Pegasus Theatre collaborates with Dancin’ Oxford once again to bring you a stunning line-up of dance to celebrate the 13th year of Moving with the Times. This is a First Look at the works-in-progress, in which three exciting dance companies workshop new pieces that are often explosive, moving, and thought-provoking. The final pieces will be presented at Moving with the Times at Pegasus on 8th-9th March as part of the Dancin’ Oxford 2024 Spring Festival.
This year we are delighted to showcase work from Divija Melally and Saili Katebe, Anjali Dance Company and Kavya Iyer Ramalingam:
Divija Melally – Dancer and Choreographer
Divija Melally is a trained contemporary and Bharatnatyam dancer. She graduated from Bath Spa University, UK, with BA (Hons) Dance. She also completed a diploma in Movement Arts and Mixed Media focussing on ballet and martial arts at the Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, Bangalore, India. Divija was awarded the Moving With The Times commission in 2023 and premiered her work The Skeleton is White at Pegasus Theatre (Oxford) in March 2023. You can read Maggie Watson’s report on the showing of this as work in progress at last year’s First Look here. The work has since been performed at Resolutions Festival at The Place (London) and Theatre Deli (London). Divija has since worked as a performer and choreographer with some of the UK’s leading dance companies across the UK, and Europe.
Saili Katebe – Poet and Performer
Saili Katebe, born in Zambia and now residing in the South West of England, is a talented poet and performer. His debut poetry pamphlet Katabasis published by Frosted Fire Press, showcases his evocative writing. Saili’s words have been featured on BBC Arts and BBC Radio Bristol. As an actor, Saili has contributed to various productions including in Autobahn (Neil LaBute), Nothing by Lulu Raczka, Iphigenia by Jane Lumley, and Howl by Russel Ecclestone. Saili is also a resident poet at Afrika Eye and the Wiltshire BME network. Saili has performed at Sofar Sounds, Raise the Bar events, and many various festivals across the country.
Bethany Edwards – Anjali Dance Company
Bethany Edwards is a dance artist and choreographer with Anjali Dance Company. Anjali Dance Company is dedicated to showcasing the creative potential of individuals with learning disabilities. Established in 1995, the company collaborates with world-class choreographers to produce original, high-quality works. Bethany and her fellow dancers have graced prestigious venues across the UK, including the Royal Festival Hall, Sadler’s Wells, and the Royal Opera House in London, as well as international stages. Anjali Dance Company’s approach values its dancers as artists with learning disabilities, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity through exceptional performances.
Kavya Iyer Ramalingam – Dancer and Choreographer
Originally from Kolkata, India, and now based in Oxford, Kavya draws on a broad range of study and inspiration for her work. Having trained in India in the Bharatanatyam form of classical dance, she has supplemented her initial training with training in the Kuchipudi, Natyashastra, Bollywood and Bhangra forms of dance. Kavya combines traditional disciplines with contemporary dance to explore themes such as migration, gender, inequality, and cultural identity. Read Andy Solway’s account of Kavya’s recent performance at the Oxford Dance Forum Scratch Night here
Date: Friday 2nd February 2024, 7.30pm
Venue: Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, OX4 1RE
Tickets: £5, book online here
Running time: 80 mins, no interval
Age guidelines: 14+
Oxford Dance Writers 