Slung Low hosts socially distanced dance first in Leeds supported by Leeds Dance Partnership

This weekend saw Leeds’ first socially distanced live dance event take place since the COVID-19 lockdown was initiated. Good Blood, by independent dance artist Keira Martin in collaboration with Sioda Adams, was performed at Slung Low’s The Holbeck to a sold-out audience on 5 September demonstrating positive signs for the re-emergence of live dance performance in the city.

Good Blood was performed by Barnsley-born sisters Keira Martin and Sioda Adams who use dance, live music, song and storytelling to bring hilarious, nostalgic and familiar family scenarios to the stage. Looking closely at the relationship of two sisters, Good Blood was performed outside, with performers and audiences socially distanced. The free event was primarily attended by members of the local communities around Holbeck.

“It was great to perform and connect with a live audience again after such a long break. It felt particularly special at Slung Low because of the diverse mix of people watching. It was great to be placing theatre and performance right in the heart of a local community and I loved how uplifted people seemed from the whole experience. I take my hat off to Slung Low for the work they’re doing, I don’t see any other arts organisation working with the community in the way that they do. It’s just brilliant!”

Sioda Adams

Good Blood was supported by Leeds Dance Partnership and commissioned by Northern School of Contemporary Dance – Northern Connections, 2Faced Dance Company – The Bench Seed funding, with support from Yorkshire Dance, Vincent Dance Theatre, Spin Arts and Dance City; funded by Arts Council England.