Dancin’ Oxford has not only become a massive success, and a global dance festival to be proud of, but it’s also celebrating its five year anniversary by bringing some of the world’s top dance acts to town. KATHERINE MACALISTER talks to aerodynamic choreographer Fabrice Guillot about dancing in the air, Josephine Lott, one of Oxford’s biggest success stories, on how to make it in the dog-eat-dog world of dance, and organiser Claire Thompson on what not to miss.

* JOSEPHINE LOTT: Josephine Lott, 28, is the perfect example of where dance can take you if you are prepared to work hard.

She was just five years old when she first started dancing after stumbling across a ballet class.

Aged 13 she joined the Slip Stream dance classes at Pegasus before moving on to Oxford Dance Company.

So what sort of dedication do you need as a young dancer?

“Firstly, as with any sport or artform, you have to love it,” Jo says. “If it isn't fun then you won't dedicate yourself to it, and it’s almost impossible to develop and learn if you don’t believe in yourself or what you’re doing.”

Jo, pictured, a former Cheney School pupil, also puts a lot of her success down to her mentors and dance teachers in Oxford. “From a young age I took a professional attitude to dancing. But I was also very lucky to have the support and guidance of my dance teacher, Nicky Burke. She expected a professional attitude in class, rehearsal and performance, but that’s not to say that we didn’t laugh a lot and have a lot of fun too. I suppose I thought of myself as a professional with a lot to learn, and that’s still how I think of myself.”

Does this kind of dedication mean she missed out? “I think one has to figure out a healthy work/life balance,” Jo says. “In my opinion, being inquisitive, having fun and learning to take care of your body and mind is the most ‘dedicated’ approach one could take.”

Jo’s success story just gets better. She joined Oxford’s Biserk Dance Co before forming her own company Firefly, as well as being mentored by the international choreographer Yael Flexer. So how hard it is to make a living as a dancer and choreographer? “I know quite a few Oxford dancers who have come up through the ranks and now work professionally,” Jo says.

“My generation, growing up in Oxford, was extremely lucky to have the support and enthusiasm of organisations like the Pegasus Theatre, Oxford Youth Dance, Biserk Youth Dance, the local Council and The Arts Council.

“So it is indeed possible to make a living as a dancer. Many will also go on to become highly regarded teachers and pass their knowledge on to the next generation of dance artists.”

* FABRICE GUILLOT: FABRICE Guillot used to be a professional rock climber, so for him the move to aerial dance was an obvious one.

The Frenchman, right, whose company Retouramont is being commissioned exclusively for Dancin’ Oxford, thrives on creating dance for interesting structures and architecture, and the Oxford Castle site is a challenge he’s relishing.

“In the same way as climbing, aerial dance is about finding good placements and rhythms,” he says. “Climbing at a high-level has opened up an infinite variety of movements that I can adapt to create dance moves.”

Even so it’s a strange choice of career for someone with a fear of heights.

“From 1982 to 1987, I climbed cliffs and blocks all over the world,” he says. “My choreographic process is created from these experiences. It has given to me a particular way of understanding spaces and I’ve discovered a new notion of useful movement.

“It’s these elements and sensations which I want to share with the audience by creating pieces using vertical dance skills. And yes, I have it (vertigo) but I can control it.”

His piece will be performed at Oxford Castle and is a highlight of the Dancin’ Oxford festival. So what can we expect?

“Aerial dance permits us to dance above the ground using all its dimensions by using climbing equipment and climbing techniques. A town or city becomes a place to be conquered.”

And with industrial sites, heritage buildings, city centres, bridges and even natural sites under his belt, a castle is a great addition to the list. “I’m always fascinated because each time I perform a show, it’s always different from the last one because of the venue.”

Fine, but isn’t it dangerous? “The best protection is fear,” he says dramatically. “So I evaluate the choreography very carefully, train the dancers and familiarise them with the security aspect of their work.”

“And besides, I like the audience to feel dizzy. I want each spectator to share an experience with the dancer.”

* CLAIRE THOMPSON: Claire Thompson, right, is here to tell you all about the mind-boggling array of dance activities stretching over the next month.

The Oxford City arts officer is delighted her plan to celebrate the diversity of dance across the county is all going according to plan.

“Dancin’ Oxford was born out of a keeness to make dance accessible to as many people as possible in Oxford – and to celebrate its vibrancy and wealth right here in our city,” Claire tells me.

“I was very aware five years ago that there was a lot of dance activity in Oxford and a large number of professional dance artists living and working in the city. Dance, however, did not have the profile it deserved – most people in Oxford had no idea how much dance was happening right here.

“And yet the dance scene in Oxford is so vibrant, varied and growing. There are over 300 weekly classes in about 24 different styles of dance just for adults plus more for children and young people. There are so many opportunities for people to join in and have a go – Oxford caters for everyone from complete beginners to advanced dancers – so, the idea for a city-wide annual celebration of dance popped into my mind.”

So why the resurgence of interest? “I guess its been helped hugely by the success of dance shows on the TV like Strictly and So You Think You Can Dance and films like Street Dance and Step Up. I think it shows that dance really is for anyone, regardless of age, size, background, experience. The obvious joy people on TV get from dancing is very infectious and people want some of it for themselves. The good news is.. they can,” Claire explains.

So what could a complete novice take part in during Dancin’ Oxford? “One of the events which has grown hugely is the Dance-A-Thon event – a series of 45-minute taster dance workshops in a range of styles for all ages. This year we are running four days of workshops as the demand is so high.”

* Retouramont will be performing Cette Immense at Oxford Castle on Friday, March 4, at 7pm. A talk on the piece will precede it on Thursday, March 3, at 5pm.

Dancin’ Oxford runs from Saturday, February 19, until Saturday, March 19. For more information go to dancinoxford.co.uk or 01865 305305.