New show announcement | ZooNation give Dickens’ classic a hip hop makeover
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Ebony Scrooge: A Brand-New Show from ZooNation coming to Sadler’s Wells East
Today ZooNation are hugely excited to announce Ebony Scrooge, our brand-new production in collaboration with Sadler’s Wells East opening this Christmas.
Created by our Associate Artistic Director Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe, we’re bringing a fresh, contemporary twist to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This show is bold, vibrant and full of the energy and creativity you’ve come to expect from us.
This time, we’re stepping into the world of Ebony, a powerhouse at the helm of a global fashion empire. But when her ambition leads her to cancel Christmas, she finds herself on an unexpected journey. With the help of three mystical visitors, Ebony reconnects with her Caribbean roots and begins to uncover what truly makes life meaningful.
The show is led by Rhimes, who brings her East London upbringing and Caribbean heritage to this reimagining. Rhimes’ vision, paired with original music by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante (Artistic Director and Founder of Boy Blue), creates a dynamic and powerful production ready to capture the imagination of all generations.
Rhimes says – “This is a story the world knows well, but for me—as a Black woman born and raised in East London—it carries a deeply personal significance. It’s a chance to celebrate a monumental moment by weaving elements of my own journey as a second-generation Caribbean child into hip hop and my favourite Christmas tale. My hope is that audiences leave not only entertained and inspired but also with a deeper appreciation for the strength and beauty of their own unique stories… With Ebony Scrooge, we’re blending humour, energy and cultural influences to celebrate individuality, family and community, all while rediscovering the joy of Christmas!”
We can’t wait to share Ebony Scrooge with you at the stunning new Sadler’s Wells East theatre in Stratford from 26th November 2025 to 4th January 2026. It’s a show for all ages, blending hip hop, comedy and powerful storytelling in a way that’s uniquely ZooNation.
Full cast and creatives announcement coming soon
Double the difference – ZooNation to take part in Big Give campaign
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As March kicks off, we’re excited to announce that ZooNation has been selected to be part of this year’s Big Give Arts for Impact campaign (18th to 24th March) and will be raising vital funds for ZooNation Youth Company.
What you need to know
Between 18th – 24th March, every donation made to ZooNation will be DOUBLED by Big Give. That’s right—one donation, double the impact for ZooNation Youth Company (ZYC).
£1 becomes £2, £10 becomes £20, £100 becomes £200… you get the idea!
It really is that simple!
Why it matters
As may have experienced first hand, ZYC is more than a youth company—it’s a family. Since 2006, we’ve been a home for young talent, fostering creativity and delivering incredible performance and training opportunities.
Now, more than ever, places like ZYC are vital in helping young artists grow and thrive.
How you can help
DONATE:
Help up achieve our £5000 fundraising target by donating via Big Give campaign page between 18-24th March
Simply donate ANY AMOUNT via our Big Give campaign page
SHARE:
Help us spread the word and share your experience of ZooNation and our Youth Company on the Big Give page or engage with the campaign on our social media platforms via @zoonationuk
Set your reminders – you can donate between 18th – 26th March only
ZooNation’s Hip-Hop Half-Term
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Performances: 22 February 2025, Southbank Centre
Get your groove on with ZooNation dancers in workshops introducing families to a range of styles influenced by hip-hop culture.
Join us for a fun-filled day for all the family, with workshops and performances from ZooNation Youth Company, plus a lunchtime DJ.
Don’t miss a special performance from ZooNation Youth Company, featuring the new 2025 cohort, and workshops led by ZooNation Artists Bradley Charles and Francesca Miles.
Free entry
Ideal for ages 4-11
10.30am – 12.30pm: Workshops and performances
12.30pm –1.30pm: DJ set
1.30pm – 3.30pm: Workshops and performances
Practical Online CPD Event: Introduction to the fundamental Hip-Hop Techniques and Message In A Bottle Repertoire
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Practical Online CPD Event: Introduction to the fundamental Hip-Hop Techniques and Message In A Bottle Repertoire with dance captain Lindon Barr.
Hosted by Bradley Charles and Rachel Howes
Are you looking to improve your practical Hip-Hop dance technique and teaching pedagogy, learn professional repertoire to deliver in class or deliberate on the best ways to develop student feedback and reflection to support student progress and grading evidence, then this CPD is for you.
Join us for a day’s practical CPD studying technique and repertoire from Message In A Bottle with Bradley Charles our Associate Artist and our Education Consultant Rachel Howes. This professional development (CPD) session is designed specifically for dance and performing arts educators and can be used in connection to support the delivery of Components 2 and 3 of the BTEC Tech Awards in Performing Arts and BTEC Nationals in Performing Arts/ Performance Units 2, 3 and 11.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to inspire your students with fresh ideas and techniques, refresh your skills and explore creative approaches to dance education in this engaging online session then sign up using the following link.
Breakdown of the day:
Morning Session Part One:
Introduction to the fundamental Hip-Hop techniques which could include elements of social groves, locking, popping, house, waacking and breaking. This element of the session is to equip you with the basic skills and technique exercises to develop students’ technical ability in class.
Morning Session Part Two:
How to ensure students are effectively reviewing their own development and application of performance skills.
LUNCH BREAK
Afternoon Session Part One:
Learn part of the professional repertoire from our Production Message in a Bottle with dance captain Lindon Barr.
Afternoon Session Part Two:
Explore ways to deliver this to the ‘whole cohort’ to make it accessible for all, creating quality first teaching experiences.
Q&A SESSION
£100 per place
ZooNation Academy of Dance Christmas Show
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Performances: 14 December 2024, The Place, London WC1H 9PY
Join us for a joyful day of celebrating the incredible talents of ZooNation’s Academy of Dance students and teachers.
We’re honouring another fantastic year of creativity and dedication from both the school and the ZooNation Youth Company.
Featuring new choreography set to a vibrant mix of timeless R&B, soul classics, and some of this year’s hottest hip-hop tracks. This festive showcase promises to leave you brimming with Christmas cheer.
Performance Times: 4:30 PM & 7:30 PM
