Bloom

Fusing music, fashion and dance, BLOOM is a brand new performance that will debut at EXPO Osaka ahead of performances in Greater Manchester during Japan Week.

BLOOM is a celebration of Greater Manchester’s contemporary creative scene, created by composer and DJ AFRODEUTSCHE, dance company Company Chameleon, and queer-led fashion brand Belladonis.

Alongside them, the live performance will also feature a string ensemble from the world-renowned Hallé orchestra, including virtuosic violinist Roberto Ruisi.

Centred on the theme of metamorphosis and change, BLOOM draws inspiration from the true story of three students from Satsuma, Japan who arrived in Oldham in 1865 to learn about the revolutionary technology used in the local cotton industry.  Reflecting on this shared history between Greater Manchester and Osaka, the performance looks towards their connected future, marking a landmark year of cultural exchange between the two regions.

This ambitious project is brought together by From The Other, the Salford-based creative producers behind Sounds From The Other City; one of the UK’s longest-running independent festivals dedicated to championing underrepresented artists and grassroots culture.

“Japan has always been a dream destination for me. I felt this was an opportunity to compose a love letter from Manchester to Osaka — two places that hold such significance in my heart. As an artist, I rarely get the opportunity to collaborate across different mediums — with dance, costume design, and music all coming together in one dynamic project. It’s a dream come true! I hope it sparks curiosity and a deeper connection to our heritage — and, most importantly, brings people together to celebrate it.”

– AFRODEUTSCHE

Image credit: Jess Robinson