About 15 years ago a small group of students from the UEA decided to stage a fashion show. At the time choreographer Stephen Knights was fresh out of college and was teaching The Contemporary dance society at the university. He was approached by the shows producer and was asked if he’d be willing to perform as one of the male models had twisted his ankle. He agreed to take part, not realising at the time that the show was only 48 hours away! Thirteen years on, and he’s gone from being the show’s choreographer to its organiser and producer too.

Stephen currently teaches Hip-Hop classes for Norfolk Dance (based at the Garage) and at the Miller Dance Centre, and has choreographed fashion shows for the Castle Mall, Topshop, EDP, and recently directed a TV commercial for Chapelfield shopping centre. “Having been a teacher for the past 15 years, I have been privileged to work along side some great local talent and I’ve discovered that Norwich is not short of some really enthusiastic and dedicated performers.”

 

Many of Norwich’s independent fashion boutiques take part in the show to raise the profile of their new collection, and this year they include: The Rock Collection, Black Lace, DKA, Cult, Blue Jean Co, Asylum, Dogfish, Catfish, Phillip Browne, Soho Hip, Animal, Love, Blue Inc, Elements, The Ship Of Fools, with hair styling by Max Giammello. “With such a diverse collection of retailers involved in the show, my imagination can run wild and I spend a lot of my time trying to develop new ways of showcasing each store’s specific look. Whether it’s glamorous evening wear, casual beachwear, alternative PVC clothing or vintage attire, there is a theme or style of dance to compliment it and I love fusing styles together to produce something really original and quirky.”

With its original fusion of performance and fashion, Runway has become incredibly popular and this year is looking to be no exception. “My main inspiration this season has been to look back over the decades and make the old into something excitingly fresh and new. I’ve taken much of my inspiration from the 20s, 60s, 80s and 90s, and the show truly is an eclectic mix of styles, containing contemporary dance, Hip-Hop, Tango, Ballet, musical theatre and Burlesque. I’m sure that for many people, the words ‘fashion Show’ may conjure up an image of a fairly predictable catwalk show, however ‘Runway 09’ is something entirely different.”

Tickets £4 (£5 on the door)
UEA Box Office 01603 508050
www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk

Words > Andrew Wensum
Photos > Chris Ridley