Akeim Toussaint Buck

Akeim Toussaint Buck is an award-winning 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, launching Toussaint To Move in 2016 with the creation of ‘Windows of Displacement’. TTM’S 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 and other art forms such as; creative writing, film, poetry, beat-box, singing and acting to tell stories capable of bringing a variety of audiences together. Akeim’s movement is informed by methodologies of KickBoxing, Yoga, Capoeira, Caribbean Dance, Hip Hop and Contemporary Dance. Improvisation and acute listening are at the core of Toussaint’s practice of vocalisation and movement, called Beatmotion. The artist embraces the holistic potential of performance to translate the affective dimension of socio-political realities.
Achievements include: 

Irie Dance Theatre’s, Artist in Residence for 2019-2020, becoming the Artist for Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Yorkshire Dance and Spin Arts’ Catapult Programme 2019. Associate Artist 2020-2022 at Deda in Derby. Associate Artist at Geraldine Connor Foundation. Awarded Arts Foundation Futures Award for Dance Theatre in 2023. Continued support from Yorkshire Dance, Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Inspired, IRIE! Dance Theatre, Spin Arts, Serendipity, NSCD, Sadlers Wells and Arts Council England.

 Earthflow
I call my classes Earthflow, as my intention in my physical practice is to feel connected to the ground whilst seeking to find flow and expansion in my movement. Expect some set material and improvisation stimuli to investigate and interrogate. This approach of movement is inspired by Contemporary and Caribbean Dance Elements, Release Technique, Animal Flow, Yoga, Elements of Hip Hop and Capoeira.

Together we seek liberation and flow, strengthening our connection to the earth both physically and energetically, seeking to find elasticity in our movement. We’ll creatively explore cyclical movement patterns and rhythms, travelling through the space, inviting curiosity, accuracy, breath and clarity. In an energetic and playful environment, we’ll revitalise our senses, build strength, stamina and open our awareness as we move together as a community.

Class will be accompanied by live music (beatbox, vocal improv loop station).