Concrete Playground

Why does dance enthrall so many people? We throw shapes in clubs, on television, in our living room, off the top of buildings, on stages and even in the streets. Many cultures treat dance as a religious engagement; the moving form becomes Other, opening a doorway to an extended universe through all the sweat and heaving muscles. What is it that links all dance and movement, no matter the who/what/where/when/why/how?

At the centre of all dance and humanity is a single constant: a beating heart. Living is dancing.

Held biennially, the ReelDance International Dance on Screen Festival summons the best of dance and film from around the world. This year's offering is an inspiring mix of global dance, including the homegrown wizardry of Daniel Askill, Eve Sussman's sumptuous fable of modern decadence and a retrospective of UK visionary Shelly Love.

Also on the schedule is an exploration of 'Vogue', seeking out this dance spirit both in Harlem's queer scene and Madonna's early career, and a series of shorts inspired by the theme of 'Space'. Do not miss this chance to synch heartbeats with the rest of the world — the next one'll be in 2012 and, if the Mayans are right, that may be too late.

Image by Shelly Love. Video by Daniel Askill.