Dance to Evolve

Status: Closed. Conducted as a one-time pilot collaboration.

When the women of former Evolvin’ Women, now Evolvin’ dance, they embody strength, passion, and transformation. For them, dance is more than movement, it’s a key to change. In regions with limited opportunities, Evolvin’ Women empowers them through training and mentorship, paving the way for brighter futures.

Now, through this artwork, three women will be sponsored to move to Dubai, where they will gain the skills and opportunities to build independent, prosperous lives. By supporting this cause, you’re not just buying art, you’re investing in confidence, empowerment, and self-sufficiency. Movement isn’t just physical, it’s the force that drives change.

Dubai, UAE

June 2024
Partnership Initiation

UnitedWeDance believes in the power of movement to transform lives and strengthen human connection, especially among women navigating systemic barriers or social exclusion.

Dance to Evolve emerged through a longstanding partnership with Assia Riccio, TEDx speaker, social entrepreneur, and founder of Evolvin’ Women, now Evolvin’ Global, a respected social enterprise that has inspired and advised UnitedWeDance since its inception.

With over a decade of experience in talent development, Assia has empowered more than 1,000 women from rural and underserved communities by connecting skills training with employment through socially responsible partnerships in the UAE.

This collaboration not only celebrates a shared mission, but also recognises Evolvin’ Global as a leading role model for social impact. Grounded in trust and cultural exchange, the partnership showcases how creative synergy can uplift individuals and bring communities together.

Through live action painting, women express their identity and journey through dance, while the canvas captures a story of resilience, unity, and transformation. Each piece becomes a visual language of belonging, where diversity is not only represented, but embodied.

Dance to Evolve also serves as a dynamic team-building experience for organisations. In today’s cross-cultural, hybrid workplaces, UnitedWeDance creates spaces where team care and connection become contagious, boosting morale, purpose, and inclusion. It is uplifting for people, powerful for culture, and purposeful for the world.

By aligning with SDGs such as Good Health and Well-Being (3), Quality Education (4), Gender Equality (5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (8), Reduced Inequalities (10), Sustainable Cities and Communities (11), and Partnerships for the Goals (17), Dance to Evolve helps our partners advance their ESG, CSR, and community engagement goals. It is a celebration of what happens when diversity is embraced, expression is encouraged, and unity is made visible, on canvas and beyond.

September 2024
Action Painting Performance Announcement

Ahead of the Evolvin’ Women Forum 2024, themed 'Developing Talents, Creating Impact,' UnitedWeDance proudly announces to lead, facilitate and conduct an initiative honouring the work and achievements of Evolvin’ Women and its founder, Assia Riccio, with a complimentary action painting live performance. This celebration of the social enterprise’s success is led by Sanaz Hanke, founder of UnitedWeDance, who has been a mentor and early supporter of Evolvin’ Women since 2024.

October 2024
Preparation of the Event

The preparations of this event involved planning and executing the pre-production, production and post-production of artworks, art prints accompanied by videography and photography. Thanks to SBC founder Phil Bedford, one of the first challenges of finding a suitable venue fitting to the African theme and concept, solved itself with the introduction to KIZA owner Mr. Joye Oswaye, who so kindly became our main supporter by hosting this occasion.

November 2024
Event details and outcome

This event was structured as a public event at KIZA, a Pan-African restaurant in DIFC and in the heart of Dubai, which turned out to be a match made in heaven, giving friends, supporters and curious minds the possibility to witness the live action painting performances.

The finale outcome were 4 spectacular performances resulted in the creation of four unique artworks, several art prints and videography, documenting the entire creative process in form of a live-streaming from a birds eye view and videos in post-production.

The event showcased the diverse range of applicability for UWD events no matter of which nature, whether it is a workforce celebration, a team building gathering, a Christmas party or a CSR initiative to support a social cause. Let us plan your impact and engage your audience in a unique setting.

November 2024
Evolvin' Women Forum - First Exhibit

Two of 4 artworks will be exhibited during the annual Evolvin’ Women Forum on the 26th of November, showcasing the unity and progression of Evolvin’ Women and their accomplishments. These pieces will be available for purchase by the Evolvin’ Women community and supporters as well as the public, with partial profits dedicated to funding scholarships for new participants in the Evolvin’ Women program.

