RIDE! is a bold fusion of rap, dance, music, and theatre, directed by Southpaw Dance Company. It tells the story of a family’s fight for survival in a world where respect is hard to come by.

Rooted in real-life stories and shaped by Gypsy, Traveller, and BD4 communities, RIDE! celebrates resilience and solidarity. It shines a light on those who refuse to be marginalised, telling a vivid story of people who stand together, support one another, and take pride in their identity. The themes resonate far beyond Bradford, speaking to anyone who has ever been judged for who they are or where they’re from.

Created in collaboration with Spin Arts and Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (Leeds GATE), and featuring guest rappers from Bradford alongside Romany Gypsy rapper Big Deli, the production combined authentic voices with Southpaw’s signature physical storytelling. Community participation was facilitated by United Art Project, ensuring that members of local communities were not only represented but directly involved in shaping the work.

Commissioned by BD25 for Bradford’s UK City of Culture 2025, RIDE! was made possible with the support of Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants, Bradford Metropolitan District Council, the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, Give Bradford, Pears Foundation, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Bradford Producing Hub, and Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

RIDE! was both performance and protest — a vivid, defiant, and uplifting celebration of community, resilience, and identity.