IRIE! dance theatre

The UK's home for African & Caribbean Dance The company was founded in 1985 with the principal aim of heightening the profile of Black dance in Britain. IRIE!

To this end the company created repertory reflective of the African/Caribbean influence on the Black British cultural experience. The company's musical orientations are drawn from African and Caribbean traditional drumming and percussion, Reggae and Ragga, Calypso and Soca. And, since its inception, IRIE! has:

~ Created over 20 dance works for touring nationally and internationally,
~ Worked with

thousands of young people in a variety of settings, and
~ Collaborated with and or created partnerships with a diverse range of organisations and institutions offering the value of its expertise and experience. In 1998, IRIE! established and delivered the UK's first and only Diploma in African & Caribbean dance. This full-time accredited training programme was delivered in partnership with City & Islington College and Birbeck University of London. The company no longer offers this Diploma programme but instead now offers a Foundation Degree in Dance which is delivered in partnership with City & Islington College and London Metropolitan University. Students on this programme will have the opportunity to (http://bit.ly/DFDFactsheet) study African, Caribbean, ballet and contemporary dance techniques, get professional input from established dance theatre professionals and progress directly onto the honours year at London Metropolitan University. dance theatre was originally based at well-known community centre and performance venue, The Albany in Deptford. However, in 2006 IRIE! relocated to the newly refurbished Moonshot Centre in New Cross. Moonshot is equipped with two large dance studios, shower and changing rooms, a library and archive space, cafeteria, teaching and meeting rooms among other facilities making it ideal for the delivery of the Dance Foundation Degree programme and other artistic activities. IRIE!’s vision is to make Moonshot an exhilarating and fascinating place for the local community and professional artists to learn about dance, its diverse nature, and how we can all benefit from being involved in dance and dance-related activities.

13/07/2026

Our friends at Dear all New Cross Fire Foundation and Gone But Not Forgotten Family are holding this Family Day on Saturday 25th July 2026 - 12:30pm to 7:30pm

The event is being held as many in our community have unresolved trauma as a result of the tragic event in 1981, up until this very day.

Please pass through if you can for opportunities to see old friends, rebuild our wonderful community resilience, and have conversations to help us to heal. Please share if you can 💛

08/07/2026

Still thinking about joining us to complete your BA?

If you have completed a year 1 and 2 of a dance degree - come and join Year 3 of the BA(Hons) Diverse Dance Styles.

Foundation degree students are also eligible to apply.

Year 3 is an employment year where students get the opportunity to join Connectingvibes (Year 3 touring Company) and devise their own Independent project, whilst working alongside members of IRIE! dance theatre, the professional performance company.

All enquiries [email protected]

22/06/2026

Come and support our community programme fundraiser which helps to keep our workshops going and accessible to our community users across generations.

-IRIE! Youth Company
-IRIE! Adult African Dance Class
-IRIE! BA& MA Students

There will be African Dance and Drumming Workshops for all ages.

🗓️ Friday 3rd July 7pm - 9pm
📍IRIE! dance theatre, New Cross, SE14 6LU
🎟️ Book now via link in bio

13/06/2026

This summer is set to be a HOT one!

Our collaboration with the Barbican is in progress!! We are proud to be a part of the landmark project A Black Planet, a powerful season celebrating Black creativity, heritage, storytelling, and cultural expression through dance, music, and Carnival.

Join us for a vibrant series of events exploring rhythm, memory, movement, and community across London.

📅 27 June | STORIES OF PANAFRICA

🕜 1:30 – 2:15pm
ROOTS, ROUTE AND RHYTHM
Join African Dance lecturer, choreographer and musician Nii Kwartey Owoo on the Conservatory Terrace for an uplifting celebration of dance, movement and storytelling inspired by African traditions and contemporary expression.

🕞 3:30 – 4:30pm
MEMORIES FROM STORYTELLERS & GRIOTS
Join Beverley Glean, IRIE! Artistic Director, Shea Best, Artist-in-Residence, and community leaders from across London for powerful conversations and stories exploring the music, dance, costume and cultural traditions at the heart of Carnival in the UK.

📅 4 July – 8 August | Saturdays (11 am - 1 pm /1 pm - 3 pm)
SANKOFA COMMUNITY CARNIVAL WORKSHOPS
Step into the rhythm of Carnival! Adults (18+) are invited to a series of immersive, Carnival-inspired dance workshops led by expert practitioners. Connect, learn, and move together—culminating in a spectacular performance on 16 August.

📅 16 August
SANKOFA COMMUNITY CARNIVAL @ THE BARBICAN
Be part of the Carnival itself! Participants will join the Sankofa Carnival Band in a vibrant procession through the Barbican. Dress rehearsals take place on 13 & 14 August.

✨ SAVE THE DATES. BOOK NOW. COME MOVE WITH US. WE WANT TO SEE YOU THERE! ✨

08/06/2026

Hurry don’t miss this opportunity!
If you have completed a year 1 and 2 of a dance. degree - Come and join Year 3 of the BA(Hons) Diverse Dance Styles.

Foundation degree students are also eligible to apply.

Year 3 is an employment year where students get the opportunity to join Connectingvibes (Year 3 touring Company) and devise their own Independent project, whilst working alongside members of IRIE! dance theatre, the professional performance company.

All enquiries [email protected]

02/06/2026

Meet some of the guest artists who will be delivering open classes during our 2 week residency.

Starting Monday 6th July each morning 10am - 11:30am both weeks, Monday to Friday.

Tickets available now!! See you there 💛

🗓️ Mon 6th - Fri 17th July. 10am - 11:30am Monday-Friday
📍 IRIE! dance theatre, New Cross, SE14 6LU
🎟️ Book via link in bio

28/05/2026

Join us along with our MA Diasporic Dance styles, for our next 2 WEEK RESIDENCY

Starting Monday 6th July, the residency brings together a range of artists who will work alongside the MA students in a creative environment.

Each day an open morning class (10am - 11.30am daily) will be delivered with guest artists including and

📍IRIE! dance theatre, New Cross, SE14 6LU
🗓️ Mon 6th - Fri 10th & Mon 13th - Fri 17th July
10am - 11:30am
🎟️ Book via link in bio

Want your business to be the top-listed Gym/sports Facility in London?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Location

London

Telephone

+442086916099

Website

https://www.iriedancetheatre.org/

Address

Moonshot Centre, Fordham Park, Angus Street, New Cross
London
SE146LU

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 9pm
Tuesday	9am - 9pm
Wednesday	9am - 9pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 6pm
Saturday	10am - 1pm