“WHO runs the world?” ask the fearless and brilliant dancers of the Turkish company Ceyda Tanc, when they come to Buckland Newton village hall on Sunday 1st March. Their answer ;is “Girls.”

The performance, at 3.30pm, is the only Dorset date for the company, and is presented by the county’s rural touring arts charity Artsreach.

Meaning girls in Turkish, Ceyda Tanc’s Kizlar is a celebration of what it means to be female. Combining Turkish folk dance with stunning athletic movement, this captivating show presents different images of femininity, from the tender to the powerful, described by The Guardian reviewer as “a demonstration of sass, power and self-possession…
the company present a united energy, a solid sisterhood.”

Ceyda Tanc’s work seeks to challenge traditional gender representation and celebrate the blend of cultures in modern Britain, while embedding themes of feminism, ritual and ceremony. Performed by an all-female company, Kizlar transforms traditional male Turkish folk dances into a powerful, sensual and visually stunning show, accompanied by a hypnotic, rhythmic soundtrack which blends Eastern sounds with modern beats.

Having worked with the company in a series of workshops, community dance groups Movers & Shakers and Dorset Youth Dance will also perform a short curtain-raiser ahead of the show. There will also be the opportunity to dance socially and learn a few steps from the company following the performance.