Tavaziva Dance

Tavaziva Dance is a national touring company that presents cutting-edge new work representing the diversity of Black British Dance. The company specialises in fusing African and contemporary dance, creating a unique dance style that is both contemporary and rooted in African cultures. Tavaziva Dance was set up in 2004 by Zimbabwean-born Founder and Artistic Director, Bawren Tavaziva. The company tours across the UK and explores new territories in combining the rich and diverse dance forms of Africa with a contemporary Western base.



Since its inception, the company has established itself as a significant presence in the UK dance landscape, bringing Bawren Tavaziva's unique artistic vision and inspiration to a growing and national audience through high quality and innovative artistic product, touring performances, commissions, residencies and education workshops. The company was awarded Regular Funded Organisation status in 2005, and since then, has continued to make - a significant contribution to the development of both the black dance sector and the wider dance sector. In March 2011 the company were invited onto the Arts Council England's National Portfolio Funding Programme as one of only 57 dance organisations with guaranteed funding to 2015.



The Company has received a number of awards and commissions including: nomination as a finalist for The Place Prize 2004; Chorographic commissions from Influx Dance, State of Emergency, Ballet Black, Swan Youth Dance, Bucks University and SAMPAD. In 2010 Tavaziva Dance were invited to be the new 'dance company in residence' at Bernie Grants Arts Centre.



Tavaziva have toured numerous performances including; 'Tavaziva Ten' a 10 year anniversary show, 'Greed', 'Sensual Africa,' 'Double Take,' 'Wild Dog,' 'Heart of Darkness,' 'Chatsva (Explosion),' 'Bophelo,' 'Soul Inspired' and 'Kumusha.'



Tavaziva also run extensive education and participation programmes, including workshops and residencies, INSET days and workplace visits, team building days, and Tavaziva Male, an all-male youth dance company set up to get more male dancers into dance training and careers.