Previous News Archives

 May News 2010

1      NEW work "Crazy Joanna" and 2010 Tour
2      NEW RELEASE!  WATCH our NEW TRAILER FOR CRAZY JO
3      Visit our behind the scenes gallery
4      About Aurora Fearnley, Associate Artist and Co-Director
5      Tour Dates
6      PRESS and Interviews
7      Filming at Skipton Castle and Bolton Castle in support of "Crazy Joanna"
8      Working with DaiNa
9      Spain comes out to Play!  Maiko Danza from Granada, join us in Leeds.
10    Further Dates with Cloud Dance Festival - July 2010
11    Contacting Slanjayvah Danza
12    Education Workshops
13    Twitter and Facebook
14    Make sure you are on our mailing list so you don't miss out on any of our news!
15    Become a friend of Slanjayvah Danza

Our Valentines event was bursting with romance, excitement, great food and passionate atmosphere!  We entertained couples, singles and groups with an array of eclectic dance performances all wrapped scrumptiously together in an original and new story of passion told by storyteller Joe Collins, accompanied by Spanish Guitarist Andrew Brown.  Thank you to all those who came to the night, for all those who got up onto the dance floor to celebrate, for those who left feedback, to the chef and staff of SEVEN.  We definitely had a great community feeling at this event and yes, we will be doing another similar evening in the future.  Your feedback will go onto our feedback page in the near future.

(left to right/top to bottom)....
Dani Ferreira, Phil Sanger, Stanley Ellwood, Jenni Wren, Paul Ashton, Bobak Walker,
Amir Giles, Joe Collins, David Cobley, Andrew Brown 

4  Introducing our new Project Manager...

Welcome to Siobhan Thew, our new project manager for "Crazy Joanna".  Siobhan is quickly finding her feet in the new position and will now be the company's first point of contact on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

5  Contacting Slanjayvah Danza

We now have an office landline which has an answering machine service when not manned. 
The office landline to call is 01132 2624429.  Othewise you can reach us through Siobhan on mobile number  07955 369018. 

Alternatively you can contact us at SEVEN on 0113 2626777 where a message will be passed on to a member of our team to get back to you.  These details will now appear on our contact page.

6  David Cobley presents Jenni Wren with ...

Award winning painter David Cobley attended our Valentines Event on the 14^th of February. 

This was an honour for the company who will be working with him in the future to create paintings based on Artistic Director Jenni Wren's choreographic work.  During the evening he surprised Jenni by publically presenting her with the first Artists print of "Into the Light" (leaving her speechless and not many can do that, lets be honest :-)).   

Thanks to David for such a generous gift, the company now proudly hangs this in its office, illuminating and inspiring the space!  (Sorry for the camera flash in the glass of the image) :-(

7  Next performance date - London 27/28 March - Pleasance Theatre

Taking it back to London!  As return participants to Cloud Dance Festival, we will be performing Blind Passion - Live Cut, with new dancer Riccardo Meneghini making his debut performance with Jenni Wren.   This will be a new and exciting experience for both dancers and any audience who have already seen and those who are yet to see "Blind Passion - Live Cut".

Further details can be found on www.cloud-dance-festival.org.uk
Venue: Pleasance Theatre
Address: Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF
Dates: 26 - 28 March
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £12 (£8 concessions)
Box Office: 020 7609 1800 or www.pleasance.co.uk 

8  Company Class

Our company class is open to professional contemporary dancers who wish to participate.  Class is tailored specifically to the creative process and is changeable depending on our creative schedule.  For anyone wishing to join, please contact project manager Siobhan Thew This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to arrange. 

9  Celebration of our Golden Friends 50^th Anniversary

We would like to congratulate our Golden Friends Paul Ashton and Stanley Ellwood on their  50^th Anniversary together! 

The company dancers celebrated the evening with them in Gawber Church Hall and as our special present, danced an array of small performances before going big out with Blind Passion - Live Cut to end the evening for them and their guests.  It was a beautiful event and an extremely enjoyable evening for us.

New Year News!

Everyone at Slanjayvah Danza wish you a big Happy New Year and the welcoming of a NEW DECADE where we will bring you more dancing, events, images, films, education and fun (we can't live without that)!  With so many things planned its always busy in the SD house so keep your eyes open and don't miss out on all the up and coming news and events.

