“My soul rose and my feet followed.”

21st March 2023

Every Thursday, for the past five months, women living in West Belfast have come together with Mags, Sheena and Debs to dance, create, share and celebrate at Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich.  The women come from a diverse range of backgrounds and  from places such as Iraq, Syria, West Bank, Gaza, Pakistan and Egypt including the local neighbourhood.

At the end of last year, the group worked on a ground-breaking dance film project called “Ode to Gaia” which was premiered at a special event on Thursday 9th March, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

This was followed by a beautiful showcase of dance and poetry by the women, and then an opportunity for everyone there to dance, chat over a coffee and enjoy delicious homemade Arabic food.  The audience feedback says it all:

“A beautiful and very moving experience. Congratulations to all involved.”  Mary Shannon

“I enjoyed the music and dance so much I cannot express it. It was so moving and I felt emotional. The grace of the women was so beautiful.  It said so much nonverbally. The poetry and dance I love as well.”

“Really enjoyed the performance.  Nice to witness another culture. Music and video (were) very cinematic. We need more…”  Mary Harvey Molloy

“I love the show and I really had fun and enjoy.”

“It is so beautiful party.  Friendly people. Thank you.”

“My soul rose and my feet followed.”

“Thank very much. I love too much and happy women day for all women.”

“She was happy.”

“The warmth and hospitality at the event made it a truly wonderful experience and I was so impressed with the work being carried out to celebrate women of all cultures”, Dawn Mallon, Blessed Trinity Belfast.

This project has meant so much to this group of women and we thank you the Community Relations Council Cultural Diversity Fund whose generosity enabled us to continue the project this year.

(Due to cultural reasons we will not be showing photos from the women’s only event but instead some stills from the film.)