Akeim Toussaint Buck is an interdisciplinary performer and maker, born in Jamaica and raised in England. Graduating from The Northern School of Contemporary Dance in 2014, Akeim began creating his own work in 2015. His intention is to create moving, thought provoking, accessible and free-spirited projects. Exploring a variety of themes to challenge, enlighten and entertain audiences in a visceral way, calling on multiple art forms to weave a spectacle. Audiences are invited to not just observe, they are implicit in the experience. The work aims to reflect on reality, looking at ongoing socio-political issues, with a humanitarian intention.
The aesthetic of Toussaint's work combines dance, creative writing, film, poetry, beat-box, singing and acting. Fused to tell stories capable of bridging the gaps between a variety of audiences. His movement is informed by methodologies of kick boxing, Yoga, Capoeira, Caribbean Dance, Hip Hop and Contemporary Dance. His performances aspire to an orchestral musicality involving spoken word poetry, singing, and beatboxing. With improvisation and acute listening at the core of his practice of vocality and movement, which he calls Beatmotion, the artist embraces the holistic potential of dance to translate the affective dimension of socio-political realities.
Recent achievements include:
IRIE Dance Theatre's Artist in Residence for 2019-2020, becoming the Artist for NSCD, Yorkshire Dance and Spin Arts' Catapult 2019. Deda Theatre in Derby where Akeim has been recently appointed Associate Artist 2020-onwards. Geraldine Connor Foundation where Akeim is an Associate Artist. Awarded Arts Foundation Futures Award in Dance Theatre 2023. Akeim's work has been supported by Yorkshire Dance, Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Inspired, IRIE! Dance Theatre, Spin Arts, Serendipity, NSCD, Sadlers Wells and Arts Council England.
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