Stonebridge Pavilion, Brent

SUJATA BANERJEE DANCE COMPANY has had an incredible weekend, all inspired by the Women’s European Football Championship.

On Friday evening, just days before the biggest football event that neighbours, Wembley Stadium have ever seen (87,192 supporters in the ground & 17m on TV) SBDC Dancers were taking part in a Kathak Dance match of their own. 

The brainchild of award-winning Choreographer Sujata Banerjee, a 5-a-side football fusion took place on the pitch at Stonebridge Pavilion in Brent. 

The dance piece was part of an arts and heritage programme for the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022, designed by Idle Women. This featured a line-up of events to celebrate and explore the rich history of women’s football. Women were invited to dance and celebrate their past, present and future. And they did not disappoint. 

The performance explored the dynamics and strategies used in football, told through the beautiful language of Kathak Dance. The 10 female performers dressed in saris elegantly highlighted the importance of teamwork, support, cohesion, and celebration; all needed in dance and sport. The chant of Debipriya Sircar “it’s coming home” never being truer! 

The show also incorporated a new football anthem by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – hopefully this will be the new ‘laddish’ singing style in the stadiums of the future.

That night a special group of women came together to celebrate female empowerment, strength and dreaming big; all inspired by the Women’s Euros and especially the exceptional performance of the Lionesses – England’s new heroes.

The incredibly empowering event was made possible by Idle Women and Brent Council. Idle Women is an important community organisation creating bespoke, adventurous spaces with and for women. Check out their Stadium for the Future project online. 

Choreographer: Sujata Banerjee MBE

Dancers and Mascots: Aditi, Akhvinder, Akruti, Chrishna, Dhrisha Maya, Meena, Rabby, Ruhi, Shalu, Showmi and Tulani.

Music: Chandrachur Bhattacharya (&RPO)

Tabla Player: Biswajit Pail

Photo credit: Pallavi Singh

Well done all involved in this magical project and especially to The Lionesses for making us all so proud and inspiring us to be the best we can be. Football came home!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: SARAH SETTER 07896 423 016 or sarah.setter13@gmail.com

sbdc-kathak.com or @sbdcuk