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DANCING TOGETHER: THE PERFORMANCE

Several times in Shadow Behind the Sun Remzije Sherifi refers to a performance in preparation. Between closing her narrative and the book’s publication rehearsals were completed and To Glasgow with Love was performed to great acclaim. It might equally be called To Scotland, or To Britain, with Love. The account below is from Remzije Sherifi and Sharon Roulston, her assistant. In the book Ms Roulston is referred to simply as ‘Sharon’.

The Music Integration Project was begun to promote social and cultural integration of asylum seekers, refugees and local residents, particularly those living along the Maryhill corridor, sometimes referred to as the ‘host community’. After taster workshops, questionnaires and conversations with service users, most interest was expressed in learning dance and musical instruments.

In the course of a year wonderful progress was made with people from various backgrounds coming together through music and performance. Collateral progress was also made in anti-racism, multi-culturalism and the breaking down of barriers. It became a learning opportunity in many different ways.

Sharon Roulston and Remzije Sherifi

Dance as an art form provides people of all ages and backgrounds with a non-verbal means of communication. As many people arriving from other countries are still learning English it is always good to work through physical tasks to break down barriers and bond quickly. Most countries have common roots in their music and dance, however distant, and this provides a rich source to integrate and create mutual understanding.

In Spring 2006 a women’s dance group was established. Taken under the wings of Maritza Rodriguez and Sharon Roulston, who offered tuition in Gumbo Salsa and Oriental Dance, the group grew and became a vibrant place of learning and social contact. A total of 19 women from different countries and backgrounds attended. Very soon working relationships were developing and friendships blossoming. The countries represented were Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Columbia, Estonia, Ireland, Ivory Coast, Kosova, Scotland, Siberia, Uganda and Venezuela. About half were asylum seekers and refugees and one third from black ethnic minority communities. The rest came from the host community and volunteers. This group has since performed at local and citywide events and now look to extend their outreach.

With the support of partner GARA and co-sponsors Community Planning Partnership and Awards for All, the Music Integration Project has developed guided by locally based professional dancers and musicians. Now a total of 52 people have become involved and countries of origin include Brazil, Egypt, England, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Portugal, and Russia, adding to the list given above. Men have also become interested and make up 20% of the participants.

A special contribution comes from director/choreographer and contemporary dance artist Natasha Gilmore, artist in residence with Dance House, who joined us in the summer of 2006 to develop and direct a piece of dance/theatre. Working with the members of the Music Integration Project Natasha schooled the group in movement, expression and choreography. The fitness and confidence levels of the group quickly flourished.

Natasha Gilmore and Some of the Dancers

The piece created was very personal to the group and each member contributed creatively. Together they remembered sights and smells of homelands and shared feelings of longing. It was extremely touching to hear the voices of mothers who had to leave their children behind. Some told their stories of what brought them to Glasgow and what they experienced when they arrived: language barriers, lack of permission to work and, in some cases isolation, racism, destitution and eventually deportation. For all of that there are moments of happiness and laughter and they are able to express how grateful they are for the support and friendships they receive as they and their children strive to create new cultural identities.

The fruits of these labours were seen in the three performances of To Glasgow with Love. The first, in Glasgow, took place as part of Black History Month Celebrations, the second for Maryhill Integration Network’s New Year celebrations, followed by an outing to Edinburgh where the third performance was part of the International Festival for Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace. To Glasgow with Love has helped audiences gain an understanding of the experiences of asylum seekers and other immigrants wherever it has been performed.

Due to the success of these performances there are plans to take this piece on tour to other parts of Scotland.

Feedback and comments following the dance performance of ‘To Glasgow ..with Love’.

Congratulations on ‘To Glasgow… with love.’ I was so excited by the work you presented and loved the sincere performances you brought out of the cast. It was a very special evening and reminded me afresh why I work in dance and the beautifully honest dialogue the art form enables to take place. Thank you for such inspiring work.
Anita Clark, Head of Dance, Scottish Arts Council

To Glasgow with Love had all the virtues of an inclusive event that celebrated diversity, along with an impressive professionalism in its delivery.
Charles Bell, Arts Development Manager, Glasgow City Council

The individual responses to the many experiences were presented with sensitivity and skill. The combined enjoyment of the performers captivated and moved me. A celebratory and united achievement!
Maggie Singleton, Arts Development Officer, Glasgow City Council

I feel like I have been all around the world in one evening.
Isobel Roulston.