The Contemporary Dance Department at the Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD) organized a special event on Tuesday, April 29, to celebrate the expressive power of dance and its deep connection with the human experience. Bringing together students, academics, and dance enthusiasts, the event aimed to highlight the impact of dance on both individuals and society at large.
The program began at 12:00 with an opening and commemorative speech delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Handan Ergiydiren, Head of the Contemporary Dance Department. In her speech, Ergiydiren emphasized dance as a form of expression that bridges the body and meaning. Defining dance as “the invisible presence within us writing in the void,” she described it as a motion, a search, and a moment of self-encounter. She noted that the body is in constant motion, often moving without a clear reason, and described dance as a unique journey where one meets the ‘other’ within. “When one dances, they are called toward themselves,” she stated, drawing attention to dance’s transformative power in guiding individuals toward inner wholeness.
Following the opening, performances by students from the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts took the stage. As part of their year-long coursework, students presented a series of contemporary dance and performance pieces that reflected personal and collective experiences through bodily expression.
At 13:00, the second part of the event continued in the Conference Hall with a documentary screening and an engaging talk by one of the leading figures in contemporary dance, Prof. Dr. Aydın Teker. Following the screening, Prof. Teker shared her insights and experiences on the creative process, bodily expression, and the evolution of contemporary dance, creating an inspiring and thought-provoking atmosphere for the students.
Offering advice to young dancers, Prof. Teker emphasized the importance of depth in artistic work with the following words: “Don’t stay on the surface. Don’t go with the first idea that comes to mind—go beyond. Always explore alternatives. Know that there’s always more. If your work is always easily liked, there’s probably a problem. What cannot be expressed in words should form the foundation of your work.”
The final part of the program took place at 16:00 with an open-air ‘Improvised Jam Session’ on the campus lawn. Students, guests, and faculty came together in a free and spontaneous celebration of music and dance, fully embracing the spirit of World Dance Day. This improvisational session highlighted the creative potential born from natural bodily movement and collective energy.
The event, held on ARUCAD’s campus, attracted significant attention from students, academics, and art lovers. With its inclusive spirit, the program once again demonstrated how dance, through its universal language, can bring different communities together and reveal the unifying power of art.
