Katherine MacAlister talks to Portugal’s Catarina Carvalho as the city prepares to engage in 10 days of world-class dance

Dancer Catarina Carvalho is rehearsing for her performance for the Brit Awards when we speak, alongside singer Palomo Faith in a rain-drizzled number that will introduce Wayne McGregor’s work to millions. She is, therefore, animated when we talk, but above all professional, keen to do Wayne’s newly-choreographed piece justice.

“There will be a different type of adrenaline for a different kind of performance, but we are really excited,” she says. “It’s a very interesting and provocative piece so I hope it surprises people.”

But then that’s Random Dance’s calling card in a nutshell, always pushing the boundaries, keeping things fresh and interesting, innovative and modern, never resting on their laurels or reputation.

Having spent seven years with Random Dance, Catarina, who hails from Lisbon, is more than ready for the challenge. Not that she is short of them, Wayne McGregor’s pioneering, contemporary pieces always in demand around the world. Which is why it is such a coup that Dancin’ Oxford have managed to purloin them to appear at Oxford Playhouse with their latest piece Atomos as part of the dance festival.

“We have performed Atomos at Sadlers Wells, and Europe and are taking it to the US next year. It really is an experience to watch Wayne’s pieces and this is the latest one he choreographed,” the 33-year-old explains. “It’s very immersive in terms of music, lighting, costume and movement and I find that really exciting. There is always so much going on, on stage at the same time that the audience can choose what to watch and the music is so beautiful, and the stage so visual. It was a very exciting process crafting this piece and something we were all involved in.”

As for keeping it fresh, Catarina says: “There is always space to experience and play with the movement, to make it real, so every show is different. Working with Wayne is therefore always very challenging physically because Random Dance is a world class company but it’s always exciting as well, and taking our work around the world to whole new audiences is very motivating as a dancer.

“Wayne is so inspiring and always brimming with new ideas which is really stimulating so as a dancer you never get bored. And as a dancer’s working life is quite short, it gives each performance more meaning.”

* Multi award-winning choreographer Wayne McGregor brings Atomos to Oxford Playhouse on March 4 and 5, as part of the Dancin’ Oxford 2015 festival.

Dancin’ Oxford begins tomorrow, with events for all ages all over town from amateurs to professionals, toddlers to pensioners, classes to shows, open-air events to interactive entertainment — something for everyone, from yoga to hip hop, ballet to disco, tap to body locking, both day and night, at theatres and venues around the county.

It runs until March 5. See www.dancinoxford.co.uk

FESTIVAL PUBLIC LAUNCH FEATURING GRANNY TURISMO, BODY POLITIC, TIM CASSON & COREY BAKER DANCE
Oxford city centre. Including Bonn Square and Broad Street 
Saturday, 10am-4pm. Free

BODY POLITIC & SOLE REBEL TAP
Pegasus Theatre
Monday, March 2 at 7.30pm. Box office: 01865 812160 

POLITICS OF LOVE
Old Fire Station
Saturday, March 7 at 7.45pm. Box office: 01865 305305

GRASS
Pegasus Theatre
Sunday, March 8 at 10am and 12pm. Box office: 01865 812160 

WHEELCHAIR DANCE SPORT
OXSRAD, Marsh Lane, Oxford
Tuesday, March 3, 10am-2pm. Free. Box office: 01865 861289