Oxford Road is amongst the most densely populated and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods in the UK. It is home to families and individuals who can trace their ethnic roots to all corners of the globe. In July 2021, Oxford Road residents and community leaders created the banner, ‘A World in One Place’.

Oxford Road’s tradition for accommodating diversity can be traced back to the 1950s although, there is evidence to trace it back much further. The 1950s was a time when Reading’s stable economy provided employment opportunities for Irish, Eastern European, and Caribbean men and women who found affordable homes in the area.

Reside Dance C.I.C. in partnership with Reading Borough Council are delivering a free, celebratory cultural dance programme to residents and workers of Oxford Road as part of the town’s High Street Heritage Action Zone. During 2nd – 26th August 2021, there will be three workshop series available that work towards a free performance at Kensington Park (TBC) on Thursday 26th August, 5 – 6:30 pm.

The performance will take the audience on a journey along the Oxford Road, visiting the buildings that are homes to people, businesses, entertainment, education, and religious groups as well as the stories that occur inside. It will explore the participants’ lived experiences of the area.

The workshops on offer are as follows:

• Bhangra/ Bollywood workshops: Tuesdays, 12.30 -1.30 pm (3rd, 10th & 17th August 2021) Nepalese Dance workshops: Wednesdays, 5 – 6 pm (4th, 11th & 18th August 2021) Caribbean Dance workshops, Thursdays, 5 – 6 pm (5th, 12th & 19th August 2021)
• Performance: Thursday 26th August, 5 – 6:30 pm (all groups)
• Where: Kensington Park, Reading (TBC)
• For more info email: tara@residedance.co.uk

The programme is open to all and previous dance experience is not needed however, the programme will be most suitable for 11 years – adult. People of all cultures and nationalities are welcome to join any of the workshop series. Comfortable clothes and trainers/ pumps will be recommended along with a drink/ some water.

Participants can choose to attend as many workshop series as they would like but they must attend for the full, three weeks and be available for the performance date. 

If you or your pupils/ congregation/ group would like to take part, the registration form can be found here. The registration form must be completed by each individual who would like to take part if 16+ years. Under 16s must have their form completed by a parent or guardian. The deadline for registrations is Friday 30th July, 6 pm. 

We look forward to receiving your registration form and to working with you soon!