1  Slanjayvah Danza are DANCING THE NEW YEAR IN!  Come and join us at the upcoming events!
2  More reviews on our review page!
3  Interview with Artistic Director, Jenni Wren by Laura Capelle
4  New Award -   Thank you to The Oppenheim-John Downes      
    Memorial Trust
5  Slanjayvah Danza joins AVON's campaign against Domestic Violence in connection with "Crazy Joanna"
6   Win a trip to see Blind Passion in London
7   Twitter and Facebook
8   Make sure you are on our mailing list so you don't miss out on any of our news!
9   Become a friend of Slanjayvah Danza              

1  Slanjayvah Danza are DANCING THE NEW YEAR IN!  Come and join us at the upcoming  events!

28 January 2010  - "SEVEN Springboard" - An Evening of Contemporary Dance.   
Showing:  "BLIND PASSION" - Live Cut and excepts of ideas from New Work "Crazy Joanna"
7.30 p.m. SEVEN Arts Centre
Tickets £9/£7 (conc) Box:  0113 2626777 (to reserve tickets)

Working in partnership with SEVEN Arts Centre, we have organised an evening of works in progress, giving the opportunity for students and graduates to show and get feedback on their work. 

As resident dance company, Slanjayvah Danza will be showing excerpts of ideas we are working on for "Crazy Joanna" and the night will close with an EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE OF "BLIND PASSION" - LIVE CUT.    If you haven't had the chance to see it in Leeds, this is it! 

During the evening we welcome dance works in progress by Poor Mans Theatre and Grace Bonet Productions. 

Our special raffle to win 2 tickets to see Blind Passion in London will be drawn in the interval.

8 February 2010 - RESOLUTION! 2010 - LONDON
 "BLIND PASSION" - Live Cut
The Place, 17 Duke Street, London, 7.30pm. 

YES!  We are taking it to London AGAIN!  Returning to Resolution as an Evolution participants, Jenni Wren and Phil Sanger are coming back to seduce the audience with this new and critically acclaimed work.

"...a huge hit. ...an impressively fresh piece and I'm sure will be in the rep for a long time - it certainly deserves to be seen by many more." - Bruce Marriot of Ballet.co.uk Link to article http://ow.ly/JR1c  

Get your early bird tickets NOW, for only £5.  They sell fast so don't miss out!    Telephone: 020 7121 1100 (Mon - Sat 12-7pm, 6pm on non-performance days) In person at: The Place, 17 Duke's Road, London WC1H 9PY
(Mon - Sat 12-8pm, 6pm on non-performance days)

The Robin Howard Dance Theatre has 300 unreserved seats. Tickets are sold at a range of prices, with the best deals available if you book in advance or attend more than once. All tickets (including complimentary returns) are subject to availability, with a minimum of 20 on sale at each price for each performance. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded.  For more info;  http://www.theplace.org.uk/311/book-tickets/book-tickets.html

14 February  2010- SEVEN Arts Centre
"TAKE ME THERE"  - Valentines Event

This truely is the way to impress your valentine date.

Walking into the spacious but seductively lit room, you will feel as though you are walking onto the film set of a romantic festival in a traditional neighbourhood village somewhere in Spain, or Argentina perhaps. All is in readiness. The air is full of anticipation. Latin influences are evident in the pungent perfumes that linger, mixed with aromas of tapas, freshly baked bread, garlic and wine.  Taking your seat you accustom yourself to your surroundings aware now of the rhythmic beat of the tango canyengue that wraps itself around you like a warm blanket. Your eyes feast on the mouth-watering delights laid out on the table before you. The carafe of blood red wine beckons to be poured. You are indeed a participant in this film scene but the wine, the guests the tapas and the ambience - are all real.  Conversation has warmed to a gentle humming, the air is full of expectation, incisive, exciting, provocative. The room stills. The conversation gently fades away, you can feel the excitement.  Rousing notes played by the guitarist introduce the first dancer with a rustling of petticoats, flashing dark eyes and a seductive smile. It begins. The indulgence. An evening of exotic dancing, Flamenco, Tango, a beautiful voice singing, unforgettable music and very good company. A Valentine's night with Slanjayvah Danza, a night to remember.

For further information, times, costs and bookings, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2  More reviews on our reviews page!  "Blind Passion" Live Cut

Slanjayvah Danza performed 'Blind Passion' (the first of three 'passions' that make up the triple
bill Mode: Sensation/Thought by Artistic Director Jenni Wren) at the Cloud Dance Festival in
London, December 2009 where they received the highest audience vote for "highlight of the evening"!

