DANCERS of all abilities from across the Liverpool City Region are being invited to get involved in an uplifting and moving new dance film project.

Leap Dance Festival and Liverpool dance company Taciturn have chosen International Day of Dance today to launch an open call for the community dance film which is set to be shot next month.

The film is inspired by Taciturn’s though-provoking project Women Holding Things and participants will be invited to bring along something with them as part of the dance ritual.

Women Holding Things is a reflection on the tenacity and vulnerability of women. In the rhythm of everyday life, their hands gather the things that keep the world moving. They carry the quiet responsibility of nurturing and sustaining the spaces where life unfolds. Within them rests a living archive of memories, joys, grief and hope. In their care, love becomes both weight and strength, something held gently yet carried forward.

The open call is aimed at individuals aged 16 and over from the Liverpool City Region. Some experience of dance or movement is useful, but organisers say it is not compulsory. And while they are hoping to attract as many women as possible for the project, which explores how carrying and holding shape the female experience, everyone is welcome.

The film will be shot in Huyton on:- Sunday, 17 May 2026 between 9am and 2pm.

Participants will be asked to commit to learning some basic choreography and be available for a workshop/rehearsal which will be held as part of the Leap Dance Festival Takeover at Shakespeare North Playhouse on:- Saturday, 9 May 2026 from noon. Participation is free.

Choreography is by Jennie Hale and Jen Rees of Taciturn, and Jennie Hale will also be performing a solo piece in the Studio at Shakespeare North Playhouse as part of the 9 May Takeover.

Composer is Chris Davies and videographer is Anna Levin. Producers are Chaos Arts CIC, the team behind the annual Leap Dance Festival which runs until 9 May, and the project is funded by Arts Council England as part of the 2026 festival.

Anyone interested in taking part in the dance film should email:- jen@leapfestival.co.uk

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