OMONDELE IBITOYE ( NIGERIA ):
“ Africans express emotions through singing and dance . Dancing helps us come into our power . It is a form of freeing oneself from internalized oppressions . OBR has changed the method of activism . It has made our perceived “ weaknesses ” as as our strength – by being bold enough to rage , speak , sing and dance against violence .”
CHIKAKO HAMA ( JAPAN ):
“ For victims of violence , dancing brings the liberation of minds . Liberation and solidarity are powerful . Dancing exceeds words and just allows us to be inside the experience .”
CHANDY ENG ( CAMBODIA ):
“ The songs and dances of OBR makes everyone braver to express themselves in public . People begin to reflect on art – and whether they end or reinforce strong cultures of gender discrimination . The OBR songs have helped the youth stop supporting other art or artists who de-value women . OBR dancing makes us all participants feel empowered . One participant mentioned that “ when I dance , I feel like I am flying towards the sky . And there I feel I am not just one , but I feel in solidarity with a billion other fighters in the world .”
ABHA BHAIYA ( INDIA ):
“ OBR has allowed us to see and experience that art and culture make considerable and necessary contributions to the well-being of communities – specially to express dissent . and art have given us possibilities to transform ways of thinking and acting , to create public dialogues , to contribute to the development of community ’ s creative learning , and to building healthy communities capable of action . OBR has also provided powerful tools for community mobilization and activism , and help build community capacity and leadership . Also , every year with OBR , we witness new talents who never thought of themselves as artists .”
“ OBR has shown us that art is an essential form of activism . It ignites imagination and expressions to dream of a world differently . It has shown us that social change cannot happen without art because we need the heart to imagine a future that is different from the one we are in . In India , OBR has been so successful in creating awareness by addressing issues through art , music and dance – which have always been the heartbeat of the movements for liberation and freedom .”