The now well-publicised photo by Emma Dalzell of Jenni Wren and Phil Sanger
(http://www.clouddance-festival.org.uk/index.php/Parade/slanjayvah-danza.html) was featured in Time Out London promoting the Cloud Dance Festival, listed as 'critic's choice' and continued to feature in all reviews of the festival so far.

Feedback and reviews on ‘Blind Passion' have been 'amazing'.

First review out was from Londonist - ‘that photo' literally filling the page. Londonist's review said "Slanjayvah Danza's

sensuous tango influenced duet offers a feast of toned flesh intricately synchronized by Jenni Wren and Phil Sanger. Their partnering with blindfolds is inventive, the potential hazards of such complex partner work laid - almost literally - bare. Link to article http://bit.ly/4wTVJ9

Quote from Bruce Marriot of Ballet.co.uk  "...a huge hit. ...an impressively fresh piece and I'm sure will be in the rep for a long time - it certainly deserves to be seen by many more." Link to article http://ow.ly/JR1c

"Blind Passion - Live Cut, performed by Slanjayvah Danza, is an explosive and memorable work....The movement is well-crafted, fluid and impressively executed.... the strong sense of touch that it created and striking passionate energy of the work was compelling and intriguing."  Hetty Blades. 

Laura Cappelle wrote ‘We start with the delightful Jenni Wren, Artistic Director of Slanjayvah Danza, whose Blind Passion - Live Cut with Phil Sanger left the audience stunned.' Link to article http://www.bellafigura.fr/?p=427

Twitter has also been alive with comment on the performance:

Clouddancefest @slanjayvah We loved you!!! :)

DancersProUK @clouddancefest Great reviews!

Balletco @Slanjayvah Great piece - I hope many more people get to see you both dance it

GWdancewriter Indeed @slanjayvah had better be back!!! ;)

Clouddancefest Thanks @slanjayvah and @balletblack for their fantastic performances this

weekend - wow!!!

Link to twitter http://twitter.com/Slanjayvah

Not forgetting our audience comments... thank you to all who came to see the show...

"Wow Slanjayvah Danza were amazing!"
"Slanjayvah - very professional & amazing"

3  Interview with Artistic Director, Jenni Wren

It was a pleasure to meet the beautiful  Laura Cappelle from Bella Figura  who interviewed Jenni Wren at the Cloud Dance Festival.  Read all about it..... Link to article http://www.bellafigura.fr/?p=427

4  NEW AWARD for "Crazy Joanna"

Many thanks to the The Oppenheim-John Downes Memorial Trust who are supporting "Crazy Joanna" through their grant award scheme.  We are most grateful to the trust for their injection of finance and hope to see them at the Premier in May 2010.

5  Slanjayvah Danza joins AVON's campaign against Domestic Violence in connection with "Crazy Joanna"

Reese Witherspoon, Global Ambassador for Avon, headlined a press conference at the House of Commons on December 2^nd,  to promote a powerful new campaign against domestic violence. The campaign has been launched jointly byAvon Cosmetics and

Refuge, the national domestic violence charity.

The event the International Day for the Elimination of Violence AgainstWomen.  

Avon and Refuge's FOUR WAYS TO SPEAK OUT campaign urges people to speak out against
domestic violence in four simple ways:

 Buy and wear an Avon empowerment necklace

 Sign a petition to encourage the UK Government to provide more support services for

victims

 Download a poster to display in your window

 Talk to friends and family about the campaign

Support "Crazy Joanna" and AVON.... visit .... www.fourwaystospeakout.co.uk

December News!

Hello!  Welcome to some more exciting news from the Slanjayvah Danza News team!  Yet again, its been rolling in thick and fast in our count down to the festive season and after such exciting news in November, we didn't think it could get much better.  How mistaken we were.  Read on ....

1   Our success at Cloud Dance Festival
2   New REVIEWS
3   Blind Passion performance dates in the new year @ SEVEN and RESOLUTION! 2010,
     Get your tickets now!
4   Win a trip to see Blind Passion in London
5   Twitter and Facebook
6   Make sure you are on our mailing list so you don't miss out on any of our news!
7   Become a friend of Slanjayvah Danza

1    Cloud Dance Festival was a big SUCCESS! 


A very small and intimate venue in the middle of Bethnel Green hosted 11 dance companies, all eager to show new work. 

