UK Jazz
Jerry Barry IDJ
Jerry Barry, founder of IDJ (I Dance Jazz), is a key figure in the world of UK Jazz. One of the most influential companies at the time, IDJ were a company that created and developed a new dance style but also gave a new voice to black British youth spanning over two decades. His company has not only performed in major theatres and TV shows around the world but has also been an influence on British culture and across the world. Japan is now seen as one of the leading countries to showcase UK Jazz.
Despite lack of funding, Jerry and other UK Jazz pioneers have kept the art form alive in the community with activities such as all-day events and underground gatherings. Jerry trains young dancers and works with Authentic Jazz dance practitioner and practical historian, Jreena Green and her company, Jazz Dance Elite. Both Jerry and Jreena have been working together over the past three years, linking the authentic Jazz from America with the UK Jazz style and techniques, which has helped develop awareness of different styles and genres. Jerry’s work has assisted young professional dancers to grow and develop their practice from hip hop, contemporary, and commercial jazz dance backgrounds. These dancers can utilise UK jazz to further their skills and diversity beyond dance.
Masumi Endo
Dancer Choreographer
Born in Fukuoka, Japan, she began ballet at the age of 3 and learned various street dance styles such as Hiphop, Lock dance, Soul, and House from the age of 11. She moved to Tokyo to deepen her dance foundation and graduated from the International Dance College (now called Tokyo Steps Arts) in order to become a professional dancer.
In 2011, Masumi discovered her love for UK jazz dance, which has since become her chosen dance style. UK jazz dance is known for its advanced improvisation skills and the ability to express music and emotions through the bodies of the dancers.
Masumi learned from and worked with renowned British dancers who are pioneers and founders of UK jazz dance, including from IDJ Jerry Barry, Gary Nurse, from IDJ, Wayne James, Irven Lewis from Brothers in Jazz, Perry Louis, Tony Denton from Jazz Cotech, and Japanese pioneers Sound Cream Steppers and Stax Groove.
She has performed at prestigious events and venues such as Norway's Bergen Big Band, London's Breakin’ Convention 2017×Jazz Re: Freshed, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the London Jazz Festival.
Masumi has also appeared in Levis' "Circles" TV/film commercial and her dance piece "somew/here", which she collaborated on with Dentsu, was selected for the entertainment section of the Japan Media Arts Festival.
In addition to her performance and choreography career, Masumi is also dedicated to her work as an educator. She has collaborated with Steinway Artist Robert Mitchell at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama for jazz masterclasses on jazz improvisation. She has been invited as a guest lecturer at Kyushu University and has conducted bebop workshops with Wayne James, the founder of bebop, at the Izmir Swing Festival in Turkey, as well as UK jazz dance workshops at the Release The Funk workshop in Romania. Masumi also teaches regular classes at London's Jazz Dance Collective and The Hub Studios.
Masumi is a dancer and choreographer who blends structure and creativity in her expressive dance, much like the harmonious melodies and improvisation of jazz music.
With a passion for sharing dance's history and culture, she infuses her performances with rhythmic improvisation, using dance as a powerful language to foster connections and self-expression, and spread joy through music and movement.