Oti Mabuse’s Dancing Legends

Other

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Oti Mabuse's Dancing Legends

Documentaries

Podcasts

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

Oti Mabuse explores the extraordinary people who have changed the course of dance.

Professional dancer Oti Mabuse explores the extraordinary people who have changed the course of dance.

BBC Radio 4 LW

Oti Mabuse's Dancing Legends: Charleston dancer Josephine Baker

Charleston dancer Josephine Baker

BBC Radio 4 - Oti Mabuse's Dancing Legends, Charleston dancer Josephine Baker

Ryan Francois talks to Oti Mabuse about his dancing legend - Josephine Baker.

Professional dancer Oti Mabuse explores the extraordinary people who have changed the course of dance. Ryan Francois talks to Oti about his dancing legend - Josephine Baker.

Swing dancer and choreographer Ryan Francois joins Oti Mabuse to talk about his career and dancing inspiration. Ryan created the dance routine The Jitterbug Stroll, popular with Lindy Hop dancers. He also worked as a specialist Charleston choreographer on the Strictly Come Dancing show. 

For Ryan, when he looks at Charleston and Jazz , there is only one name who epitomises what the dance genre is all about- Josephine Baker. 

Baker became a cultural icon in France during the 1920s and 1930s and had headline shows across Europe. Her impact is still felt nearly fifty years after her death, and her style is recognised by modern entertainers.  

Ryan and Oti delve into the life of this dancing legend with archive clips and the expert help of author Sherry Jones. 

Oti also joins choreographer Jenny Thomas in the dance studio to have a go at Charleston dancing in the style of Josephine Baker. 

Presenter: Oti Mabuse
Producer: Candace Wilson
Production Team: Emily Knight and Rema Mukena
Editors: Kirsten Lass and Chris Ledgard
A BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Oti Mabuse's Dancing Legends

Charleston dancer Josephine Baker

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4