HOUSE OF SURAJ TO TAKE OVER EAST LONDON DANCE THIS SEPTEMBER

Aiming to create an affirming space for rest, creativity, and joyful connection “Joy is the greatest form of resistance. We need this. We need us.”

As part of its ongoing OUR HOUSE series, East London Dance will hand over creative control of the Talent House to artist and cultural leader Kumari Suraj and their collective House of Suraj from 22–28 September 2025.

The OUR HOUSE programme is a funded opportunity designed to support underrepresented artists, producers and collectives in curating a week of activity that reflects, uplifts and celebrates their communities. Each takeover includes access to the entire Talent House building, a commissioning budget and hands-on producing, event and marketing support. The initiative is supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Arts Council England.

This September’s takeover will focus on Queer resilience, resistance, wellness and fantasy, bringing together a week of workshops, discussions, and performances centred on 2SLGBTQIA+ artists of the global majority. House of Suraj aims to create an affirming space for rest, creativity, and joyful connection in response to the ongoing pressures and discrimination faced by Queer, Trans and Non-Binary communities.

In Kumari Suraj’s words:

“This year, more than ever, myself and my community are being unjustly targeted and harmed for simply existing… I’ve created a brave space with East London Dance to remind us of our superpowers… Joy is the greatest form of resistance. We need this. We need us.”

The week culminates with evening performances inspired by Dionysian revelry, nature worship, and disco, offering a space of unapologetic joy and celebration for London’s LGBTQ+ communities.

🔗 Learn more about the upcoming takeover
🔗 Read more via Moves Magazine