Requiem

IN2IT
11 hours ago
2 min read

A poetic duet about belonging, identity and the encounter between people

Requiem by Tavaziva Dance (UK), was commissioned by the National Gallery in London in connection with the opening of The Roden Centre for Creative Learning, and premiered on 28 February 2025.

When Bawren Tavaziva arrived in London as a young dancer from Zimbabwe, the very first place he visited was the National Gallery. This encounter would prove to be of great significance – both personally and artistically – and has helped shape the direction of his strong career in the UK.

Inspired by the gallery's art collection, and performed by two brilliant dancers, Requiem unfolds a gentle and powerful tale of arrival. About people meeting across backgrounds, about what we learn through art, and about how community can arise.

With a distinctive combination of mature beauty, precision and presence, Tavaziva explores how identity is shaped by the places we move through. The result is a moving, thoughtful and visually striking performance.

Requiem premierte på National Gallery i London, 28.februar 2025.

ABOUT Tavaziva:

Award-winning company at the intersection of contemporary dance, ballet and African expressions

Established in 2004 and led by Zimbabwean-born Bawren Tavaziva, Tavaziva is internationally recognized for its beautiful and dynamic hybrid of contemporary dance, ballet and African dance.

Tavaziva's distinctive movement language places high demands on technique, musicality and physical precision. The result is intricate, powerful and gripping choreography that both moves and inspires the audience.

Based in London and with a national reach in the UK, the company also works purposefully with talent development. Tavaziva offers opportunities for young dancers and recent graduates through, among other things, a postgraduate dance apprenticeship program, as well as a wide range of teaching and training programs.

The company tours regularly in the UK and internationally, and has created commissioned works for CAT (Centre for Advanced Training), the Association of the African Diaspora, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, the Southbank Centre and the National Gallery, among others.

Since its inception, Tavaziva has produced a number of works, including: Umulan Kasisi (2004), Soul Inspired (2005), Bophelo (2006), Chatsva (2007), Heart of Darkness (2009), Wild Dog (2010), Double Take (2011), Sensual Africa (2012), Greed (2013 & 2025), Tavaziva Ten (2014), Africarmen (2015), Izindava (2017) and BOY'S KHAYA (2021 & 2023).