Celebrating Master Juba: 200 Years On 

The bicentennial birth of tap dancer William Henry Lane

Saturday 4^th May – 12:30-9:30pm

https://www.ticketebo.co.uk/sole-rebel-cic/celebrating-master-juba-200-years-on-sole-rebel

Join us to celebrate the bicentennial birth of William Henry Lane (more commonly 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 US, his impact and reception within Victorian theatre, and his legacies in Liverpool today.

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

Featuring: History & research talks – walking tour – interactive archive session – guest speakers – TDRN UK panel discussion – social tap jam – live music – dinner (pie, veg & gravy)  

Part 1: 12:30 – 17:00 at Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW (limited capacity for the afternoon – we recommend booking tickets ASAP)

Part 2: 17:00 – 21:30 approx. at Hope Street Arts Bar, 22 Hope Street (inside the Old Masonic Lodge), Liverpool, L1 9BY

We’re very grateful for funding and support from the BAAS Development Fund and Changing Times Tap Dance Initiative.

Any questions or more information on how to get involved, please email CelebratingMasterJuba@gmail.com – all are very welcome!