Leeds Seven Arts based Slanjayvah Danza has been awarded major funding from the Arts Council England, Yorkshire. The lottery award, through the Grants for the arts programme is supporting artistic director Jenni Wren’s new collaborative, Contemporary Dance choreographic work “Crazy Joanna” which explores the dark side of passion through dance and the moving image.

“Crazy Joanna” takes you on a journey through history, from the tormented life of medieval Spanish Queen ‘Juana la Loca’, through the backstreets of Buenos Aires at the birth of the Tango - to a neighbourhood near you.

Leeds dancer Dani Ferreira dances the three roles of ‘Crazy Joanna’: as ‘Juana La Loca’ with Riccardo Meneghini as Philip of Flanders, with Amir Giles as her Argentinean Tango partner and with Phil Sanger as a couple in today’s world.

Jenni Wren is working with some very skilled collaborators such as film maker and editor Aurora Fernley, an integration of dance and the moving image expert. Slanjayvah Danza is also honoured to be using award winning artist David Cobley’s image “Into the Light” to support and promote the work.

Ivor Davies, Director of Performing Arts said, “ Arts Council England is pleased to support this new contemporary dance performance of “Crazy Joanna”’ by Slanjayvah Danza, led by Jenni Wren.”

The work will be performed at 5 regional venues with the premier on 1 May at Seven Arts Space, Leeds where Slanjayvah is the resident dance company.

Barnsley Civic (The SCORE), 8 May 2010

Alan Ayckbourn Theatre, York College (with guest company Maiko Danza, Granada), 20 May 2010

Stage@Leeds (with guest company Maiko Danza, Granada), 21 May 2010

The Riley Theatre NSCD (The SCORE) 12 June 2010

NOW OPEN On-line booking for Premier on 1 May 2010 at SEVEN Arts as well as details of other performances
http://www.digyorkshire.com/EventListin ... 01/05/2010
Advanced Booking also direct from venue, tickets limited so don't wait until the last minute