THE streets of Oxford are once again set to come alive with music and dance, as one of the city’s biggest events celebrates its fifth anniversary.

Dancin’ Oxford will run from February 19 until March 19 at venues across the city.

Highlights will include French aerial dance company Retouramont, who will perform on the walls of Oxford Castle, backed by music and projections.

There will be four days of taster sessions in 23 different styles of dance throughout February at venues including The Pegasus Theatre, in Magdalen Road.

Professional dance companies set to put on shows at the theatre will include Phoenix Dance, State of Emergency and Company Chameleon.

Dancin’ Oxford, which was launched in 2007 to celebrate the county’s 1,000th anniversary, is the city’s first major dance festival since the 1980s.

It is funded by Oxford City Council, the Pegasus Theatre, Oxford Playhouse and the Arts Council.

Mark Lygo, city council board member for sport, play and school liaison, said: “This year’s event will be bigger and better than previous years and will include events at the new Pegasus Theatre.

“I have to say that dancing isn’t really my forte, but this is a really important event on the Oxford calendar. It brings together dance groups from around the county, but also gives people the chance to try out their dancing in beginner classes.”

City arts officer Claire Thompson said: “It has been wonderful to see how Dancin’ Oxford has now become an established part of Oxford’s cultural calendar.

“2011 promises to be truly exciting with something for everyone.

“The festival will launch with Dance Bites – a series of short explosive dance performances right in the heart of the city. They will be free to watch, and even if you just stumble across them, you should stay to watch as you’re bound to be entertained.”

She added: “Dancin’ Oxford 2011 offers the chance to see, participate in and experience dance at its very best... don’t miss it!”

The Arts Council, which this year put in £25,025, faces Government funding cuts of 29.6 per cent over four years.

Mr Lygo said: “We are always really grateful for the money and it obviously helps us to bring the dance event to life. We hope it will continue to be part of the calendar for the forseeable future.”

For a programme, visit dancinoxford.co.uk or call 01865 252820.