Dr ‘H’ Patten

Dr H Patten

Independent Scholar Fellow 2021-22

Reggae/dancehall: a dynamic continuity of resistance and survival for disenfranchised and marginalised young people

My research focuses on the migration and genealogical history of reggae/dancehall contemporary urban dance in Britain. The culture of young Black British people exists at the intersection of race, gender, racism and social (in)justice. Engaging these crucial discourses, reggae/dancehall’s presentation as a vibrant cultural expression, is often misunderstood and dismissed as vulgarity and violence (Cooper, 2004). This obscures reggae/dancehall’s subversive connection to the Decolonial School of thought wherein resistance and re-existence facilitates change and transformation of circumstances (Albán-Achinte in Tlostanova, 2017). This research presents an alternative narrative, positioning reggae/dancehall as a continuity of resistance and survival amongst disenfranchised and marginalised young people.

More information

Research outcomes

Patten, H. (2022).

Reading religion and spirituality in Jamaican reggae dancehall dance: spirit bodies moving. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

Areas of interest

Dance Reggae Dancehall Spirituality Choreography

Cohort

ISF7

Biography

‘H’ Patten is an associate lecturer in African/Caribbean dance on the Irie! Dance Theatre BA (hons) degree course. He received his PhD from Canterbury Christ Church University. Having authored a number of chapters on reggae/dancehall culture, ‘H’ is currently completing a monograph on the spiritual genealogy of Jamaican reggae/dancehall dance, as well as co-editing a book on in/securities relating to dancehall performance. An experienced choreographer, filmmaker, visual artist, storyteller and performer, ‘H’ has gained an international reputation in African and Caribbean arts over the past 34 years. ‘H’ has choreographed for the Ghanaian, Nigerian, Sierra Leonean, Malawian and Zambian National Dance Companies, the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble in Jamaica and many other high profile and distinguished productions. Awarded the Jamaican High Commission 50th Anniversary award for services in the field of Arts, Culture and Entertainment (2012), his commitment to academic research, arts, culture and education led him to successfully found the Korotech Dancefest Professional Development Training Programme, delivering popular and dynamic creative training and research in West Africa and the Caribbean since 2007. ‘H’ has more recently worked on international research projects including the Open University, Decolonising Peace Education project.

Biographical details correct as of 17.09.24