The world comes to Oxford via dance
Given the challenges of the last few months, I had no idea how many dance groups would be interested, or able, to take part in the Global Dance Film project. It is absolutely fantastic that we have had such a huge response from dance groups right across Oxford (covering a range of dance styles) as well as across our twin cities Ramallah, Perm and Grenoble.
"The Global dance film project has been a wonderful way for our twin cities to come together with groups in Oxford and celebrate as part of the Christmas Lights Festival through dance. It is a chance to showcase different cultures and traditions and a way for cities to engage with each other and create a lasting memory of the experience."
(Angela Charlton - Twinning Officer, Oxford City Council)
"Under the most difficult and oppressive circumstances, dance is the savior, the one that brings people together"
(Sharaf DarZaid – Ramallah, Palestine)
Dancing is such an important part of so many lives (young and old), and the commitment from all the groups to be a part of the project is just wonderful. All groups have choreographed to the same music track which will be used for the film. I feel immensely proud that, given the challenges of the last few months, all these dance artists and dancers have committed to taking part in the project and have created some really beautiful choreography!
“It has been my pleasure to contribute to the Global Dance Film project. Dance can, in fact, create a completely self-contained world for dancers, in which we are capable of physical effort, prowess, and endurance far beyond our normal powers. Having grown up in Palestine, an occupied country, have made it harder for me as a dancer to be free enough to express myself through dance. I took part in this project to be able to reach out to the world and be connected somehow to all the dancers around the world, especially to my beloved friends in Ramallah, Perm and Grenoble. I am honoured that my short film dance video will be screened in the Christmas Light Festival, a celebration that gathers all nationalities together.”
Rebecca Kaoud (Dancer from Ramallah)
I am really excited to see the final film, but don’t envy our film editor Rauni Barros who has the rather challenging job of editing into one Global Dance Film…but I know he will rise to the challenge!
The dance groups who will feature in the film are:
Russian Folk Dance Group – Kamushka, El- Funoun Palestinian Dance Troupe, Tinting Yang, Stagecoach Performing Arts (Headington), Lunas Dance (Beginners/Improvers / Intermediate/Advanced / 8-12yrs & 13-15yr old classes), Rebecca Kaoud (Ramallah), TPD Young Artists, Guzel Chulman (Perm Tatar Dance Group), Oxford Contact Dance, El-Funoun Palestinian Popular Dance Troupe, Oxford Youth Dance Company, Body Politic, Danadeesh Contemporary Dance Group, City of Oxford College – Fly Dance Company, Collectif K-LI-P and Step 2 Dance.
