‘A Safe Space To Connect With Your Body’ Created At MGRM’s Community Dance Classes
In case you’re looking for a safe space where you can connect with your body and express yourself, here’s a reminder about MGRM’s weekly community dance classes.
Founded by queer artist, LGBTIQ+ activist, and refugee Chakib Zidi, the intention being the classes is to create, demonstrate and explore different dance techniques, all within an accepting space.
The idea was created in order for people living in Malta to explore different perceptions of their bodies through movement in a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment.
In Chakib’s words, “Everyone is the hero of their own story! Everyone has total ownership of their bodies. To set free, decolonise the mind and the body. Your body is your birthright to success and love.”
Chakib Zidi
As an artivist, he is interested in creating dance that is preoccupied with the notion of personal expression, collective freedom, identity, gender fluidity, borders, and commitment to healing justice.
He seeks to raise awareness about marginalised communities; his work is a reflection of his activism in an attempt to push political agendas by the means of art, a focus on raising social, environmental, and achieving gender equality, and challenging gender normative aesthetics and behaviors.
The classes and workshops provide a welcoming and empowering atmosphere, catering to all ages, abilities, genders, and orientations, and are suitable for everyone, from beginners to established practitioners. Previous dancing experience is not necessary!
“This class is a constant reminder to free yourself and your body from society’s expectations and wear your true self as a victory. It is about empowering communities, and about acceptance,” he says.
The classes are held with the support and organization of MGRM, with proceeds from the classes going towards the Dar il-Qawsalla, which is due to open in 2024 and will provide assisted accommodation for LGBTIQ+ people with housing problems.
MGRM’s Community and Outreach Officer Robert Attard, who is in charge of the logistical side of the classes, has also been attending the dance classes since they started in January 2022.
“I’m far from a dancer, and before I started attending, I thought I would just be working on this logistically. Instead, these classes have become a weekly 1.5-hour break from everyday life, where I could learn how to express myself through movement, and I’m super excited for them to be back.”
The dance classes happen every Monday and Wednesday from 7pm to 8.30pm at The Box / A Creative Arts Space in Mosta, and registration can be done through this link: https://forms.gle/HX3knVP6oYaFMcri9 ‘
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