People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Frankie Johnson
Frankie Johnson, aka the Red Dread House Head, is a professional dancer, choreographer and freelance artist.
He grew up in Bristol until the age of 19 and then went onto further studies and pursued his career in London and the rest of the world.
“There are a few things that always keep bringing me back to the beautiful city of Bristol – asides from the family, of course! – as Bristol continues to represents itself so magically through the arts,” Frankie says.
“This is exactly what started my journey in the way that it did.”
Catch Frankie in Shuffle, a new interactive dance work celebrating club culture, at the Arnolfini on November 25. For tickets and more information, visit www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/shuffle.
These are Frankie’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Bump Roller Disco
Bump roller disco can currently be found at Redcliffe Wharf – photo: Martin Booth
“Bump is by far one of my favourite spots to be at, hang out; see friends, colleagues, family; and also get my session in for rollerskating. Being right in the centre of the city, it offers a brilliant variety of the best social activities the city can offer: eat, drink, chat and of course, roll around too!”
Pirate Studios
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiiBBgSomXI/
“Hailing out of Bristol, Pirate Studios has always been a favourite spot (even in London) to practice playing my music for any gigs I have coming up. It’s also a brilliant rehearsal space for all the dancing that takes place too. Conceptually, Pirate is brilliant for those night owls in the city who want to get busy and practice at all hours of the day. I would highly recommend and check it out. It’s definitely something that reminds me of the heritage in music that Bristol really boasts.”
Cooshti
Cooshti was founded in 1993 – photo: Martin Booth
“Cooshti on Park Street is my go-to when it comes to the garments I love to rock on a daily. Cooshti has always providing top tear brands and quality, also the staff are lovely are enthusiasts of the brands they sell which is always a bonus. Good vibes, good music and of course in such a beautiful part of the city. You’ll definitely find me in there scooping out some wicked clothing.”
Litefeet and hip hop classes with Kieran Warner
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiuaD4to3hJ/
“Kieran Warner is a hometown hero delivering amazing, authentic classes in street dance genres at Motion Dance Studio in the city centre. It’s something to definitely check out if you have a love and passion for culture, dance and music!
St George Park
St George Park is a large Victorian suburban park – photo: Martin Booth
“St George Park is the local park where I walk my dog and where I also like to pass through for nostalgic reasoning as I grew up in the area. It has been beautiful recently witnessing how much this spot has changed since I was little. Awesome for the skaters and lovely spirited community of dog walkers and tennis enthusiasts.”
Main photo: Ibi Feher
Read next:
- Arnolfini hosts ‘Shuffle’, directed by world-renowned choreographer Lea Anderson
- Bold vision positions The Mount Without at the heart of Bristol’s dance community
- ‘If this cinema was in Clifton, it wouldn’t be being knocked down’
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