Interview with Divine Tasinda: The Heart of World’s Evolution

We sat down for an exclusive interview with Divine Tasinda, a multi-talented performer, artistic director, choreographer, and costume designer from THREE60, the pioneering street dance company. Known for its remarkable contributions to the realm of dance, THREE60 is making waves with the first Scottish Hip-Hop tour in half a decade.

This groundbreaking show, World’s Evolution, will be touring across Scotland from February 28th to April 23rd. You can grab your tickets here.

Origins of an Idea: Africa as Motherland

World’s Evolution is crafted as a journey from humanity’s origins to the intricate complexities of modern life. Divine explains that the idea arose from scientific understanding—specifically, the consensus that humanity began in Africa. As Africans, this connection to their roots fueled the motivation to create a piece that frames Africa as a shared motherland.

Ten years ago, Divine initiated a platform called AKO, focused on African diaspora dance and the evolution of various movement styles, like dancehall and reggaeton. He noticed a gap in the narrative—the African story was underrepresented, particularly in Scotland. This personal connection and exploration led him to ask, “Where do I come from?” His research not only introduced him to African dance but also enlightened him about the earliest human remains found in East Africa. Divine recognized that the rich histories rooted in Africa deserve a platform and a voice, making World’s Evolution a canvas for this intricate narrative.

Storytelling Through Dance

The crux of Divine’s work lies in translating profound existential questions through choreography. “Can you remember where you come from? Do you know who you are? Do you know where we are going?” he ponders, highlighting that dance is an immersive storytelling medium.

In African dance, movements often tell stories from daily life—whether it’s the hunt or gathering water. For Divine, the spiritual element of African dance is integral, with movements connected to healing practices. He cites the ‘rain dance’ as a community effort to manifest rain, exemplifying dance as a form of communication.

Similarly, Hip-Hop emerged from a time when the African diaspora felt unheard, rendering dance a critical avenue for self-expression. For Divine, storytelling through dance merges beautifully with history, allowing audiences to connect with deep-rooted cultural narratives.

A Decade of Influence

With over a decade advocating for Street and African Diasporic dance forms in Scotland, Divine reflects on how this journey has shaped World’s Evolution. The show is a tapestry woven from past productions, interlacing themes of empowerment, motherhood, masculinity, and perseverance.

Each choreographer and director contributes personal stories, weaving hardships alongside celebrations of artistic expression. The mission of THREE60 is to inspire the next generation, demonstrating that opportunities in the arts are abundant and accessible, igniting an appreciation for individual and communal narratives.

Blending Cultural Roots with Contemporary Theatre

The performance uniquely combines Hip-Hop, krump, popping, and traditional African and Caribbean dance forms. Divine speaks to the challenge of honoring these roots while integrating them into contemporary theatre spaces. The key lies not in altering the styles but in demanding space for their expression. This push for representation is essential for the growth of these art forms within the broader dance landscape.

Community Engagement Beyond the Stage

The tour isn’t just about performances; it also includes workshops and engagement classes aimed at nurturing budding Hip-Hop talent. Divine emphasizes that community work and stage performances are interconnected, forming a unified artistic mission. When THREE60 refers to “community,” they encompass everyone—Scotland as a community, for example.

Their commitment is to elevate Hip-Hop to a cherished, respected art form, providing a platform for artists at various stages in their careers. By fostering connections and opportunities, they hope to elevate Hip-Hop’s status across the artistic landscape of Scotland.

Facing and Dismantling Barriers

Divine lays out the barriers still in place within Scotland’s professional dance scene. There remains a pressing need for connection and awareness among Black communities regarding the available artistic opportunities. Despite the presence of various dance crews, large-scale touring for Hip-Hop productions has been sparse.

World’s Evolution aims to bridge intergenerational gaps by bringing diverse artists together. Crucially, Divine highlights their commitment to compensating every artist involved, a principle that not only ensures fair recognition but sets a precedent in the industry. Through this initiative, THREE60 aspires to inspire future generations of Hip-Hop and street dance artists, illuminating the possibilities within this vibrant art form.

With World’s Evolution, Divine Tasinda and the THREE60 company are not just presenting a show; they are igniting conversations, fostering community, and advocating for recognition. Their visionary approach transforms the stage into a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural representation, and artistic liberation.