MDI celebrates the end of its 21st anniversary year

MDI will round off their 21st anniversary year this weekend with their African and Caribbean dance showcase, Bend Down Low.Taking place at The Florrie in Toxteth at 7pm on Saturday (November 21), they say the evening "looks set to be a fitting finale for what has been a wonderful year of celebrations".MDI has been committed to supporting African and Caribbean dance in traditional and contemporary forms since the organisation began in 1993, and it has a long history of working with communities from the African diaspora both directly and indirectly.Featuring performances from London's Chance 2 Dance (lead by Francis Angol), MDI’s Riddim and Roots, 50 Moves and Tappers and Growing Older (Dis)Gracefully, Movema Unlock the Box and Afro Fusion groups amongst others, Bend Down Low intends to highlight the rich and diverse APD (African peoples' dance) work that has been cultivated in the region.Maxine Brown, MDI's community dance artist for APD said: “The social and historical significance of African music and dance brings communities together to celebrate a rich and vibrant culture. Now in its sixth year, Bend Down Low has harvested together performers from across the UK to perform here in Liverpool.”The evening will also feature an informal platform for work in progress, with the aim to provide a safe, supportive environment for artists to test out new ideas. The platform is open to artists at any stage of their career, but is particularly useful for emerging choreographers.Lisa Nkrumah-Mweu of ADAD, which runs the 'open stage' event said: “ADAD are very excited to be working in partnership with MDI and Movema to bring Open Stage to Liverpool, and provide a platform for dance makers to  perform new work and receive insightful, constructive feedback from an invited panel and audience."Tickets for the event are priced at £5 on the door.