BLIND PASSION - live cut,  won the hearts of the audience and a number of new opportunities have arisen as a result.  We have already been invited back to the festival with not only Blind Passion again but also with the new work, Crazy Joanna.  The now well-publicised photo by Emma Dalzell of Jenni Wren and Phil Sanger
(http://www.clouddance-festival.org.uk/index.php/Parade/slanjayvah-danza.html)
was featured in last Saturday'sTime Out London promoting the Cloud Dance Festival, listed as 'critic's choice' and continued to feature in all reviews of the festival so far.   We had some photographs taken by some great photographers and will share these with you in due course.  Thank you very much to the support of all the staff of the festival, the audience, the interviewers and critics. 

Many thanks to 'award winning portrait and figure painter'  David Cobley, who came to see the show and who gave his time to  AD Jenni Wren who enjoyed spending the evening discussing life, art and dance!   David will be joining the company in the New Year, spending a number of days at the SD base of SEVEN, collaborating with, drawing and painting the company dancers at work.  His painting (below) will be the main image to front "Crazy Joanna". 

Check out David's website.  www.davidcobley.co.uk

2    New Reviews!


We are so pleased to have had some fantastic reviews and interviews.  These can be seen on-line following the links, or on our reviews and press pages.  We know that there are more on the way but for the moment, here are some snippets...

"Slanjayvah Danza's sensuous tango influenced duet offers a feast of toned flesh intricately synchronized by Jenni Wren and Phil Sanger. Their partnering with blindfolds is inventive, the potential hazards of such complex partner work laid - almost literally - bare." -  The Londonist - Link to article http://bit.ly/4wTVJ9

"...a huge hit. ...an impressively fresh piece and I'm sure will be in the rep for a long time - it certainly deserves to be seen by many more."
- Bruce Marriot of Ballet.co.uk) Link to article http://ow.ly/JR1c


‘We start with the delightful Jenni Wren, Artistic Director of Slanjayvah Danza, whose Blind Passion - Live Cut with Phil Sanger left the audience stunned.'  - Bella Figura,-  Laura Cappelle Link to article http://www.bellafigura.fr/?p=427

"We Loved you!!!  Thanks for your fantastic performances this weekend - Wow!" - Cloud Dance Festival

"Indeed slanjayvah had better be back!!! ;)" - Gwdancewriter

See more on   http://twitter.com/goodies/buttonsBlind Passion Performs again!


You still have the chance to see Blind Passion..... 

3   

28 January, SEVEN Artspace, Leeds - 7.30p.m.  Ticket info to follow or send an email directly to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

8 February, RESOLUTION! 2010, The Place, London, 7.30pm. 
Get your early bird tickets NOW, for only £5.  They sell fast so don't miss out!    Telephone: 020 7121 1100 (Mon - Sat 12-7pm, 6pm on non-performance days) In person at: The Place, 17 Duke's Road, London WC1H 9PY
(Mon - Sat 12-8pm, 6pm on non-performance days)

The Robin Howard Dance Theatre has 300 unreserved seats. Tickets are sold at a range of prices, with the best deals available if you book in advance or attend more than once. All tickets (including complimentary returns) are subject to availability, with a minimum of 20 on sale at each price for each performance. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded.  For more info;  http://www.theplace.org.uk/311/book-tickets/book-tickets.html

4   Win a trip to see Blind Passion in London!

Yes, we are having a raffle.  All you have to do is buy a ticket for £2 and you could WIN TWO FIRST CLASS TRAIN TICKETS FROM LEEDS TO LONDON AND OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION FOR TWO SHARING... AND TWO TICKETS SO ATTEND THE PERFORMANCE at RESOLUTION! 2010 on 8 February 2010 to watch US perform "Blind Passion" - Live Cut and other performances.  To book your tickets and pay on-line, contact Carol on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   Otherwise,  you can get these from the bar at SEVEN in Leeds.

5   Twitter and Facebook

We are now following over 300 Twitters, are you one of them?  We are being followed too by more and more each day, are you following us?  Get onto Twitter, the Tweeting is great, we've made many new friends since joining.  http://twitter.com/slanjayvah

You can also see us on Facebook and become our friend.  http://www.facebook.com/slanjayvah

 
6   Make sure you are on our mailing list so you don't miss out on any of our news!

If you are not on our mailing list and would like to join, either do so on the home page or contact;  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your details. 

7  Would you like to become a friend of Slanjayvah Danza? 

We offer a friends package that includes opportunities from advance tickets, invites to rehearsals and the creative process, sneak previews of performances, regular newsletters and more!.  For more information please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Company News November 2009

Dear All, we have so much GREAT news this month that we've had to number it!!!!!  While we continue to work our socks off inside and out of the studio, we hope that you will keep up to date with our NEWS and we look forward to seeing you at the next performance! 

