DANCIN’ OXFORD FAMILY DANCE FESTIVAL is back this month with an exciting line-up to get your feet tapping and moving.
Running from September 29 – November 2, it features a rich and diverse range of physical theatre and dance, including everything from immersive and interactive experiences, breakdance, contemporary dance, acrobatics, classical Indian dance, physical comedy, documentary theatre, a family disco, and much, much more.
Visiting venues from The North Wall and Pegasus Theatre to The Museum of Oxford and IF Oxford Science and Ideas Festival, here’s our top picks of this year’s festival:
- Kindred, by dance company Luminelle at The North Wall – an immersive multi-sensory dance experience for 0-5 year olds and their grown-ups, held in partnership with the Tiny Ideas Festival. BOOK HERE
2) Dancin’ Oxford’s Family Dance Party, Pegasus. November 4 – for young children and their grown-ups – with a live DJ, fabulous disco lights and bubbles. Have fun, express yourself, and make new friends. BOOK HERE Those who at can’t make it should join the FAM Jam sessions at The North Wall (October 1) and Ark-T Centre in Cowley and Rose Hill Community Centre on November 25 BOOK HERE
3) Breakdance: Introducing the Solar System – created by break dancer and space scientist Mona Elghzal – a breakdancing workshop that encourages children aged 7- 12 to explore the universe by investigating space, matter, energy and time through breakdance at Museum of Oxford in Oxford Town Hall on October 27. This event is held in partnership with IF Oxford’s Science and Ideas Festival. BOOK HERE
4) Tin Man by Joss Arnott Dance on October 7 at Pegasus, 11am and 2pm is an original retelling of the story of tin man. Tin Man goes on an adventure to find their heart and happiness. This richly imagined production features original music created by award-winning composer Anna Appleby. This production is for children aged 7+. BOOK HERE
5) Plastic Drastic Fantastic by Akademi, Pegasus Theatre on October 21 BOOK HERE – a contemporary dance theatre work, drawing on the Indian classical dance form Bharatanatyam and South Asian Dance techniques. The show explores our complex relationship with plastic – how fantastic it is, and the drastic consequences it has for our environment. For children and their grown-ups with workshops at Museum of Oxford Oxford Town Hall. BOOK HERE
6) Super Hot Hot Dog by Corali is a bright and fun interactive family show set in a fun fair. Come to the fun fair and meet a jolly ice cream seller who dances his favourite flavours, a wise but tangled octopus. Enjoy exploring all the fun fair attractions! Pegasus Theatre on October 27 BOOK HERE
7) The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much by the Voloz Collective at The North Wall on Nov 2. A face-paced whodunnit, featuring live music and acrobatics. The show follows the story of Roger, a Frenchman in 1960’s New York, who narrowly avoids being blown up. Follow Roger’s hilarious adventure as he chases his would-be assassins around the globe. BOOK HERE
Claire Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Oxford City Council who programmes the Family Dance Festival said: “This year’s Family Dance Festival is filled with joyful and thought provoking events crafted to stimulate creativity and encourage connection.
“Whether you want to get involved, or you’re happier just watching – there’s something for all ages. There is so much to see and do, with many events free. Come along, have fun and make new friends!”
For more information on Family Dance Festival which runs from September 29 – November 2 go to https://www.dancinoxford.co.uk/whats-on/
