SPECIAL EVENT: TEiP X SWING DANCE • FREEDOM | Thought Experiments in Public

A special event to explore "FREEDOM" in both our minds and our bodies!

In recent collaborations, we've explored COFFEE, COMMUNITY, and DEBATE through thought experiments and immersive experiences...

This time we're exploring the theme of FREEDOM through Swing Dance and laid-back philosophical conversations.

The evening will comprise two rounds of thought experiments (tiny stories that spark big questions) by Bonny, and two rounds of movement, by Swing Dance experts, Elze and Richard.

No experience, shoes, fancy clothes, or partners necessary. Come as you are and participate as much or as little as you'd like.

The bar will be open before, during, and after the event.

Elze Visnevskyte: Elze is a professional dancer, educator, and choreographer with extensive experience in jazz dance. She has taught and facilitated workshops internationally, empowering dancers through explorations of jazz dance history, inclusion, and the role of dance as a form of self-expression. She has built a swing dance school and community in her home country Lithuania and has created the Hackney Rhythm Studio in London.

Richard Marcel: Richard Marcel is a UK choreographer and creative director, with extensive credits across television, film and the West End. An accomplished Lindy Hop dancer and Swing Dance specialist, Richard trained under internationally acclaimed Lindy Hop expert Ryan Francois and legendary Lindy Hop pioneer Frankie Manning. He began his career performing with Zoots & Spangles, Europe’s leading swing dance company, before touring Japan and Norway with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by John Miller. His swing dance credits include choreography for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, the international stage sensation Burn The Floor, the UK theatre production Come Dance With Me, as well as an appearance in Storm Queen’s music video Look Right Through.

This is a one-off special event with limited spaces. I recommend booking early to avoid disappointment!

More info:

As ever at TEiP events, the aim of the evening will be to have open-minded, thought-provoking conversations with fellow humans, to spark new ideas, and create new connections.

Approximate timing:

• 6:45 - Arrive at the venue, have a drink, listen to some swing music to get in the mood
• 7:00 - Intro by Bonny, Elze, & Richard
• 7:15 - 10-minute warm-up
• 7:25 - First thought experiment - relaxed conversation in small groups of 3-5
• 7:45 - Movement to explore freedom - guidance from Elze and Richard, opportunity to shake things up
• 8:05 - Second thought experiment - find a new group of people and explore the next topic
• 8:25 - Movement to explore freedom
• 8:45 - Votes - optional moment to express your views on some of the questions of the evening.
• 8:50 - Closing remarks.
• AFTERPARTY - continue conversations, listen to music, try out new movements.

Notes on the general atmosphere:

• When discussing thought experiments, the vibe is to let conversation flow rather than stick strictly to one topic.
• While we'd like to talk about 'meaningful things', we also see the value in lighter topics, so don't worry about not being 'deep' enough!

Who should come:
Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts in Philosophy (or dance), it is about doing philosophy. That is, bringing our various life experiences and lenses on the world to group discussions about the human experience, the nature of reality... etc. And in the case of this special event, moving freely :-)

You can get a sense of what our events and community are like here.

Where we'll meet:
This group will be at Bread & Butter Arch in Hackney. The nearest train station is Hackney Central Overground, a 2-minute walk away.

Looking forward to meeting, talking, & moving with you soon!
Bonny, Elze, & Richard

Relevant links:
SUBSTACK - read more about this community and other related stuff
MAILING LIST - stay in the loop
INSTAGRAM - see what our events look like
WHATSAPP GROUP - very occasional announcements

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NB: It is likely that TEiP will move off Meetup at some point in the future. Please join the mailing list if you'd like to stay in the loop (comms will be minimal and you can unsubscribe at anytime): MAILING LIST
#everyonewelcome #newideas #newpeople #inclusivity #openmindedness #greatconversations #SwingDance