Since I’ve lived in Glasgow one of the most meaningful dance projects I’ve been involved with has been Working for the Maryhill Integration Network. It is a network for asylum seekers and refugees here in the area to come, talk, dance, write, create art in general and share their experiences while assimilating into Scottish culture. The friendships I have made are deep and I feel a profound connection to these women though I haven’t known them very long. I love the ending of the post where it states “They remind us of the innocent lives that are sometimes caught between sides, of human beings born into and trying to survive within a land in turmoil. These dancers are young people who have chosen not to “tune out” the hope for peace in their own hearts and to fight their battle with creativity not violence, despite all that they live through.”

I assisted a wonderful Glasgow Choreographer Natasha Gilmore
(http://www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/artsinscotland/dance/features/archive/profilenatashagilmore.aspx)
in her last piece with the group and it was called “Songs of Home, Songs of Hope” where the performers danced about their homes and their loss but looked to the future for hope. I worked worked with the children on the group and have learned a great deal from Natasha and the other women about dance, choreography, the power of life and stories to tell, and most of all humanity.

One of the great women in charge of the the network is named Remzije Sherifi. She recently wrote a book about her journey to Glasgow from Kosevo and how after arriving in the UK she dedicated her life to helping others who left their countries due to turmoil, war and bloodshed. The book is called The Shadow Behind the Sun. She is a powerful voice for women and creates important outlets for them to share and dance as a means to integration and understanding.

Thanks again for doing this post. I can’t wait to share it with others as well!

Thanks, Maria.

By the way, I didn’t realize I’d never put you on my blog roll. The link has now been added!