The Next Project
by Olsi Gjeci
Hello Olsi,
Nice talking to you again.
Your new initiative is called UMUV. Can you tell us what is it all about?
UMUV is a global dance platform that allows dancers, dance teachers and dance enthusiasts from all over the world to publish their dance services.
By simplifying the process of searching for a dance service whether it is a class, a show or an audition, UMUV promotes the interaction between dancers and their audience.
We want to become the biggest online dance platform in the world. We want to help elevate and support to maximize the power and effect that dance has in communities around the world. We want to make the posting and searching for dance related events of any style, location and time, easy, fun, and efficient.
UMUV also aims to grow into a marketplace, where users can buy and sell dance classes and many more services or goods related to dance.
List some good reasons why everyone should check out UMUV?
Even though UMUV desires to unite and grow the professional global dance community, it is not limited to users who practice dance professionally. It goes beyond that niche since it becomes a space where all can look for their favorite dance services efficiently.
We believe UMUV is for everyone. We facilitate the search and booking of all dance classes of any style, anywhere in the world. UMUV is the Expedia or Booking.com of dance. UMUV brings dance closer to all in the most efficient way.
How do you feel about this brand-new project in its early stages?
Umuv was built to solve at least three current problems:
To consolidate information that otherwise is spread out too much in numerous places/platforms/websites about searching and booking dance. Millions of people from all over the world, professionals and amateurs alike take dance classes every day, and UMUV will help them find, book and share their favorite dance classes. shows, festivals etc and allow them to connect with all dance professionals in order to widen their interests or to connect with new people from all over who are interested in dance as well.
To help individuals, organizations and companies to connect, build, and nurture connections within their niche, which in this case is specific DANCE but in itself so wide, diverse and global. In the same vein, the aim is to build their presence online.
Thirdly, UMUV is a platform to use to expand and promote talent, skills, products, classes, and any other type or category of what you can call a product that’s dance related. This is achieved through built-in tools on UMUV that range from artistic to business related.
What’s the best dance program you’ve seen lately that has given you a good push to keep doing what you do?
I have seen a very good dance show recently in Lisbon, Portugal called “HIERONYMUS BOSCH: THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS”. It was a very interesting work based on the painting with the same title by the Dutch painter, Bosch.
What is the most exciting story in the dance community now?
It’s all about dance related events that are taking place in the community. I am very happy Jacob’s Pillow Festival is here and there is so much dance happening. Well-known companies are travelling from all over the country and from abroad, including the infamous gaga creator Ohad Naharin, to teach himself a masterclass to the dance community at Jacob’s Pillow.
What’s your favorite dance routine or music list to start off any day on a happy note?
The warm up is my favorite dance routine to start any day. A warm up routine can be of any kind and form which is suited to a dancer’s body and needs. I usually listen to my favorite songs when I warm up and they range from baroque music, to jazz, to fado, to gypsy music and world folk music.
Any special events you are working on as a choreographer and artistic director?
I am currently working with Sublime Dance Company for a new duet as a choreographer. As an artistic director I am working on making the company active internationally and starting to pave the road for international touring.
Where is the place you can’t wait to visit, work, and enjoy this summer?
Albania. I was born there and cannot wait to visit the beautiful beaches and mountains of it. Cannot wait to eat amazing food, to be with my family and enjoy the crystal clear & warm waters of Vlora and Southern Albania.
Anything else to add...
Yes, please visit our website and join our community!
www.umuv.world