October 2025
IUCN Congress - Second Exhibit

Two of 4 artworks will be exhibited during the annual Evolvin’ Women Forum on the 26th of November, showcasing the unity and progression of Evolvin’ Women and their accomplishments. These pieces will be available for purchase by the Evolvin’ Women community and supporters as well as the public, with partial profits dedicated to funding scholarships for new participants in the Evolvin’ Women program.

November 2024
Profit allocation

UnitedWeDance pledges that 20% of the revenue from affordable art prints and 17% from the sale of original artworks will be used to fund Evolvin’ Women scholarships. The sale of 8 art print series, each consisting of 3 art prints, will fund one full scholarship for a year. Additionally, the sale of one of the four unique artworks will fund 2 scholarships for an entire year.

If we sell all 4 unique artworks we will fund 8 new Evolvin' Women for an entire year. Support us in this cause and check out the artworks and art prints below.

Audit

Our team will be conducting audits to ensure that the proceeds are used in the intended way

Status: NGO Partnership initiated

Former Evolvin’ Women, now Evolvin’ is a social enterprise that empowers women from developing regions by connecting them with training and job placements in the hospitality sector. Through partnerships with hotels and educational institutions, they provide tailored development programs that build practical and leadership skills. Participants receive training in areas like customer service and hotel management, followed by job placements in partner businesses, allowing them to gain valuable work experience. After completing the program, these women return home with enhanced skills and confidence, opening up better employment or entrepreneurial opportunities. This approach promotes gender equality, supports economic growth, and contributes to community development.

Exhibition

Evolvin’ Women Forum

Every year, Evolvin’ Women celebrates the remarkable journey of women becoming the next generation of professionals and social entrepreneurs, and the Evolvin’ Women Forum 2024 is no exception. Held on 26 November 2024 at Almas Tower JLT, this inspiring event, hosted by DMCC, will showcase the transformative work of Evolvin’ Women and its partners in empowering women across the Middle East and Africa. The day will be filled with activities, including workshops, panels, and inspirational talks, while also celebrating success stories of resilience and triumph. With over 100 participants, 20+ speakers, and representation from 9 African countries, this forum will foster connections, share insights, and inspire the next generation of leaders and social entrepreneurs.

IUCN World Conservation Congress

UnitedWeDance will showcase live action painting at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi from 9 to 15 October. Their exhibit highlights co creation with Indigenous leaders and NGOs, inclusive storytelling through art, and sustainable, low waste practices. Every other day at 15:00, they will host live performances, invite one NGO to join on canvas, and display eight artworks with impact stories. The initiative aims to foster collaboration, amplify voices, and build lasting partnerships for equity, conservation, and nature positive outcomes.

Where to find us

  • Venue, ADNEC, Hall 8
  • Exhibition days, 9 to 13 October
  • Live action painting, every other day at 15,00, set up from 14,00

Art of Ability Conference

The Art of Ability: Inclusion Through Expression” is a key initiative in UmiVerse’s continued partnership with the UAE Journalists Association, within the framework of the HEMAM Project.

This initiative aims to:

  1. Promote inclusion for People of Determination (PODs)

  2. Amplify diverse voices in media and society

  3. Foster educational and cultural spaces where inclusion is the standard, not the exception.

Where to find us

  • Date: Wednesday, 29 October 2025
  • Venue: Mohammed bin Rashid Library, Dubai
  • Register: here
  • Places are limited to 120, registration will close once capacity is reached.
  • Excellent networking opportunity, UNESCO Chair delegates will be flying in from Europe, alongside distinguished speakers and culture partners.

Art of Ability Exhibition

Later on October, 29th, an exclusive UnitedWeDance exhibit revealing the HEMAM artwork co created with Children of Determination

  • Planned between 4 pm and 8 pm
  • Venue: nearby hotel, to be announced closer to the date
  • Preview film of the artwork presented at the exhibit: Watch now

26. November

2024

Dubai

UAE

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