• 1. Performances... Cloud Dance Festival 5/6 December - London....  
• 2. Distinguished artist David Cobley has given permission for Leeds based  
• 3. New Work - "Crazy Joanna". 
• 4. We extend a warm welcome to..... 
• 5. Open Doors Award. 
• 6. We are going to Berlin! 
• 7. Magpie Design and Communications. 
• 8. Photographer - Emma Dalzell. 
• 9. Facebook and Twitter.
  •10.     Become a friend of Slanjayvah Danza!
   

•1.       Performances...  Cloud Dance Festival - London....  "Blind Passion" - Live Cut

We are really excited to be part of Cloud Dance Festival - Parade, to perform "Blind Passion" - Live Cut
on 5/6 December by Jenni Wren and Phil Sanger!  (for further information, please see our productions page)

"Jaw-droppingly stunning and achingly sensual" - Creative Bradford,

"Beautiful and provocative" - Cloud Dance Festival.

Photo - Emma Dalzell

Cloud Dance Festival  5th December 7.30 pm.   6th  December 3pm
Venue:
People Show Studios
Pollard Row
London E2 6NB
Tel: 020 7729 1841&
Web: www.peopleshow.co.uk

Nearest tube: Bethnal Green (Central Line).  Take the Bethnal Green Road exit, then turn left
on leaving the station, and follow the road around the corner. Pollard Row is the next turning
on the right after Rushmead. It's approximately a 5-minute walk.

Buses: 388 & 8

Tickets available by calling: 0115 945 4590 or from Cloud Dance or Peopleshow websites.
http://www.cloud-dance-festival.org.uk/index.php/Tickets.html

"Blind Passion" - Live Cut, is scheduled to perform in Spring, 2010 at RESOLUTION! 2010, SEVEN Arts Centre and other venues.  Information will be released in the near future.  Meanwhile, please join us at Cloud Dance Festival where you can see a great selection of work chosen to delight audiences.

• 2. Distinguished artist David Cobley has given permission to
  Artistic Director Jenni Wren, to use one of his paintings in her new work!

We are honoured that artist David Cobley has taken an interest in the new work and is
allowing us to use "Into the Light" for the new work "Crazy Joanna". 

"Into the light" - David Cobley

DAVID Cobley is an award winning portrait and figure painter who works from a studio in Bath.  His portrait commissions include HRH The Princess Royal, Dame Alicia Markova and President Assad of Syria. His portrait of Ken Dodd OBE was bought by the National Portrait Gallery for its permanent Collection, and he is currently working on a commission for the Gallery that is due to be unveiled in the New Year.  www.davidcobley.co.uk

Slanjayvah Danza will be releasing the first promotional material using Cobley's work in early 2010.  Said Wren, "Descriptions of his work say his paintings use colour and light as meditations on solitude, longing and intimacy - which fit in exactly with the mood and ethos of ‘Crazy Jo'."  

For further info, see press release.

•3.       New Work - "Crazy Joanna"

We would like to introduce you to the new work "Crazy Joanna", due to premier in May 2010. 

Marinaded with the appropriate delicacies alongside "Blind Passion" is "Crazy Joanna" a dance and film integration piece. 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. A socially conscientious, amazingly executed piece recounting the anguished escape of a woman trapped in abusive relationships.   

•4.       We extend a warm welcome to.....

We are delighted to announce the return of Dancer, Dani Ferreira who is currently working on a variety of small projects with Jenni Wren in the run up to dancing the lead role in "Crazy Joanna", 2010. 

We have a new addition to the group and extend a warm welcome to Dancer, Nick Keegan who will join us in the new year, taking over the male role for "Blind Passion" - Live Cut. 

It is a pleasure to be working with Carol Lee as our new Press Officer.  She is doing a terrific job at keeping everyone informed of all the latest news.

We have not entirely said farewell to Phil Sanger (who has recently joined Phoenix Dance Theatre).  Phil will continue to perform "Blind Passion" till the end of 2009 and maintain an active interest in the company. 

•5.       Open Doors Award           

Voluntary Arts England, the national development agency for arts participation awarded funds to Slanjayvah Danza allowing us to stage a series of one-off dance training days, as part of the Learning Revolution Festival. 

