This week’s Culture Radar guest is Hannah Ballard, Creative Director of Sole Rebel CIC.
Loved: I visited River of Light with my family — we all loved it! I’m always inspired by free public art that brings people together, and this was such a beautiful combination of light, sound, and creativity.
I also have to mention a lunchtime gig I caught at The Tung Auditorium — Rachel Jean Harris and her band were incredible. She’s such a talented songwriter and musician, and it was a truly beautiful performanc
Looking forward to: I have to give a shout-out to our own upcoming event — the Sole Rebel Soirée this Friday 7th November at The Black-E! It’s going to be a joyful evening of rhythm and connection, featuring our four-piece live jazz band, some of the UK’s best tap dancers, special guests, and delicious food from Bay Tree Catering. I’m so excited to share all the hard work our company has put in this year — it’s a real celebration of creativity, community, and joy through rhythm.
Trivia: I’ve been researching William Henry Lane — known as Master Juba — often described as “the most influential dancer of the nineteenth century” and regarded as the originator of tap dance. Remarkably, he performed several times in Liverpool in the 1800s, including his final appearances before sadly passing away from Cholera at the Brownhill Workhouse, where the Metropolitan Cathedral now stands. For us as tap dancers, that deep historic connection between Master Juba and Liverpool is truly incredible.