A One Billion Rising OBR dance event was held on 14th February at the World Beat Fitness Centre in Bahrain. The event was inspired by Valli Batchelor of Journey Towards Hope Dance Projects with aim of using dancing and drumming to RISE in solidarity as a global effort to break the chain of all forms of oppression against women.

By Jane Goodwin - Director of World Beat Fitness Bahrain & NIA Black Belt Instructor

 In our planning of the event we overlooked the fact that, the date 14th February coincided with the 2nd anniversary of political uprising in Bahrain. That morning, there were helicopters flying around, road blocks from burnt tires and protests.  In spite of these uncertainties, we the organizers saw it as an opportunity to promote global peace..  It turned out to be a great morning!  There were over 35 women aging from 12 - 70 years of age with over 15 countries represented. The energy was beautiful, there was Joy and sorrow and there was hope. Lots of heart centered dancing and lots of love.  When we read the benediction by Dr Valli Batchelor who inspired this event, the first tears started flowing. A power point presentation on violence by Eva Khattab deeply touched participants.

The morning ended with a sense of unification, spirit and love.

We thank Valli for inspiring us to RISE and we thank all our sisters for RISING

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BENEDICTION

‘Group dance is liberating and cathartic

- It breaks barriers, unites, strengthens, heals and conveys profound messages for change.

Today as we dance in this auspicious space in Bahrain, we are taking the hands of our sisters and brothers and dedicating our dance practice to 1 billion violated women worldwide.

-We ‘dance because we love’,

-We ‘dance for our dreams’,

-We ‘dance because we had enough’

-We ‘dance to stop the screams’..

-WE DANCE to break the chain of all forms of oppression against women

-We dance for a better world’

The following comments are from participants

Participant Yesmeen, Saudi Arabian student: As long as those who dance believe we can stop violence, no one will break us. If you dance you feel all the joy and emotions being expressed.  When alone, you often feel sad and very scared.  When you are with others, you feel the power and love between you.  We will not fight but we will dance to our hearts’ content. It may take months or years before anyone understands our message, but we will still continue to dance.  We will do it in a non-hurtful way.

Participant Rana, Bahraini bookstore owner:  “It was a wonderful emotionally charged morning.  I thought your talk was important because it really made us focus on the reason we were all there.  I look forward to the day when women are not seen as sexual objects or easy targets. It may be a long time coming but the more we empower our daughters to reject violence of any kind and educate our sons to know better, the sooner the day will come.”

Participant Maria Victoria, domestic worker from Philippines: I’m very thankful for being part of a dance for a cause - to share love, appreciation and care.  I am lucky because I am not one of the billion women out there who suffered abuse or rape. I’m happy for being part of One Billion Rising because I feel I’ve become a useful person.