In collaboration with SEVEN artspace in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, the events were led by Jenni Wren who outlined her objectives to set up a community dance group at SEVEN, for the over 30's and with their input turn the  30+ project into something more sustainable.    If you are interested in joining an adult performance group, please contact us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

•6.       We are going to Berlin!

Jenni Wren and Dani Ferreira are off to Berlin in November, to indulge in some further Tango training with Tango expert, Julian Elizari.  We are very excited to work with such an experienced teacher in the Art 13 dance studios as well as participating in the local Milongas.  We might even get to squeeze in a trip to the Christmas Markets and sample some great mulled wine!

•7.       Magpie Design and Communications          

We are pleased to let you know about Magpie Design and Communications - our promotional designers and printers.  This is an exciting Leeds based company, experienced in promoting the Arts.  Our designs are beautifully created by Ged Savva with an eye for detail and attention to imagery.  The company is launching their new website this week so don't miss out, have a look at what they have to offer.      www.magpiecomms.com    

•8.       Photographer - Emma Dalzell

We have managed to kidnap Emma for another photoshoot taking place at the beginning of December.  Emma is currently based in London but will be returning to Leeds to capture some great dancing images for our Crazy Joanna production to compliment David Cobley's "Into the Light".  We cant wait to work with her again!  Images will be released on the website as soon as possible.

•9.       Facebook and Twitter

We are constantly working to keep you informed of what we are doing.  Why don't you join us as a friend on Facebook where you can have regular posts straight to your own page?  Or follow us on Twitter? 

•10.    Become a Friend of Slanjayvah Danza!

Would you like to become a friend of Slanjayvah Danza?  We offer a friends package that includes opportunities from advance tickets, invites to rehearsals and the creative process, sneak previews of performances, regular newsletters and more!.  For more information please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

NEWS - SEPT 09

SUMMER CO-LAB INSPIRATION

Jenni Wren led the Summer Co-Lab in August at SEVEN Arts Centre with Dancers from Leeds, some of them who have just started with NSCD's VERVE company (good luck all).  This was a great 4 days of classes, workshops and research into the latest ideas of her future work, "Crazy Jo".  Edited footage will be available on  our video-snippets page in the next couple of weeks, courtesy of Little Northern Light.  Keep a look out!

We were privileged during Co-Lab to have the opportunity to work with Ali Mac (percussionist) who accompanied daily class, creating a variety of dynamic rhythms and positive energy in the studio. 

Many thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to the project in its initial stages and to SEVEN for their on-going support. 

"BLIND PASSION" was well received after its summer tour overwhelmed its audiences.  The premier was performed to an audience of over 170 people at the SEVEN's 2^nd year anniversary,

receiving great feedback and positive support for the rest of the tour. 
The work will be shown again in the late autumn and spring 2010 with dates to be revealed in the near future.  

"Those who saw Jenni Wren and Phil Sanger perform "Blind Passion", know you
witnessed something very special indeed."
Director Penny Sanders - SEVEN Arts Centre.

Photo: Emma Dalzell
Dancers:  Jenni Wren/Phil Sanger

See further reviews on the review page.

CALL OUT for MALE DANCER's

A male dancer is required to perform "Blind Passion" and to participate in a new R&D process for "Crazy Jo" in the late autumn.  Must be approximately 5'8" in height, strong with good control and flexibility.   Expressions of interest and/or CV's with an adjoining headshot photo should be sent by email to Artistic Director ,Jenni Wren,  by email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Those thinking of applying should familiarise themselves with "Blind Passion" which can be viewed on the video-snippets page.

COMPANY CLASS and further Co-Lab's

The company will continue to hold company class and Co-Lab days, leading up to a larger R&D phase in the late autumn.   Dates and times vary so please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to be involved.

WEBSITE NEWS

Our website is finally being translated into SPANISH to reach all our friends, audience, students and supporters from Madrid, Cordoba, Granada, Bilbao and Valencia.  OLE OLE OLE!   A great chance for you all to practice and join us in our Co-Labs in Spain!

FACEBOOK

Slanjayvah Danza are working  on their Face book page.  Become a friend and get up to date information straight to your home page. 

__________________________________________________________

NEWS - JUNE/JULY 09

New Work Premier - "Blind Passion" - Live Cut

Celebrate with us at SEVEN Artspace on the 7^th July as we Premier "Blind Passion" - Live Cut and the launch of our summer tour, as part of the venues 2^nd anniversary.

