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Feel The Beat

Move it, shake it, twist it – Big Dance 2010 looks set to get south east London on its feet this July. The Guide gets with the programme.

Be honest, we all love a turn on the dance floor. And thanks to shows like Britain’s Got Talent and Strictly, the last few years have seen a surge in beginners’ classes in everything from street to ballroom, up and down the country.

For those already bitten by the bug, or those thinking of trying out some new moves, Big Dance 2010 (3-11 July) is an event not to be missed. The week-long, London-wide celebration invites all ages and abilities to get involved in classes, workshops, performances and exhibitions, set in unusual venues such as clubs, cinemas and the streets.

Big Dance, the world’s largest dance initiative, is delivered through a network of London’s leading dance organisations, each representing a hub, or area, of the capital. Greenwich Dance Agency (recently rebranded as Greenwich Dance) is the hub for south east London, with East London Dance, English National Ballet, Sadler’s Wells and Siobhan Davies Dance representing east, west, north and south London, respectively.

“Big Dance is a fantastic opportunity to harness the extraordinary talent that already exists in the capital and Greenwich Dance is absolutely thrilled to be leading the south east London hub,” said Brendan Kearney, director of Greenwich Dance. “We are looking forward to working with artists and partners across London to ensure that the Big Dance creates an inspirational legacy.”

Each hub has been awarded a grant of £225,000 to deliver projects and activities for the duration of the three years (Big Dance is a biannual event that will take place again in 2012).

The south east London hub commences its six-week countdown to the fun-filled festival with the Big Cabaret on 21 May. This event showcases a range of dance styles that will unite our corner of London with south east Europe for an international performance involving Greenwich Dance’s partner organisations in Bulgaria, Croatia and Greece.

Throughout the following weeks, highlights include Big Maritime Dance, which sees movement sessions with six local schools take place at the National Maritime Museum (180 children will create pieces inspired by the museum’s collection throughout May and June, culminating in a performance on 2 July); and the Bromley Big Dance Weekender (9-10 July), which is a series of workshops, performances and a tea dance around the Churchill Theatre and shopping area, leading up to a showcase performance by and for the people of Bromley.

Throughout the festival, the Active Workplace Dance Project takes the action to the office – Greenwich Dance, Greenwich Council and Greenwich NHS Primary Care Trust are joining forces to send a team of specialist artists into work spaces to engage people in movement as part of their working day.

From 5-9 July, Big Dance at the O2 brings five days of impromptu and surprise events in and around the arena on Greenwich Peninsula including Hustler, a piece for

44 dancers and non-dancers conceived by David Waring, Artistic Director of Transitions Dance Company; Rollerdancing workshops; and Platform, a chance for local groups to perform in Peninsula Square. And also, a popular event already, Lewisham People’s Day Meets Big Dance (10 July) aims to get as many as possible grooving together.

“I’m delighted to once again support Big Dance,” said Boris Johnson (perhaps not such a keen dancer himself, but always a champion of projects that get London moving) at the project launch.

“Big Dance is a terpsichorean feast that takes it quite literally one step further,” continued the Mayor of London. “We want to get as many people moving as possible this July and afterwards, to 2012 and beyond. Whatever your style, whatever your age or ability, as the Lady says, Just Dance.” 

Highlights at a glance

For more information and detailed events listings, see www.bigdance2010.com