Imagine feeling torn between two worlds, your roots pulling you in one direction while your present life tugs you in another. This is the powerful theme explored in Sophia Newton’s Rooted and Belonging, a captivating performance showcased at The Kinship Art Exhibition in London. But here’s where it gets emotional: Newton, a UK-based dance and movement artist, doesn’t just perform—she invites us to witness the raw, internal struggle of someone navigating cultural identity, emotional wellbeing, and the unique experience of the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom.
The piece begins with Newton in a fitted black bodysuit, layered with a simple sleeveless top, moving gently yet cautiously across the floor to the haunting melody of Sia’s Breathe Me. Her gestures are both outward-reaching and introspective, as if asking, “Who am I when my roots feel distant?” This opening section masterfully captures the disorientation and longing of someone carrying their culture far from home, while also showcasing a quiet, tender resilience.
And this is the part most people miss: When Newton removes the sleeveless top, the audience is drawn into a moment of vulnerability, their attention held in silent anticipation. Beside her lies an Aso Oke wrapper, a deeply symbolic piece of Yoruba identity. As she ties it firmly around her waist, the energy shifts dramatically. Lagbaja’s Konko Below bursts into the space, its bold rhythms met with Newton’s grounded footwork, hip articulation, and the infectious vibrancy of Yoruba dance.
The crowd’s reaction is immediate—smiles break out, claps sync with the rhythm, and a shared cultural recognition fills the room. In this moment, Newton’s search for belonging ends. She’s no longer questioning; she’s home. This contrast underscores the performance’s core truth: belonging isn’t found—it’s rediscovered through cultural memory and embodied connection.
Later, Newton moves to a drum on stage, playing simple yet powerful rhythms while continuing to dance. She seamlessly shifts between the stage and the audience, drawing them into the experience. This blend of rhythm and movement not only honors Yoruba performance traditions but also transforms the moment into a celebration of community.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Newton’s choreographic choices—her use of silence alongside rhythmic intensity—create a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. But is this balance too delicate? Does it risk losing those unfamiliar with the cultural nuances? Or does it invite them to connect on a human level, regardless of background?
As a practitioner known for using expressive movement to support wellbeing, Newton brings a unique lens to this performance. Her journey from isolation to collective joy serves as a reminder that dance can restore confidence, heal emotional disconnection, and unite communities.
Rooted and Belonging cements Sophia Newton as a vital voice in culturally grounded contemporary dance in the UK. Through her work, she demonstrates that movement is not just art—it’s a tool for cultural preservation and creative healing. The performance leaves us with a profound question: Is belonging something we lose, or is it something we remember, embody, and reclaim?
What do you think? Does Newton’s exploration of identity and belonging resonate with your own experiences? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
