Watch We Speak Dance

We Speak Dance is a docuseries hosted by Vandana Hart that premiered on January 1, 2018, on Netflix. The series consists of six episodes where Vandana travels around the world to explore the power of dance and its cultural significance. Throughout the show, Vandana visits six different countries - India, Vietnam, France, Nigeria, Lebanon, and USA - to uncover the stories behind the dance forms unique to each region. She interviews local dancers and instructors to understand the history, evolution, and cultural importance of various dance forms.

In the first episode, Vandana visits India, where she explores the classical Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam. She meets with famous Indian dancer, Geeta Chandran, and learns about the elaborate hand gestures and facial expressions that are essential to Bharatanatyam. She also delves into the spiritual significance of the dance form and how it is used in religious ceremonies.

In the second episode, Vandana travels to Vietnam to explore the traditional Vietnamese dance form known as mua sap. She meets with dancers and instructors to learn about the intricate movements and patterns involved in the dance form. She also witnesses how mua sap is being used to preserve Vietnamese culture and identity amidst globalization.

Next, Vandana explores the contemporary dance scene in France in the third episode. She meets with renowned French choreographer Mourad Merzouki who merges hip-hop dance with contemporary ballet. Vandana also visits the Paris Opera Ballet School and observes the rigorous training and discipline required to become a professional dancer in France.

In the fourth episode, Vandana travels to Nigeria to discover the cultural significance of afrobeat dance. She meets with popular Nigerian artist Yemi Alade, who incorporates traditional Nigerian dance styles into her music and performances. Vandana also attends a dance party in Lagos to experience the joy and energy of the afrobeat dance movement.

In the fifth episode, Vandana explores the Lebanese dance form known as dabke. She discovers how dabke is used to celebrate weddings and other special occasions, and how it has been passed down through generations. She also learns about the social and political significance of dabke and how it has been used in protests.

In the final episode, Vandana returns to her roots in the USA to explore the diverse dance forms that are prevalent in American culture. She meets with New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck and explores the fluidity and freedom of contemporary dance. She also visits a Native American powwow in South Dakota to witness the power of dance to connect people across disparate cultures.

Overall, We Speak Dance is an eye-opening docuseries that explores the universal language of dance and its ability to connect people across boundaries. Vandana Hart is an engaging and knowledgeable host who brings a sense of curiosity and wonder to each episode. The show celebrates the diversity and richness of different dance forms and highlights the cultural significance of each.

We Speak Dance is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between January 1, 2018 and on