Let the body speak: rebuilding the community

Vision of the project

The "Let the Body Speak" project is an ongoing collection of dance videos created by Ukrainian choreographers during the war and educational program developed by the British dance center The Place and UA Dance Platform. It was launched in May 2022 with the aim of supporting the development of the Ukrainian dance community during the war. Its representatives demonstrated in 2022 – 23 the ability to survive, adapt to working in war conditions, and continue artistic activities, expanding them to European countries. The project showed significant results in developing and professionalising the dance community, disseminating information about Ukrainian art abroad, and establishing new connections with foreign organisations and audiences.

The project's focus in 2024 was to create a database of relevant Ukrainian contemporary dance performances for their effective positioning, promotion, and the development of efficient cultural diplomacy events abroad. This was an important component of the strategy to support and sustain the artistic community while maintaining a strong connection with the diaspora.

The programme's goal, in partnership with institutions from Bulgaria, Latvia, and Estonia, was to begin restoring connections within the Ukrainian dance community as an essential component of the Ukrainian artistic and cultural field. Together with partners, the project organised three consecutive events.

This initiative played a crucial role in reinforcing the Ukrainian dance community’s resilience, fostering international collaborations, and ensuring the continued presence of Ukrainian contemporary dance on the global stage.

Meet the Key Partner

Ukranian Association “Contemporary Dance Platform” is non-profit, non-governmental organization engaged in educational and cultural projects in the sphere of contemporary dance in Ukraine. The mission of the organization is to create opportunities for development of the dance community and spectator audience of Ukraine.

The main event of the organization is the annual international festival of contemporary dance theaters Zelyonka SpaceUP. During the year, they have additional activities alongside the Festival: ARTIL - educational program for young choreographers, national dance platform, residencies, performances of foreign and Ukrainian choreographers, joint performances with partners, workshops by renowned choreographers.

Start Date: June 14, 2024
End Date: Dec. 30, 2024