Natifah White

Guest Writer

Personal Brief

Natifah White is an early dance artist-researcher whose practice lies in archiving, meaning and embodiment. Whether that be through supporting another artist or her own practice, this intrinsic thread of the importance of process runs throughout her work. Natifah graduated from London Contemporary Dance School in 2019 and has worked with choreographers such as; Jamila Johnson-Small, Marikiscrycrycry and Eve Stainton and Florence Peake. Since graduating she has also had the opportunity to further her performance (and critical) practice with artists including; Seke Chimutengwende, Atabey Mamasita and Grace Nicol exploring themes that question and (de/ re) centre spectatorship and abjection beyond the black (and archive) box.

Photo credit: Nevena Stojkov

Artists on your radar, shout them out!

This is quite a difficult one but here are some of the amazing artists (and friends) I am grateful to be around and work with: @thehamthatruns, @possiblytammy, @thelinegirl @alice.synne @KAMALISHE @books.up.north @alexander_benjamin and @gracenicol :)

Which is your number one location - and what's it best for?

This might be a generic one but when I lived in London, the Southbank Centre was always a place I returned to. I think for me there are a lot of memories that are attached there including: house dance training in the cloakroom foyer to watching Jungle (one of my fave bands) in the Royal Festival Hall. To me it’s a great spot and it’s surrounded by water!

'Getting creative', what's it all about?

For me, this means finding alternative ways of doing things or even questioning, stopping and disrupting things! It keeps me/those I am connecting with on their toes and that is where change can potentially happen…or shift anyway!

Your Life, Right Now - what's the soundtrack?

Solange, Q-Tip - Borderline (An Ode to Self Care)
Moonchild - Now and Then
Buena Vista Social Club - Chan Chan
Hiatus Kaiyote - Red Room
SCAHN ASMR - He's really good and creative!

What is your idea of a jolly good time?

Well I always appreciate a good cup of tea (w/ oat milk) so any situation that involves tea makes me jolly haha.

What happened the last time you were a complete disgrace?

I haven't experienced this, but I like to think disgracing can be seen as a process of (un) becoming something, someone and/ or a moment as it is and in this way I think this is good :)