 "Passion cannot be described, only experienced".  With the use of blindfolds, intricate contact work - sprinkled with Tango influences, this reveals an explosion of seductive delights. 

Devised through passion for dance, and the body as a work of art in itself, the performance has evolved into a smooth choreography, each section subtly becoming more revealing and dynamic, challenging the audience with intrigue and question.

If you would like to see the shortened raw cut film version of Blind Passion, please follow the link below, click the "I agree" box and enjoy. 

http://www.slanjayvahdanza.com/productions/video-snippets

"Blind Passion" is a concept of Artistic Director Jenni Wren, choreographed in collaboration with Dance Artist Phil Sanger.

Summer Tour Dates:

7 July - SEVEN Artspace, Leeds - FREE
9 July - Bradford Playhouse
11 July - Mati Hari Club
12 July - Leeds Waterfront Festival
24 July - Emerge Festival - Stage@Leeds

Lastest REVIEWS!

"Jaw-droppingly stunning and achingly sensual" - Creative Bradford

"A brief yet vibrant contemporary dance piece beginning with the Argentine Tango the couple moved towards one another and jointly took on a challenging set of dance sequences, lifts and near acrobatic movements.  This dance work scrumptiously uncovered just enough piece by piece, tantalizing the audience and driving the routine forward.  The momentum and intensity of the movement progressively built into climax after climax.  The dancers were highly professional, and choreography of this intensity and quality was a joy to watch." Joanna Loveday (full edit can be seen here http://www.slanjayvahdanza.com/productions/feedbackreviews

SEVEN Celebrations

7 JULY 2009, 6PM ONWARDS TILL LATE

As Company in Residence at Seven, Slanjayvah Danza are organising the celebration of the Anniversary of the Artspace!  The building will be opened up to host a variety of artists and art forms, performances and events that explore the "Seven Secrets of Creativity".  The day/evening will consist of dance, film, music, art work, literature and much more. 
Leeds based artists will pay tribute to the venue to celebrates its 2^nd birthday. 

For more information go to www.sevenleeds.ac.uk

Big Screening Success

"Blind Passion" - Raw Cut (the film version) has been successfully shown at a number of Film Screen venues since its venue launch in October 08 and on-line launch in April 09.  We would like to thank the following venues for requesting to show the film on their big screens, including:

• DanceFilm Scotland 09
• Hyde Park Picture House
• SEVEN Artspace
• Leeds Erotica Festival
• FLESH Festival
• Bradford Playhouse
• Yorkshire Dance
• El Sol - BA, Argentina

This has created a lot of excitement and lots of hits on our website, let alone the exciting comments that we have been receiving as a result.  Please continue to let us know what you think by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Why not send the link to your colleagues and friends:

 http://www.slanjayvahdanza.com/productions/video-snippets

NEWS - MAY 09

Project Co-Lab      

A new initiative by Slanjayvah Danza offering Professional Development opportunities.  Led by Jenni Wren and Phil Sanger, Co-Lab is an exciting 5 day working experience with a professional dance company.  The places are open to all Contemporary Dancers, recent graduates and 3^rd year
students, with a maximum of 15 places available. 

During the week dancers will engage in daily classes and interdisciplinary creative workshops (drawing on an eclectic range of dance and theatre techniques, aiming to equip dancers, with the versatility often needed in contemporary performance practice).

Diversity and eclecticism are what drive Slanjayvah Danza to produce unique and innovative work. In this week, the company will share ideas and invite participants to explore themes for 2 exciting new works.  Dancers will be required to take physical and emotional risks, developing transferable tools and skills beyond that of an average dancer.  

This is a unique opportunity to establish a working relationship with the company in its home base, SEVEN Artspace in Chapel Allerton, Leeds.   

Please visit the company website www.slanjayvahdanza.com to familiarise yourself with our work prior to application.  Video links can be viewed in the productions page.

To apply:  Please forward a CV and a short covering letter/expression of interest in the project to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with subject Co-Lab application. 
Deadline for applications:  5pm, 22^nd May 2009.  Those selected will be notified by email in the following week. 

Cost:  £75 concessions/£95 non concessions

Photography:  Emma Dalzell  Dancers:  Jenni Wren and Phil Sanger

NEWS - April 2009 - Lots of new NEWS!!!

Launching "Blind Passion - Raw Cut" - Full Edit!!!!

