Fourfront
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Wed 29 Oct 20257:00PMAldridge Studio
For one night only, step into the heart of Greater Manchester’s underground scene as four dynamic artists bring their raw energy for a night of dance that will leave you wanting more. Fusing street dance styles, expect to see hip-hop, krump and popping with powerful themes and bold storytelling.
For the very first time, Platform+ has commissioned four Manchester-based hip-hop artists to develop and present new and bold work for the Lowry stage. Our talented artists have been mentored by Boy Blue’s Kenrick Sandy.
Platform+ is supported by Lowry and Shockout Arts.
We are delighted to present the following line-up of artists:
MERCHERNISM by Bella Chieza
Rituals of release by Mia Ceraldi
Praise Be by Callum Armstrong
Soft Armour by KT Smith
MERCHERNISM by Bella Chieza
MERCHERNISM by Bella Chieza
These exteriors may serve for now but how long can we maintain them before the cracks show?
This piece is an intimate exploration of the emotional masks women wear to survive in a world that too often punishes their vulnerability. Through sharp contrasts of movement, it unveils the tension between resilience and fragility, exposing moments of honesty that cut through the facade. What emerges is a raw and moving display of Hip-hop, encouraging females to embrace the feelings we’re told to hide.
About the Choreographer
Isabelle Chieza is a 20-year-old artist currently developing her choreographic voice within the world of hip-hop. Originally from Wolverhampton, she began training in street styles with various companies, including ZooNation and Marshon dance company, before expanding into choreography and teaching. Bella is passionate about representing the female experience within hip-hop dance culture and aims to be a voice for the next generation of female artists.
Cast members
Milan Valencia
Ophelia Nunes
Myaa Campbell-Black
Connect
Instagram: @Bella.chieza
Rituals of release by Mia Ceraldi
This piece explores the complexity of self-connection through the cycles we create within ourselves. A character, caught in repetition, runs from the many versions of who they are and who they fear becoming. The cycle confines, but it also reveals — each attempt at escape loosening another layer. What emerges is not collapse, but release: a breaking away, an unraveling, and a search for freedom through movement.
About the Choreographer
Mia Ceraldi is a versatile dance artist with a diverse training background across commercial, hip hop, house, and popping, alongside experience in krump and locking. Believing that excellence comes through versatility, Mia intentionally built a wide movement vocabulary. Mia trained at Shockout Arts for three years, completing both the Hip Hop and Street Vernacular course and the Professional Commercial course. Since childhood, Mia has performed extensively, with credits including Justin Bieber, JD Sports, L’Oréal Hair, Pepsi Max, and The Real Housewives of Cheshire.
Connect
Instagram: @miaceraldi_
TikTok: @ceraldi1
Praise Be by Callum Armstrong
Who controls you, wooden boy?
This piece explores how we may find ourselves idolizing those closely related to us, and how 'worshipping' a 'false idol' can affect our ability to think critically or express our authentic selves. We would like to pose the question, "do you have a master?"
About the Choreographer
Callum Armstrong is a 20-year-old dancer from Warrington, trained in a range of street styles including house, hip hop, and waacking. He has performed with artists such as Justin Bieber, and has opened for renowned groups like Diversity and the Royal Family Dance Crew.
A versatile performer and competitor, Callum has claimed titles at both battle events and world-level competitions. He is now focused on building his own artistic voice and developing engaging work that leaves an impact.
Performer credits: Bella Chieza, Georgia
Smith
Connect
Instagram: @callum_arm, @bella.chieza, @georgia_s79
Soft Armour by KT Smith
Capturing the Interplay of Strength and Vulnerability.
In this piece we explore the perception of feminine masculinity - looking at the tension between protecting oneself and revealing emotion, blending strength and grace as one. Join us for this in depth, creative, hard-hitting piece.
About the Choreographer
Katy Smith is a performer, creative and choreographer living in Manchester but born and raised in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Katy is Co-Founder of KXT DANCE ELITE in Manchester.
Katy graduated from Shockout Arts with a BA 1st Class Honours degree in Professional and Commercial Dance. Since graduating, Katy has danced and choreographed for the likes of the artist Alex Warren, been a part of Free Your Mind choreographed by Kenrick Sandy / Directed by Danny Boyle, as well as opening the new Nike Store in Manchester as a dancer.
Joining Katy on stage are performers Mia Boniface and Emily Edwards.
Connect
Instagram: @kxtysmithx
Facebook: Katy Smith
TikTok: @kxtysmithx0x
Eat & Drink
Whether it’s a quick lunch, a leisurely coffee or pre-theatre meal, we have great dining spaces to complement any visit.
