Belfast is set to embrace a touch of whimsical artistry as it prepares to host its inaugural mass participatory dance event inspired by Kate Bush’s iconic song, ‘Wuthering Heights’. The event, dubbed ‘Cathy’s Call’, is part of the city’s Culture Night festivities and invites residents to embody the spirit of the legendary songstress and her memorable choreography.
A Global Phenomenon Lands in Belfast
Scheduled for Friday, September 18th at 7:00 PM, ‘Cathy’s Call’ aims to transform a central Belfast location into a vibrant spectacle of red. Participants are encouraged to don red attire and unite to recreate the distinctive dance moves from Kate Bush’s 1978 music video. This mass participation event is the latest iteration of a global trend that has seen similar ‘Wuthering Heights’ dances captivate audiences worldwide.
The phenomenon began around 2013 when approximately 300 dancers gathered in Brighton, UK, to perform the choreography. Since then, the concept has spread like wildfire, inspiring similar gatherings in cities across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Some of these international events have drawn crowds exceeding 1,000 participants, highlighting the enduring appeal of the song and its visual representation.
Open to All: No Experience Necessary
Organizers emphasize that ‘Cathy’s Call’ is an inclusive event, welcoming individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. No prior dance experience is required, and participants do not need to be familiar with the choreography in advance. To facilitate learning, Kitsch Sisters, the creative force behind the Belfast event, will be releasing step-by-step dance tutorials on social media platforms leading up to Culture Night. This will allow aspiring Cathys to practice and perfect their moves in the comfort of their own homes.
For those seeking the perfect outfit, Kitsch Sisters are also organizing a ‘Red Dress Swap’. This initiative provides an opportunity for attendees to donate or exchange pre-loved red dresses, promoting sustainability and ensuring everyone can find suitable attire. For those not inclined towards dresses, any red clothing item will be welcomed, ensuring that the sea of red is as diverse and widespread as possible.
Kitsch Sisters: Bringing Immersive Experiences to Belfast
This ‘Wuthering Heights’ dance follows a successful summer for Kitsch Sisters, who recently presented their immersive Irish wake experience, ‘Wakey Wakey’, at the Belfast Fleadh. ‘Wakey Wakey’ blended theatre, music, character performance, dark humour, and traditional Irish elements within a vintage caravan setting, offering a unique and engaging cultural experience.
Aoife McAteer, a co-founder of Kitsch Sisters, expressed her enthusiasm for bringing ‘Cathy’s Call’ to Belfast. “We’ve been observing these incredible ‘Wuthering Heights’ gatherings happening globally and felt strongly that Belfast deserved its own moment,” McAteer stated. “Our vision is to include people of every age, shape, size, gender, and dancing ability. You don’t need to be a professional dancer. We encourage everyone to come, whether on their own, with friends, family, or their entire group.”
McAteer further elaborated on the ethos of Culture Night and the aspirations for the event: “Culture Night is fundamentally about active participation in culture, not merely observing it. Building on the significant energy generated by the Fleadh, we aim to create a vast, joyful, and whimsical expanse of red right in the heart of Belfast.”
Expression of Interest and Staying Connected
While formal sign-up is not mandatory, an expression of interest will soon be available for individuals, groups, community organizations, and anyone else wishing to participate. This preliminary step will assist organizers in gauging potential attendance numbers and planning for the scale of the event, ensuring the ‘sea of red’ is as visually impactful as possible.
Those interested in participating or learning more about ‘Cathy’s Call’ are encouraged to follow the Kitsch Sisters on their social media channels, @kitschsistersbelfast, and the dedicated event page, @wutheringheightsbelfast. These platforms will serve as the primary sources for updates, dance tutorials, and details regarding the Red Dress Swap.
Culture Night: A Celebration of Belfast’s Creative Spirit
Culture Night is an annual event that celebrates and showcases Belfast’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. It transforms the city into a hub of free activities, performances, and exhibitions, inviting everyone to explore and engage with the diverse creative talent on offer. ‘Cathy’s Call’ is poised to be a memorable addition to this year’s program, offering a unique blend of artistic expression, community engagement, and pure, unadulterated fun.
The event promises a memorable experience, encouraging a collective embrace of creativity and a shared moment of joy. By participating in ‘Cathy’s Call’, residents can become part of a global movement while contributing to Belfast’s dynamic cultural landscape. The simple act of dressing in red and learning a few dance steps offers a powerful way to connect with others and celebrate the enduring legacy of an iconic song and artist.
