Celebrating Master Juba: 200 Years On | Sole Rebel

About Celebrating Master Juba: 200 Years On | Sole Rebel

Join us for a day celebrating the bicentennial birth of William Henry Lane (also known onstage as ‘Master Juba’) - the ‘inimitable’ and ‘renowned’ African American dancer who received fame across both sides of the Atlantic!

Curated by Hannah Ballard (Sole Rebel Dance Company, Liverpool) and Lucy Thompson (PhD Student, University of Cambridge), this day event will explore Lane’s significant histories in the UK and his legacies in Liverpool today.

Lane victoriously challenged rival step dancer, John Diamond, and was described by Charles Dickens in ‘American Notes’ (1842) on his visit to the notorious ‘Five Points District’, in Manhattan. Join us as we trace and celebrate ‘Master Juba’ in the UK, from his arrival across the Atlantic in 1848, his performances across all major cities, to his tragically early death in Liverpool in 1854.

Featuring:

History talks - walking tour - interactive archive session - guest speakers - social - tap jam - live music – dinner (pie, veg & gravy provided by local Gluten free Pie Company)

Join us in celebrating the legendary ‘father’ of tap dance!

Part 1 of the day – 12.30 – 17.00 At Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW.

Includes: Talks, interactive archive session & walking tour of sites connected with William Henry Lane in Liverpool. (We will end at Hope Street Arts Bar)

Research Talks on William Henry Lane (‘Master Juba’) – Hannah Ballard (Sole Rebel) and Lucy Thompson (University of Cambridge) will share biographical and historical context, and recent findings from their ongoing research projects.

Interactive archive session with Liverpool Central Library’s collections

Walking Tour – join us as we walk to significant sites within Liverpool’s city centre, connected with William Henry Lane’s time in Liverpool

Part 2 of the day – 17.00 – 21.30 approx. At Hope Street Arts Bar, 22 Hope Street (inside the Old Masonic Lodge), Liverpool, L1 9BY.

Dinner & social

Guest speaker Annette Walker – Shifting perspectives of Tap Dance

A story of jazz through the lens of tap dance, highlighting the connection between rhythm and movement. Using a historical perspective provides an opportunity to understand the early relationship between jazz rhythms and tap dance and present-day practice

Tap Dance Research Network UK – Panel discussion

Tap Jam & social with Sole Rebel’s in-house live jazz band

If you are a student, unwaged, or cost may be a barrier to attending, please don’t hesitate to contact us at CelebratingMasterJuba@gmail.com and we’ll be in touch.