We are excited to announce the Launch of "Blind Passion - Raw Cut".  This dance for screen project not only stands alone as a work in itself but further,  gives a glimpse into our Live production of the work which is soon to be completed.  Go to our Video Snippets page to view the final edit!!  NB, this contains nudity and is aimed at a 16+ audience. 

We welcome your comments on the film and hope you will post your thoughts to us through the comments box provided on the same page. 

"Blind Passion - Live Cut" will soon be available to venues across the UK, Premiering at Seven Artspace, prior to inclusion in a bigger programme for tour in 2010.  If you would like to see the work performed live, please let us know so we can inform you of venues and dates.  Further information can be found on our Productions page.

New Images

In the gallery page you will find new images of the work, excellently directed and captured by Photographer Emma Dalzell.  It was a pleasure to work with Emma whos confidence and professionalism enriched the process.

Opportunities

We are organising a week long summer intensive in June for 3rd year students and professional dancers.  The week will be led by Jenni Wren and Phil Sanger consisting of daily technique classes and creative workshops based on various themes being explored for 2 exciting new works.  This is an opportunity to continue your professional development, engage with and become more familiar with the company and to be involved in the creative practices.  During this week, we will be considering dancers for the new full creative processes for 09.  If you are interested in participating, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information.

As Company in Residence at Seven, Slanjayvah Danza are organising the celebration of the Anniversary of the Artspace!  The building will be opened up to host a variety of artists and art forms, performances and events that explore the "Seven Secrets of Creativity".  The day/evening will consist of dance, film, music, art work, literature and much more.  Further information will be revealed in the near future so dont forget to check the news page regularly.  If you are a local artist to LS7 and have some work you would like to be considered for the event, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with details and for further information.

News Jan 09

We are delighted to have a new NEWS page so you are never left in the dark about Slanjayvah Danza's activity! We also now provide a free subscription service for anyone wishing to receive Slanjayvah Danza newsletter throughout the year via email. Registering is easy, simply add your details to the company mailing list via our homepage. 

Slanjayvah Danza is excited and pleased to announce its new Partnership with Seven Art Space of Chapel Allerton, Leeds, as Company in Residence.

Working together with Seven Arts Space we aim to strengthen the already growing interest in Leeds based arts and collaborative projects. Look out for details of the launch party where both organisations will be collaborating to produce an evening of light entertainment to promote the new partnership, to showcase extracts of work to come from Slanjayvah Danza and to introduce the company Artists In Residence. To find out more about Seven visit www.sevenleeds.co.uk

Jenni Wren and Phil Sanger have already been revisiting the "Blind Passion" R&D phase 1 duet, in the studio at Seven Arts Space and performed the work for "HATCH" , in connection with Creative Bradford on 22nd January at Bradford Playhouse.  This has been a good refresher as we move into the next stages of R&D.

Company class will be opening in the near future, with details to follow.  There will also be an opportunity for 3rd year students/professional artists to work with the company on some of the creative projects we are exploring.  If you would like to become involved with either of these, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Take a look at our new video page for a collection of choreographic snippets to date:

We are pleased to introduce unseen footage of the debut film from the ‘Sanger Wren Chronicles' #1, a Slanjayvah Danza collaboration side project. We hope you enjoy watching this as much as we did creating it!

You can also find the tantalising trailer for the upcoming work "Blind Passion", taken from our first research period. A full edit of this R&D will be available for viewing in the near future as the work develops towards a live choreographic/digital show. Information about new work for 2009 can be seen on the Productions page of our website.

What happened to 2008? (it zipped by!)

Firstly...

We would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Arts Council England and The National Lottery fund (Awards for All) who supported us financially in creative and organisational development. These funds allowed us to keep moving forward and growing as a company both artistically and in quality management.

We successfully created and toured "Hybrid" and would like extend our gratitude to everyone who engaged in the research, each of the venues, performers, collaborators and technicians, those who participated in the workshops and not forgetting those who came to see the work.

With no rest for the creative, Slanjayvah Danza kept going through the summer months having been commissioned to perform in the Big Dance biennial national event. The day was wonderful regardless of the terrible British weather and we had a great crowd of people watching.

Without stopping, the company was commissioned to perform and show recent film work at "Spaceball" events in both Dundee and Furness, in Scotland. This has taken our work into a new collaborative partnership as Spaceball expands with its members, facilities and hosting of excellent music and VJ talent.

Finally, we are developing our facebook page and hope you will join us as a friend!  Meanwhile, have a happy start to 2009!

That's all for now but be sure to keep up to date with future Slanjayvah Danza postings and opportunities.