DANCERS from some of the world’s leading ballet companies will be screening original works this World AIDS Day in a drive to end the stigma around the HIV virus.
15 new dance films by artists from companies including The Royal Ballet, Ballet Black and San Francisco Ballet will premiere in an online streamed showcase of dance, music and poetry.
The event will take place on 1 December 2020 (World AIDS Day) at 19:30 GMT, at www.hivthenakedtruth.com.
The Naked Truth streamed event is the brainchild of Joshua Royal – a professional dancer living with HIV. It has been created in collaboration with StreamMovement, the London-based arts production company, headed by multiple award-winning dance filmmaker Adrian Del Arroyo.
Professional Dancer Joshua Royal said:
“I have gathered inspiring artists, dancers, singers, speakers and poets from around the world to help remove the veil around HIV that is keeping thousands of people in the dark.
“We want to spread the word that someone living with HIV and on effective treatment can’t pass it on.”
He added:
“Many people living with HIV face unfair judgement and discrimination. Not only does this stigma hurt those of us living with HIV, it also prevents more people coming forward for testing.
“By sharing my story, I’m encouraging others to share theirs. The more we speak out, the more people will be inspired to follow. It is time to end the HIV stigma. As Freddie Mercury put it, it is time to ‘break free’!”
Ballerinas showcasing new works on the night include Guest Artist and former Principal of The Royal Ballet, Mara Galeazzi; Ballet Black Senior Artist Cira Robinson; and San Francisco Ballet Soloist Sasha Mukhamedov.
The evening will also feature a new dance film from Adrian del Arroyo’s company, HuMo, alongside music and poetry performances, and interviews with people living with HIV.
Donations on the night will go to Terrence Higgins Trust – the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity.
Event producer and award-winning dance filmmaker, Adrian del Arroyo, said:
“This is a diverse and beautiful exhibition of creative talent on World AIDS Day, melding with sincere testimonies about life with HIV.
“Each individual piece has been created to raise positive awareness and understanding about the virus and to help end the stigma.
“We invite everybody to join us virtually on 1st December to enjoy the showcase and open our minds together to the facts about HIV.”
