Dancin’ Oxford 2024: 19th February – 19th March

We can’t wait for the fifth year of exciting, innovative and fabulous Dancin’ Oxford to begin! In celebration we bring something very special to our lively line-up. French aerial dance company Retouramont will perform at Oxford Castle to transform one of Oxford’s oldest buildings into a platform for dance in a magical setting of sound, light and movement.

In addition there are plenty of treats in store. The ever-popular Dance-A-Thon workshops are back for the complete newcomer or the dance enthusiast - with twice as many choices on offer, there’s nothing to stop you from trying out a new dance style! Will it be Samba, Musical Theatre or Butoh, or will you try them all?

Pegasus hosts a full complement of renowned professional companies in their beautiful newly reopened theatre, including Phoenix Dance, State of Emergency, Company Chameleon and the much awaited return of Tavaziva Dance Company.

There’s also a range of performances by Oxford’s local youth and community groups alongside shows by university and college students. Don’t miss Oxford Youth Dance at Oxford Playhouse and Tac-au-Tac Dance Theatre at Pegasus.

Oxford’s wealth of professional dance talent is celebrated in Moving with the Times, curated by Oxford Dance Forum. Six Oxford-based choreographers create new work in a variety of dance styles, including Kathak Indian dance, and tap and percussive dance.

If it’s debate you enjoy, this year’s Festival offers a series of talks. In Moving the Boundaries, academics and dance practitioners join in dialogue about many aspects of dance and discuss the theme of Dance in Body, Dance in Mind. Come along to just one or all four events and enjoy talking, thinking, doing, and watching dance.

Finally, Dancin’ Oxford wouldn’t be complete without some dancing on the streets! The first date for your diary is 19th February when Dance Bites will see Oxford-based dance groups performing around the city centre to launch the festival with their boundless energy.

This year sees the brand new post -show ‘Festival Club’ hosted by Pegasus – a chance to mix with the artists, relax and dance to some cool tunes by the resident DJ. Free to ticket-holders and Festival Pass holders – another reason to get hold of one of these, which for only £1 gives you discounts on most Festival events! Festival passes can be bought in person at Pegasus Theatre and Oxford Playhouse Box offices or from Oxford Town Hall.

Details of all events are now online at www.dancinoxford.co.uk, and you can book tickets through www.ticketsoxford.com - look out for our Dancin’ Oxford brochure too. Don’t miss preview event Danish Dance Theatre at Oxford Playhouse on 21st-22nd January.

So what’s stopping you? Beat the post-Strictly blues, get in the groove to work off the Christmas dinners, and get ready for Dancin’ Oxford 2024!