About BOP
BOP was founded in 1996 by international choreographer, director and educator Dollie Henry.
A year before in 95', Dollie was able to set her legacy for BOP when commissioned to choreograph a jazz theatre piece for the event Nubian Steps, initiated to promote and recognise Black Choreographic Talent in Britain. Inspired by the album 'Kinda Blue' by Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, Dollie created the jazz theatre production “Touches of Miles” which was performed to great acclaim at The Royal Festival Hall - South Bank and subsequently toured Nationwide.
In 1999 she joined forces with Paul Jenkins, music producer, composer and director of Third Eye Music Productions. Paul had worked extensively in many areas of the music industry, performing arts and educational arena. He led his own band The Paul Jenkins Jazz Quartet composing, recording and performing over a number of years at renowned London Jazz venues; Ronnie Scotts, The Jazz Cafe, The Vortex, The Royal Festival Hall and The Barbican.
Both directors as jazz practitioners and creative artists fuelled their artistic passion through the company, to create theatre productions inspired by the Jazz Tradition.
This led to BOP Theatre & Dance producing works of a wholly integrated nature that uses live jazz music as part of the theatrical experience with productions such as, Dizzy Heights, Trumpet Trilogy, Sacred Space and Touches of Miles. Alongside the productions the directors continue to devise and implement a diverse range of creative educational programmes and jazz workshops throughout the UK and internationally.
Having both worked extensively for over 25 years in the commercial arena of the entertainment industry, from music production and composition to creating works for the West End stage and Television, Dollie and Paul began developing the commercial viability of the company and expanded their creative remit to produce and create musical theatre productions such as Inner City Jam, White Folks – A Musical Fable and Duke's Place. All of which had successful runs in off West End Theatres and theatre venues in the UK & Europe.
Dollie and Paul's expertise and experience propelled them to develop and add further portfolios of creative work to their company, which now includes:
BOP Music Production and BOP Entertainment & Events.
As creative artists, in their individual and respective fields of career, they continue to work in collaboration with other established creative and entertainment organisations and together through the many strands of BOP, bring their feisty energy, creative flair and business sensibility to lead a unique and diverse company that encompasses and respects all aspects of the dance, music and theatre industry.
Our pledge is to keep creative dance, music and theatre making alive in its most organic and spirited form. We hope you will share our passionate and exciting vision. Welcome to Body Of People.
