She Rose participatory dance project: Dance, Language, and Landscape

The Moving Arts Collective invites the Jersey public to join She Rose, a participatory May dance celebrating body, language, and place The Moving Arts Collective warmly invites the Jersey community to She Rose, a participatory dance project that celebrates embodiment, collective expression, affinities, and the island’s own language—Jèrriais.

Developed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed Welsh choreographer and dancer Sioned Huws, She Rose explores the profound connections between body, language, and place. The project has grown through two artist residencies hosted by ArtHouse Jersey in December 2023 and February 2024, during which Sioned immersed herself in the island’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes—particularly the richness of Jèrriais.

“As a Welsh artist, language is at the heart of my work,” said Sioned. “During my visit, I joined the Jèrriais Speakers Meet-Up at the Jersey Museum, where I met native speakers François Le Maistre and Joan Tapley. I was delighted to invite them to one of our workshops, where the sound of the language could be shared with participants.”

She continued: “I noticed a strong enthusiasm for Jèrriais among young children and the older generation— but there seems to be a gap in between. What could make language more appealing to youth or young adults? Perhaps it’s through connection—through the arts, through dance, through singing —that a  language becomes part of a living discussion and gains new appeal.”

This interplay of movement and language forms the essence of She Rose. In our upcoming events from 1-3 May we invite everyone, with or without a background in dance, to take part in a series of workshops and performances alongside Sioned Huws, Breton singers Sterenn Diridollou and Marine Lavigne, and Breton dancer Azenor Kallag in The Square @Cyril Le Marquand Court (outside the Jersey Arts Centre) and Le Pinacle, weaving threads of movement and language into a shared experience.

There are several drop-in rehearsal sessions, so those who are interested can practice with us before the performances. The joyful Breton singing will invite and guide our bodies to connect with each other and the souls of this land.

Open Workshops – Learn and Dance with Us

The Square @ Cyril Le Marquand Court (outside Jersey Arts Centre)

• Thursday 1 May: 12–2pm / 6–8pm (drop-in)
• Friday 2 May: 12–2pm (drop-in)

Public Performances – Free and Open to All

• Friday 2 May, 6pm @ Cyril Le Marquand Court – Watch or take part in this open, collaborative performance