Copyright thenationonlineng
By Sophia Newton A UK- based dance and movement artist, Sophia Newton, presented ‘Rooted and Belonging,’ at The Kinship Art Exhibition in London, offering a compelling performance that explored cultural identity, emotional wellbeing and the lived experience of the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom. The work opened with Newton dressed in a fitted black bodysuit layered with a simple sleeveless top. Her movements were gentle, cautious, and questioning as she travelled across the floor to the soundscape of Sia’s Breathe Me. This first section captured the internal struggle of a person who carries culture far from home. The body seemed to ask, “Who am I when my roots feel distant?” Her gestures reached outward and into herself, revealing longing, disorientation, and a tender resilience. A shift occurred when Newton removed the sleeveless top, exposing vulnerability and placing the audience in a state of quiet attention. On the floor beside her lay an Aso Oke wrapper, a powerful symbol of Yoruba identity. When she finally reached for it and tied it firmly around her waist, the energy of the space changed. Lagbaja’s Konko Below entered the room with bold rhythmic power, and Newton responded with grounded footwork, hip articulation, and the joyful vibrancy of Yoruba dance. The crowd responded instantly. Smiles spread, claps rose into the rhythm, and a shared cultural recognition filled the space. Here, Newton was no longer searching. She belonged. The contrast heightened the truth at the heart of the performance: home is rediscovered through cultural memory and embodied connection. Read Also: Nigeria ready for global business, says Senator Sani Musa at Oxford Forum Newton later moved to the drum placed on the stage and began playing simple rhythmic patterns while continuing to dance. She shifted between dancing on the stage and moving closer to the audience, bringing them into the experience. The mix of rhythm and movement honoured Yoruba performance practices and added a sense of celebration and community to the moment. Newton’s choreographic choices show emotional intelligence and control. She allowed silence to speak alongside powerful rhythmic sections, creating a narrative that was personal and universal. Her work speaks to those who navigate identity between countries, cultures, and histories, especially within the Nigerian diaspora. As a practitioner recognised for using expressive movement to support wellbeing, Newton brought a creative health lens to this performance. The journey from isolation into collective joy reminded the audience that dance can restore confidence, heal emotional disconnection, and bring communities together. Rooted and Belonging affirms Sophia Newton as a significant voice in culturally grounded contemporary dance in the United Kingdom. With this work, she demonstrates the power of movement as both cultural preservation and creative healing. The performance is a reminder that belonging is not lost. It is remembered, embodied, and reclaimed.
