Welcome to Julidans 2025
Dancing is, we cannot repeat it often enough, good for people! Not only for body and soul, but dancing also provides a mental boost, something we can use in these tough, controversial times. The problems we encounter in the world around us are too numerous to mention. Who among us does not feel powerless at times: what can we do in a world that is changing so rapidly, how do we overcome the crises, where do we find the passion and strength to go on, to go on together, and how do we keep hope alive?
Whereas in the past, the answer was often sought in an activism driven by flying banners and clenched fists, many dance creators and choreographers now seem to be looking inwards for the strength to face the world. They focus on the body; the dancing body turns into a source of new energy, into an instrument for experimenting with alternative visions of caring for, and living with, each other. Dance away the heartache!
Naturally, we think. Because dancing refreshes the eye. Even watching a dance performance inevitably triggers something deep inside us. Like music, and certainly in combination with music, dance cuts straight through to our heart and moves our soul and imagination.
Julidans shows how physical actions can reinforce our mental state. Sometimes through extreme movements like headbanging, other times through something as basic as shouting. Or through collective action: In the opening performance My fierce ignorant step, Christos Papadopoulos recalls the euphoric feeling of invincibility of his youth, when everything still seemed possible.
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Together, the ten dancers create an ecstatic soundscape that refers to the iconic oratorio Mikis Theodorakis dedicated to the history and collective struggle of the Greek people. Togetherness is also at the heart of Faye Driscoll’s Weathering. In this celebration of the queer body, we see how a highly diverse group stands as a monument to humanity in a world where all certainties are faltering.
Of course, physicality, lust and passion are not all beauty. There are also horrific and dangerous sides to it, as shown in Romeo & Juliet - Up close by the Iceland Dance Company or in FRANK by Cherish Menzo. But through the power we - all of us - have within us, hope for change is possible. For ourselves, our loved ones and, who knows, for the world. So, the message is simple and clear:
NEVER STOP DANCING!
Anita van Dolen and the Julidans team
