and elements through an alter-ego.
More than just a dance style, Krump is a culture in itself that consists of basic movements, music, terminology, a dress code, and many other aspects. The different forms of gatherings, such as battles, sessions, shows, and labbs (practice time), allow its practitioners to express themselves at different occasions. Krump was mainly pioneered by Ceasare ”Tight Eyez” Wills and Jo’Artis ”Big Mijo” Ratti who were initially part of the ‘Clowning’ movement.
Krump was birthed and evolved in those settings and has since then expanded worldwide and in different platforms. In its early stages, spiritual connotation was associated to the dance, which explains the acronym of Krump: Kingdom, Radically, Uplifted, Mighty, Praise. (Source:)
My practice is rooted in KRUMP and influenced by my training in Hip Hop and contemporary movement, my values and cultural heritage.
What can participants expect when they take part in your workshop?
Expect an insight into KRUMP foundations, creative tools, exploration and exchange.
What one bit of advice would you give aspiring dancers?
Move from who you are, not who you think you should be. You are valid
Tell us what song always gets you on the dance floor?
‘I’m Every Woman-Chaka Khan’. Timeless!
Join Amanda Pefkou at The Civic on the 8th of July at 6pm for a Master class in the style of Krump. With limited availability early booking is advised. This fun, energetic and informative evening will benefit anyone who would like to improve their skills or start their journey as a dancer.
Workshops are €15 or you can book all 3 for just €35. Participants who take part in the workshops will also receive a FREE ticket for the Dance 2 Connect Dance Theatre Night on Sat 9th July.
Now in its 5th year at Civic, Dance2Connect Street Dance Festival is back with a Summer Edition for 2022!
This year’s festival brings together a host of Internationally acclaimed artists, local talent and communities, for a series of Workshops (Friday 8th), Performances & Street Dance Film (Saturday 9th) and Battles (Sunday 10th).
Dance2Connect offers loads of opportunities to get involved. With an emphasis on creating a platform for emerging choreographers and dancers, intergenerational exchange, inclusion and diversity, all are welcome to come and immerse themselves in this dance culture.
