Cultural dance event: Celebrating diversity through dance

Jersey Sport is bringing together dancers and communities from across the island for a free day of performances, music and cultural celebration at Howard Davis Park on Sunday 20 September.

The Cultural Dance Event will feature a programme of performances representing cultures from around the world, from Irish dancing and salsa to capoeira, African and Indian dance styles, as well as a celebration of the Filipino culture. DJ Nelson will also provide music throughout the day.

Running from 10am to 3.30pm, the event will give people the chance to experience different styles of dance and celebrate the many cultures that are part of life in Jersey.

Visitors can simply come along and enjoy the performances, while those who want to get involved will also have opportunities to take part.

The event has been organised by Jersey Sport in collaboration with Dancing in Jersey and Project Luso, with support from the International Cultural Centre (ICC) through its grant scheme.

Laura Kangas-Hamon from the International Cultural Centre said: “We are delighted to support the Cultural Dance Event through the ICC grant scheme. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Jersey’s diverse communities and bring people together through dance and music.”

Hayley Routier from Dancing in Jersey said: “Dance has a wonderful ability to bring people together, regardless of where they come from, what language they speak or whether they have danced before. Jersey is home to such a diverse range of cultures and communities, and this festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate that diversity through something we can all enjoy.

“I’m delighted to have supported Jersey Sport in creating an event where people can experience different styles of dance, learn something new and, most importantly, connect with one another.”

Claudia Andrade, Inclusion and Intervention Officer at Jersey Sport, said: “Jersey is made up of many diverse communities and cultures, and that is what makes
our island such a rich and vibrant place to live. Dance has a special place in cultures around the world, and we want to celebrate that through an inclusive day  that brings people together, whatever their background, to experience different dance styles, connect with others, and discover the joy of movement.”

The performance programme is:

• 10am–10.30am: Music
• 10.30am–11am: Jersey Irish Dancers
• 11.15am–11.45am: SBK Jersey – Salsa Bachata Kizomba Jersey
• 12pm–12.30pm: Jersey Capoeira
• 12.45pm–1.15pm: Dragos
• 1.30pm–2pm: The Cordillera Connection – representing the whole Philippines
• 2.15pm–2.45pm: Friends of Africa Jersey
• 3pm–3.30pm: Rhythms of India – A Mosaic of Indian Dance