We Speak Dance

We Speak Dance is an internationally flavored Netflix original documentary series that aired in 2018. The documentary sets out to explore and encapsulate the global diversity and interconnectedness of dance cultures around the world. Founder of Viva Dance Studio and former UN advisor Vandana Hart navigates us through this enriching voyage.

Each episode of this five-part series tracks Vandana’s journey to a different country as she deeply immerses herself into its unique dance genre, observes its cultural significance, and ultimately communicates the pertinent socio-political issues that they often represent. We Speak Dance transcends borders and illustrates the universal language of movement and rhythm that ties people together, irrespective of geographical boundaries and linguistic differences. The series delves into the concept that dance can foster peace, incite revolutions, and ultimately, serve as a form of global communication.

The debut episode of We Speak Dance takes viewers to Nigeria, exploring the country's rich tapestry of dance, from traditional tribal dances to modern Afrobeat movement. The subsequent episodes explore Lebanon, Vietnam, France, and Indonesia. There, Hart dives into Vietnam's lush street dance culture and explores the traditional dance-forms of Indonesia.

Also noteworthy is her experience in Lebanon, a war-torn nation where she learns about the transformative power of dance in bridging divides between conflicting factions. It dramatically encapsulates how dance could even function as an antidote to war. The tour in France demonstrates how ballet and urban contemporary dances coexist and continue to influence each other’s evolution.

At the heart of this documentary series is the perspective that dance is much more than just an art form or a means of expression; it is an embodiment of cultural identity, a reflection of societal issues, and a vehicle of revolution. It has the potential to bear testament to the historical legacies of countries and to advocate for global unity.

Vandana Hart, being a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance" in Kenya and being trained in ballet and African dance, brings a unique perspective to the table in this series. She unquestionably contributes a mix of expert knowledge, genuine curiosity, and respectful admiration for the dances she encounters, making her a fantastic guide.

We Speak Dance is not only for dance enthusiasts; it can appeal to a broader audience for its cultural insights as it peels layer after layer of diverse global dance traditions. It distinctly demonstrates how movements can establish an emotional connection, a mutual understanding among people, even in the absence of words. It is a comprehensive and powerful testament to the influence of dance across the globe.

For keen travelers, We Speak Dance could serve as an unconventional travel guide, as each episode beautifully curates the natural scenery, bustling streets, and iconic landmarks of the various countries visited. It showcases the vibrant, less trodden corners of the world that one might miss in a regular travel magazine or documentary.

We Speak Dance is a beautifully curated stage where travel, dance, culture, and socio-political elements whirl together in a harmonious dance. Viewers get an intimate look at the unifying power of dance and the subliminal conversations it initiates. The show elegantly permits a deeper understanding of dance as an art form, social fabric, and the heart of human expression ingrained in every culture globally. The result is a poignant, revelatory, and entirely captivating series that’s sure to make you want to get up and dance – or at least, view the art with newfound appreciation and perspective.