17/08/2024
As we now come toward the end of our 3rd year of Richmond Dance Al Frescos I wanted take this opportunity to thank a very special person.
Sometimes in our pursuit of making a success of something, or even just surviving, we forget to publicly or even privately acknowledge and thank those that helped us and others along the way.
I have an endless list of people that have helped me become the man I am today but this post is dedicated to one
such wonderful being…her name is Kele Baker. Kele has been a pillar of support to me in so many ways over so many years but the thing I want to thank her today for is… her vision and creation of the very first Dance Al Fresco in Regents park and then her permission to take over the mantle / brand of Dance Al Fresco.
Now I appreciate there are very many places around the country and of course the world that offer outdoor dancing but the Dance Al Fresco that Kele started is an event close to my heart and one of those events that we, Soulhub, now have the honour and pleasure of offering. Now in Richmond rather than Regents Park where Kele started it back in 1998!
Kele’s annual Dance Al Fresco weekends in Regents Park where a very popular date in many social dancer’s calendar. They were a two day event with Ballroom and Latin on the first day and Argentine Tango on the second. As per photo attached.
Money raised was donated to Royal Parks to plant trees. I had the pleasure of being invited to perform at a couple of Dance Al Fresco events over the years and it was always such a joyous occasion even if pouring with rain!
In 2016 when Kele decided to immigrate back to the USA she very generously donated her large portable dance floor, and PA system to me. And before starting our Soulhub outdoor dancing in 2022, Kele also gave us her blessing to use the Dance Al Fresco “Brand” name. Which I am super grateful for and we are doing our best to continue and develop the legacy she started.
Sadly, for a variety of reasons, we are currently unable to use her dance floor at Tide Tables Cafe but perhaps one day soon it will again see the light of day and feel the addictive rhythms of dancers feet. Perhaps even in Regent’s Park!?
This is a not for profit event but rather one that generates caring and joyful community connection through the universal language of music and dance.
