A FESTIVAL celebrating different types of dance from across the world is returning to Oxford in October and families are encouraged to get involved with performances.

Disco, Ceilidh, Kathak Fusion and astronauts feature in this year’s Dancin’ Oxford’s family dance week in Oxford and in Bicester between Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 13.

Working with Pegasus and The Mill in Banbury, Dancin’ Oxford has assembled a series of events which will be held in arts venues, libraries and a shopping centre.

Claire Thompson, who has run Dancin’ Oxford festival for 14 years, said the nine-days of events are for all ages.

“Whether you bring a grandchild, nephew, child or come with an older friend there are several ways of getting involved,” Claire said.

“Dance is a great medium for intergenerational and social prescribed activities, both of which are gaining ground in today’s society.

“We are really delighted to play our part,” she added.

ALSO READ: The Spin jazz club in Oxford is 'best in the country'

In partnership with Pegasus Open Day, Dancin’ Oxford has programmed a family favourite with a new show from Sonia Sabri Dance Company on the same day, October 5.

The festival has been running a baby boogie in Oxford for nine years which features games, face painting and a fun disco.

Oxford Mail:

Same Same...But Different

Same Same...But Different mixes Kathak, Hip Hop, contemporary dance, live music and physical storytelling, to create a playful and colourful world for those aged five and over.

Both events are free and booking is recommended.

This year for the first time the family ceilidh will be held in two places.

The first will be at Westgate shopping centre on Saturday, October 5, between 2pm-3.30pm, where it will be free.

The second ceilidh will be at Cutteslowe Pavilion on Sunday, October 13, between 2.30pm and 4pm.

A live band with a caller will feature, and no booking is required to take part.

Oxford Mail:

There are two locations for ceilidh events this year.

Families can also travel beyond the stars with Wriggle Dance Theatre, for an intergalactic performance featuring alien life forms and the wonder of weightlessness.

Wriggle Dance Theatre will take over the Cowley and Bicester libraries with dance, live music, rockets and stars, and offer the opportunity to take a selfie with aliens and travel through a black hole.

What's on

Saturday, October 5: Baby Boogie - Pegasus Theatre at 11am - 12pm; Same Same...But Different - Pegasus Theatre at 1pm and 3pm; Family Ceilidh - Leiden Square, Westgate at 2pm - 3.30pm; Out of This World - Bicester Library, Wesley Lane at 10.30am and 12pm.

Tuesday, October 8: Out of This World - Cowley Library, Temple Rd at 10.30am and 12pm

Sunday, October 13: Family Ceilidh - Cutteslowe Pavilion, at 2.30pm - 4pm

Dancin’ Oxford is the leading dance organisation in Oxfordshire and aims to make a significant contribution to culture in the county.

It is supported by Arts Council England, Oxford City Council, and its Arts Development Officer.

More information can be found at dancinoxford.co.uk