Dance has come a long way from the traditional formats we know with recent moves to incorporate other disciplines such as martial arts, physical theatre, multi-media, and the spoken word.

These introductions, pushing the boundaries of what we call dance, are creating a new dynamism which can be seen in this year’s Dancin’ Oxford Spring Festival.

The most unusual piece has to be Gravity and Levity’s show on a vertical surface.

The newly-commissioned piece takes place on the Westgate Shopping Centre façade – dancing up, down and across it to a driving musical score – on March 10 and 11.

Other talented choreographers and dancers based in Oxford will showcase their talents in Moving With The Times at Pegasus on March 9 and 10.

Richard Chappell Dance has worked a 20 minute piece into a full length show based on the derelict and turbulent landscape of TS Eliot’s poetry. Expect a blend of ballet, martial arts, improvisation and contact work at OFS on March 8.

A company of young Oxford dancers have been working with Company Chameleon’s new show 10 which celebrates the company’s first decade of performance in a rich mix of movement and athletic yet sensitive choreography at Pegasus on March 3.

Other award-winning companies to see are Gecko at the Oxford Playhouse. The Wedding combines movement, imagery with provocative narratives performed by an ensemble of international performers guiding audiences through a dystopian world in which everyone is a bride, wedded to society.

Whilst over in north Oxford you can sample the Lecoq-trained ensemble Theatre Ad Infinitum’s two revivals, the reinvention of the Greek myth Odyssey and an exquisite piece of mime, mask and movement theatre called Translunar Paradise described as a show that will steal your heart.

For families, Peut-Être Theatre is back with a show inspired by young children’s need to create order. Tidy-Up is a witty interactive show for children of three years plus and their families at the North Wall, with the opportunity of participating workshops afterwards.

West Oxford Community Centre will host the annual Family Dance Workshop with games and imaginative adventures to inspire even the most sedentary of families.

Dancin’ Oxford

Spring Festival

March 2 to 11

dancinoxford.co.uk