Souls & Cells

Souls & Cells is a new contemporary dance duo by Akeim Toussaint and Crystal Zillwood.

from Akeim Toussaint Buck & Crystal Zillwood.

“Souls & Cells” is a poetic collaboration between two dance artists who met while training in Leeds and whose passion for dance and connection has brought them together.

Déda Derby’s Associate Artist, Akeim Toussaint Buck and Crystal Zillwood invite us to explore their respective heritages and to look for unexpected interconnections. An invocation of maternal ancestors and land, this hypnotic duet weaves together stories, song and ritual.

Tapping into the body to find answers about what is universal and timeless.

Garden entry from 4pm is included in the ticket price.

Some quotes about Akeim Toussaint Buck & Crystal Zillwood’s work:

“An undemonstrative but highly articulate performer, Zillwood manages to suggest an expansive vision within a miniature work”
Sanjoy Roy, The Guardian – on Crystal Zillwood’s ‘Spirals’

“Unique and simply lit as well as being simple yet captivating… it was wonderful I really enjoyed it”
Alistair Spalding, Director of Sadler’s Wells – on Crystal Zillwood’s Evolutio’

“I have great respect for this courageous multi-disciplinary creative artist and outstanding performer whose work crosses artform and cultural boundaries to break new ground and tell important stories.”
Janet Smith MBE – on Akeim Toussaint Buck’s work

Artistic Direction: Akeim Toussaint Buck and Crystal Zillwood
Creative Producer: João Maio
Composer: Otis Jones
Lighting Designer: Barnaby Booth
Dramaturge: Eva Martinez
Costume Designer: Audrey Mae
Somatic Movement Mentor: Rosalyn Maynard
Choreography Mentor: Janet Smith MBE
Photography: Omer Ga’ash

Supported using public funding through Arts Council England.
Co-commissioned by Deda Derby

Partners & Supporters:
Ashburton Arts Centre (Tinners Moon Festival)
Cove Village Hall
Dance Studio Leeds
Dance United Yorkshire
Déda Derby
Kala Sangam
Leeds Black Elders Association
Northern School of Contemporary Dance
Panoptical
ProDance Leeds
Sadler’s Wells
Sentient Performativities
Swallowsfeet Collective (OOPS Festival)
Trebah Garden
TripSpace