Source: NÖN St. Pölten and MeinBezirk

“Every year on February 14, tens of thousands of people around the world dance together in public spaces as part of “One Billion Rising” to encourage girls and women to stand up and take action. In St. Pölten, this year’s protest was held under the motto “Rise for Empathy.”” – NÖN St. Pölten

“With a lively rhythm and plenty of positive energy, a global awareness of a serious issue was raised on Friday, February 14: “One Billion Rising” also sent a strong message for a non-violent and equal society in St. Pölten. Since the campaign began in 2013, the city has held an annual dance, this year under the motto “Rise for Empathy.”

ST. PÖLTEN. The participants moved together to the anthems “Break the Chain” and “Amazon Women Rise,” led by Sabine Hubmayer. The Ur-Ton drummers provided powerful rhythms, while Angelika Sacher & Klaus Bergmaier musically underscored the message with revolutionary, women’s, and working-class songs.

Natascha Schabasser says, “We came to support, to dance and to celebrate for a good cause.”

“We’re raising awareness of the issue, showing our strength, our voice, and our power – and we won’t let ourselves be defeated,” explains Sabine Hubmayer, project coordinator for the city of St. Pölten.

Karin Rummer: “We want to make a statement and support the cause.”

“We’re dancing against violence against women,” says Victoria Rummer.

Martina Eigelsreiter from the Office for Diversity in St. Pölten: “Everyone should see that we stand in solidarity against violence against women and girls. This way, everyone can demonstrate that this cannot be tolerated.”

There was an opportunity to practice beforehand.
Numerous school classes and clubs had already taken advantage of the opportunity to learn the choreography in free workshops. The event impressively demonstrated how dance can unite people as an expression of solidarity and empathy.” – MeinBezirk