Steppin' On The Blues for Black History Month - Interactive Dance Talks
North Hertfordshire Museum, Hitchin, SG5 1JE
Saturday 10th October 2026 - Saturday 14th November 2026
Steppin' On The Blues is a two-part Black History Month series exploring Black American and Black British dance traditions, their relationship with music, and the communities and experiences that shaped them.
Led by dance artists and educators Korantema Anyimadu and Trisha Sewell, each session combines discussion, demonstration and optional participation, offering insight into dances including Vernacular Jazz, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Jive and Swing, alongside Black British dance styles from Ska and Reggae to Soul, Lovers' Rock, House and Jungle.
Through movement, music and conversation, participants will explore how these dance forms developed, evolved and connected across different places and generations. Attendees are welcome to try some of the movements and rhythms for themselves, but there is no requirement to dance. Participants can join in as much or as little as they wish, and all activities can be adapted for those who prefer to remain seated.
Each session £40
(you are welcome to do one or both sessions.)
Session One
Saturday 10 October, 12.30pm to 4.30pm
The Roots of Vernacular Jazz An exploration of African American Vernacular Jazz dance and its influence on popular dances of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, including Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Jive and Swing.
About the Tutors - Korantema Anyimadu
Korantema is an African American Vernacular Jazz dancer, Lindy Hopper and dance artist with extensive experience teaching and performing across the UK and internationally. She is a member ofCookie and Her Black Mambas and former co-leader of the acclaimed UK dance troupe The London Starlings. As a dance artist with Sadler's Wells East, she delivers inclusive dance programmes in schools and community settings and is the recipient of an Arts Council EnglandDeveloping Your Creative Practice grant focused on African American Vernacular Jazz and Lindy Hop education.
korantema.com
- Aletheia Mashiri
Aletheia is an educator, community champion and founder of Getting Rooted C.I.C. She is a member of the North Hertfordshire African and Caribbean Community. A community gardener, permaculturalist and jazz and swing dance enthusiast, she is passionate about bringing people together through culture, learning and community engagement.
Session Two
Saturday 14 November, 12.30pm to 4.30pm
From Swing to the Black British Experience From the arrival of jazz music and dance in Britain to its development from the 1930s onwards, alongside Black British dance styles from Swing and Ska to Reggae, Soul, Lovers' Rock, House and Jungle.
About the Tutor - Trisha Sewell
Trisha Sewell is a UK-based artist, educator, creative director and dance specialist with decades of international teaching experience. Her work is deeply rooted in Black cultural traditions, musicality and social history, with a particular focus on African American vernacular dance and Blues culture. Known for her warm and engaging teaching style, Trisha combines expertise in jazz, tap, contemporary dance, ballet and music to create learning experiences that are inclusive, expressive and culturally informed.
trishasewell.com
Please note: These sessions are designed for all abilities. No dance experience is required. Participants are welcome to take part in the movement elements or simply observe and enjoy the talks.
Led by dance artists and educators Korantema Anyimadu and Trisha Sewell, each session combines discussion, demonstration and optional participation, offering insight into dances including Vernacular Jazz, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Jive and Swing, alongside Black British dance styles from Ska and Reggae to Soul, Lovers' Rock, House and Jungle.
Through movement, music and conversation, participants will explore how these dance forms developed, evolved and connected across different places and generations. Attendees are welcome to try some of the movements and rhythms for themselves, but there is no requirement to dance. Participants can join in as much or as little as they wish, and all activities can be adapted for those who prefer to remain seated.
Each session £40
(you are welcome to do one or both sessions.)
Session One
Saturday 10 October, 12.30pm to 4.30pm
The Roots of Vernacular Jazz An exploration of African American Vernacular Jazz dance and its influence on popular dances of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, including Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Jive and Swing.
About the Tutors - Korantema Anyimadu
Korantema is an African American Vernacular Jazz dancer, Lindy Hopper and dance artist with extensive experience teaching and performing across the UK and internationally. She is a member ofCookie and Her Black Mambas and former co-leader of the acclaimed UK dance troupe The London Starlings. As a dance artist with Sadler's Wells East, she delivers inclusive dance programmes in schools and community settings and is the recipient of an Arts Council EnglandDeveloping Your Creative Practice grant focused on African American Vernacular Jazz and Lindy Hop education.
korantema.com
- Aletheia Mashiri
Aletheia is an educator, community champion and founder of Getting Rooted C.I.C. She is a member of the North Hertfordshire African and Caribbean Community. A community gardener, permaculturalist and jazz and swing dance enthusiast, she is passionate about bringing people together through culture, learning and community engagement.
Session Two
Saturday 14 November, 12.30pm to 4.30pm
From Swing to the Black British Experience From the arrival of jazz music and dance in Britain to its development from the 1930s onwards, alongside Black British dance styles from Swing and Ska to Reggae, Soul, Lovers' Rock, House and Jungle.
About the Tutor - Trisha Sewell
Trisha Sewell is a UK-based artist, educator, creative director and dance specialist with decades of international teaching experience. Her work is deeply rooted in Black cultural traditions, musicality and social history, with a particular focus on African American vernacular dance and Blues culture. Known for her warm and engaging teaching style, Trisha combines expertise in jazz, tap, contemporary dance, ballet and music to create learning experiences that are inclusive, expressive and culturally informed.
trishasewell.com
Please note: These sessions are designed for all abilities. No dance experience is required. Participants are welcome to take part in the movement elements or simply observe and enjoy the talks.
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