Crowds of energetic shoppers practised their hip hop dance moves at the Westgate Centre this weekend.
Visitors were encouraged by the crew from the Oxfordshire school Step 2 Dance who were showing them simple contemporary routines.
It was just one of the free shows and workshops at the centre on Saturday afternoon marking the launch of Dancin’ Oxford 2020.
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This year’s county-wide festival is set to offer a series of events including a photographic exhibition, ballroom, hip hop and lindy hop taster sessions, workshops and masterclasses delivered by professionals and local dance groups.
Fans will also see the return of the popular Infuse Dance’s Bodyguards and the community youth crews Step 2 Dance and Messy Jam Dance Company.
Another of the highlights this year is a ballet by internationally-renowned choreographer Richard Chappell, scheduled for Friday.
Director of Dancin’ Oxford Claire Thompson, who has run the festival for 14 years, said the nine days of events are for people of all ages.
She said: “The launch is about showcasing some really high-quality dance and hopefully a lot of people who have never seen live dance before are able to enjoy it.
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“The festival is centred around dance performance, so it is for people eager to enjoy some shows, but there are also a lot of opportunities for people to take part.
“There are so many classes on offer in the city throughout this week, so hopefully new audiences will be inspired.”
Ms Thompson also pointed out that dance shows have grown in popularity in the last decade with TV programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing and The Greatest Dancer, which is why the taster sessions were introduced.
The Saturday launch event saw a lively performance by the Step 2 Dance crew who impressed with complicated street moves and a dynamic show by Oxfordshire-based zumba instructors in a dynamic zumba class.
Instructor Bry Leighton has held classes on Friday mornings in Summertown for the past seven years.
She said: “There is a lovely little network of zumba teachers spread out in Oxford, so that people can go to a class in every area.
“If you have never tried zumba before it is a really easy way into exercising.
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“It is the whole atmosphere – you do not have to worry about whether you are getting the steps wrong or what you look like, you can just concentrate on what the instructor is showing you and enjoy the vibe.”
Before running to the Westgate stage for her performance Ms Leighton also stressed that zumba is for people of all genders, ages and physical ability.
She explained: “You can be super-duper fit and still get a sweaty workout or you can have absolutely no level of fitness and simply work at your own pace.”
Dancin’ Oxford is funded by Oxford City Council and Arts Council England.
For more information and tickets to festival events, go to dancinoxford.co.uk
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