ABOUT ILU AXE
Ilu Axé is a Brazilian Performing Arts project based in Bristol, UK. The group teaches and performs original choreographed arrangements which showcase the music and dance of Brazil's North-East; drawing largely on the songs, rhythms and dances of Candomblé and setting them to popular folkloric styles such as Samba Reggae, Afoxé and Maracatu.
The Ilu Axé project is run and directed by Katherine Sowerby - a musician, dancer, composer, producer and choreographer who, for the past 10 years has studied and researched the music and dance of North-East Brazil, playing with groups in both Recifé and Salvador da Bahia.
Co-director of the project is Jon Hardeman, a Candomblé 'Alabé' who has researched Brazilian culture for over 20 years and is a specialist in, and teacher of the music of Candomblé.
The Ilu Axé project works in the Bristol community and across the U.K. crossing the boundries between community and professional arts with a mission to attain high standards in all the work they do.
Ilu Axé runs performance groups of different sizes which are available to hire for a variety of different events and projects. We offer a small stage group of choreographed percussionists and singers and also a large 'Bloco'. Bloco Ilu Axé is a community street band that plays in Carnivals and as a part of processions and features up to 40 choreographed drummers and a troupe of dancers.
Regular courses in 'Choreographed Drumming' are run in Bristol with a yearly Carnival programme involving dance and costumes. Both Katherine and Jon teach all over the UK, providing tuition, long-term projects and commisions for groups and individuals. For more information, simply email iluaxe@gmail.com or calling +44 (0)7773 795710. Contacts and information about Jon Hardeman can be found at www.myspace.com/jonhardeman.
Ilu Axé are thankful and endebted to the following for their knowlede and teachings: Everaldo Santos Brito, Laercio Borges dos Anjos, Giba Gonsalves, Neguinho do Samba and Projeto Dida, Afoxe Yle de Egba, Terreiro Ilé Axé Opo Oya Igbalé and Terreiro Ilé Axé Oponda. We endevour to represent authentically the cultural traditions of Brazil with full respect to their heritage and history.
