Yesterday and Tomorrow: Roundtable Discussion and Dinner

Yesterday and Tomorrow: Roundtable Discussion and Dinner brings together the intergenerational voices of Angie Amra Anderson, Steward Arnold, Greta Mendez and Nahum McLean to reflect on the development and direction of Black British dance through a shared culinary experience curated by Chef Lauren Wilmott. Wilmott draws on her Jamaican heritage and fine-dining training to create a menu with each course inspired by a different speaker. This is a space for honest reflection and visionary thinking, inviting guests to consider how Black British dance has travelled, where it stands now and where it must go next.

Angie Amra Anderson
Anderson co-founded the awardwinning Ekome National Dance Company and has taught and performed internationally. Her TV and film appearances range from The South Bank Show to Only Fools and Horses and she has performed alongside Peter Gabriel at WOMAD, Fela Kuti and Osibisa.

Stewart Avon Arnold
Avon Arnold is a pioneer of lyrical contemporary jazz in the UK. He has supported a variety of West End shows including Wayne Sleep’s Song and Dance (as a soloist dancer) and Dance, Dash, The Wiz and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and has worked with Kate Bush, David Grant and Elton John.

Greta Mendez
Mendez is a trailblazing dancer as the first Trinidadian to dance with Scottish Ballet; she was a director and performer at MAAS Movers, one of Britain’s first Black contemporary dance companies. As a Movement Director, Mendez has worked with The National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic and Talawa Theatre Company.

Nahum McLean
A rising talent, McLean has performed with Richard Alston Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Complexions Contemporary Ballet and in Inala – A Zulu Ballet. Alongside Darius Drooh, he is co-founder of BlacBrik.

Chef Lauren Wilmott
Wilmott’s culinary journey began at Westminster Kingsway College, where she was named Apprentice of the Year while training with Caprice Holdings and continued in prestigious kitchens such as 34 Mayfair. In 2023, she was a semi-finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals, where she highlighted authentic Jamaican cuisine with a contemporary twist.