"To Be Continued" Vol. 1 - Local Festivals & Community

During my train journey to the Jumpin’ at Istanbul festival, I naturally found myself thinking about dance: festival environments, competitions, performances, social dance, lead-follower relationships, community, etc., etc… Perhaps we can't fit it all into this blog, but let's begin.

First of all, for those who want to do more than just an hour of dance activity per week, festivals are absolutely essential experiences. Especially considering the difficult economic conditions in Turkey that we all experience, I argue that no festival or workshop organized with guest instructors should be missed. Even for a seemingly simple party, the effort and labor put in by organizers may not be noticed by local dancers, but the existence of this unseen labor cannot be denied. Also, I would like to see local dancers provide all kinds of support, both financially (by taking lessons, attending events) and morally (by volunteering, helping, and expressing gratitude), to those working on larger-scale organizations like festivals.

Last month, Jumpin’ at Istanbul took place. In March, there will be Bosphorus Swing Festival, in May Bodrum Lindy Weekend, and in June Hepcats Festival. The organizers of these festivals, which are organized with immense difficulty and effort in our country, honor me by inviting me every year. I did the same in 2023 with Hoppin’ Weekend which I organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our Republic. This act of gratitude is something that genuinely touches me and for which I am deeply thankful. At moments like these, I'm reminded again and again that I'm part of a larger community beyond borders – it's been 11 years, believe it or not – and I love that community very much. It's like my faith in humanity is restored. Oh, gates of memories are open and pouring over. No, I'm not crying, I just got something in my eye…

Speaking of communities… it's true that I'm a little exhausted from thinking about how well this concept is understood locally, and from constantly questioning myself about what else I could do. My greatest wish is for everyone in Ankara interested in swing dance to see our studio as a home for swing dance, to have a presence here, to develop and create their projects. It's a space for everyone. For example, we'll be having a special party on February 21st to celebrate our studio's anniversary, and we've sent out invitations to all other groups; I hope we'll all be together!

Whenever I have these thoughts about the community, Herrang always comes to mind. I first went there in the summer of 2016, and for the last 3 years*, every summer, I've spent a month at least, in a small remote Swedish village that's become my second home, with my chosen family. Eating, drinking, breathing of dance and music 24/7 becomes the utopia of communities. And on an international scale... with people from 72 different nations… The only difference is that we're bringing that utopia to life with this community. And with a body of work spanning over 40 years. Is it easy? Never! But this makes me think that it's possible when you want it, really. So why can't it happen locally? Egos? Personal or economic interests? Conflicts? Differences? Expecting everything from the state? Emotions? Option E, all of them? Option F, none of them? Which one? Unfortunately, I don't have a clear answer; if anyone does, please let me know.

I'll write about my feelings and thoughts on Herrang in more detail in "to be continued." This will likely be a series of blogging. And of course, for those who have the opportunity, attending festivals abroad can open up very different horizons in terms of embracing the fact of being part of an international community. For now, I'll end this article by answering a frequently asked question:

+Where can we find festivals abroad?

-swingplanit.com

To be continued… or next week…

*For those who don't know, as an answer to the question "What does Ceren do at Herrang?", I work as the social media manager in the camp's strategic organization and operations team throughout the year. We would appreciate it if you followed us for all the latest news and inspiring content!