A captivating exploration of ritual and the search for love, acceptance, and connection - whether human, physical, or spiritual.
Mirroring choreographer Ceyda Tanc’s dual heritage, AYNA weaves Turkish folk dance traditions with modern British social dance, reflecting on the power of dance to unite us.
With hypnotic rhythm and striking synchronicity, an all-female cast reference the mesmerising movements of whirling dervishes, traditionally practiced by men.
With a driving soundtrack blending Eastern and Western sounds and a digital community cast, this unmissable performance celebrates dance, togetherness, and the universal desire for belonging.
Commissioned by Brighton Festival. Supported by THE STUDIO, Brighton and Arts Council England.
About CEYDA TANC DANCE
Led by British-Turkish Choreographer, Ceyda Tanc, the company's athletic contemporary dance work is influenced by traditional Turkish folk dance. Their distinctive aesthetic subverts virtuoso movements of male Turkish folk dancers with an all-female cast, expressing stunning forms, unified strength and a strong yet sensual energy.
Ceyda’s work seeks to challenge traditional gender representation in dance and promote the intersection of cultures in modern Britain. She draws on themes of ritual, ceremony and community to create work that is unapologetically feminist.
PRODUCTION & PROGRAMMING
Cast: 6 dancers
Running time: 60 mins
A highly adaptable show that can be presented front on, in the round or on platforms with the audience in promenade. The show can run straight through or be performed in sections as part of a wider event or installation.
A video of our community cast made up of 50 women and girls ages 16 - 60+ years can be projected around the performance space.
As well as looking for existing theatres and live performance venues, we are also looking for producing partners to stage the work with us in alternative venues.
The work spans audience genres including dance, nightlife/clubbing and music.
STAGING EXAMPLES
Nightclubs and event spaces
On a variety of raised platforms with the audience standing and free flowing in the performance space
Projection of community cast before, during and following the performance
Live DJ sets before and after the performance, running into a dance party involving the audience
Theatres
On raised stage/s with or without seating or on a flat stage with raked seating
We are open to exploring how different venues can be used in innovative ways, using different parts of the building to stage sections of the work and enhance the audience experience
Installation
The Community Cast film can be shown as an installation in gallery/event spaces or foyers pre and post-show.
COLLABORATORS
Choreographer Ceyda Tanc
Producer Hayley Ovens
Composer Asta Hiroki
Costume DALA
Lighting Design Georgia Godfrey
Devising performers Isobel Gosney, Colette Kite, Chloe Mead, Hattie Musgrove, Gemma Shrubb, Gabby Sanders, Marta Swierczynska
Composer and DJ, Asta Hiroki is a long term collaborator of Ceyda Tanc Dance.
He is a nu jazz / electronica music producer and visual artist based in Paris, France. A staple of tastemaker radio stations, including BBC6Music (Tom Ravenscroft, Cerys Matthews, Don Letts, Iggy Pop, Deb Grant, Huey Morgan), alongside BBC Radio 1 (DJ Jaguar), BBC3, KCRW, and KEXP. In 2025 he is set to release a full-length collaboration album with Tristan de Liège via Folded Music and his next solo album.
Costumes for AYNA are designed by the fashion brand DALA - a collaborative denim studio.
blending the cultures of London and Paraguay. Rooted in inclusivity and longevity, the brand pairs vintage washes with contemporary styling to create seasonless, circularly minded garments meant to become future heirlooms. In partnership with B Corp-certified factory BDA, DALA ensures each piece is made with purpose, personality, and enduring quality.
