International Dance Day was celebrated in Milton Keynes on Friday and Saturday night, with an amazing amount of marvellous movement from groups across the new town.
'Spring' was presented by MÓTUS and The Milton Keynes Rose Trust, and it was the MK Rose which made for a perfect and unique dance space.
Dance is universal and connecting, and this opportunity brought together collectives including Paramount Parkour, Delta Dancers, Elixir Dance and the Creative Force Dance Academy performing in the round; some snaking a trail around the pillars, others using them as tactile pieces, incorporating them into their work.
The free event welcomed belly dance from the Rashiqa Dance Troupe, saw performers at MK College give a major nod to the Blues Brothers, and was a chance to enjoy the Satyam School of South Asian Dance and Music.
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Richard Chappell Dance presented the beautiful Silence Between Waves, delivered by Theo Arran and Imogen Alvares who transfixed with their flowing, emotive movement, aided by audio of people's recollections of the sense of belonging that comes from coastal communities.
The free event was as engrossing as it was varied, which is exactly the point.
“Milton Keynes is alive with movement; from the corners of village halls and centres to school halls and stages across the region,” said Helen Parlor, artistic director with MÓTUS, “'Spring' has given these groups an opportunity to work on ideas which signify new beginnings, new energies whilst reflecting upon some of the humanitarian issues and plights reflected within the site.”
And that was perfectly demonstrated by MÓTUS – in collaboration with Marta Beccatini – who used movement to show a poignant piece inspired by the current refugee crisis in Ukraine.
'Spring' was a wonderfully encompassing evening that truly proved that dance really is for all.
So, same time next year?
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