Akram Khan Launches 10th and Final BIG DANCE WEEK with Trafalgar Square Mass Performance

Big Dance Week 2016, running from 2 to 10 July 2016, will be launched with a mass dance performance by hundreds of dancers in Trafalgar Square choreographed by Akram Khan on Saturday 2 July. This year's event is the final Big Dance, and celebrates a decade of festivals.

With original music by Nitin Sawhney, the dance will be performed by and was created with people of all ages and abilities, brought together in groups all over London. The Trafalgar Square mass dance has been a highlight of Big Dance in every edition. Previous choreographers have been Jeanefer Jean-Charles (2006), Aletta Collins (2008), Luca Silvestrini (2010 - pictured above), Wayne McGregor (2012, Olympic edition) and Rafael Bonachela (2014 Commonwealth edition).

Big Dance is the biggest and most ambitious celebration of dance in the UK. The 2016 initiative is the conclusion of a decade of work achieved since its founding by the Mayor of London in 2006. It includes hundreds of free events, performances, workshops, film screenings, debates, created by and with the communities all over London, the UK and internationally.

Delivered through a unique partnership led by the Mayor of London and People Dancing, Big Dance is led by many organisations including: East London Dance, English National Ballet, Greenwich Dance, Sadler's Wells and Siobhan Davies Dance known as the Big Dance Hubs. Over the past 10 years, Big Dance has focused on four key areas of development: creating dance hubs, a new collaborative network across London, the UK and internationally to support participatory work; championing the A to Z of dance to reflect the full range of dance styles in the UK; highlighting the value of mass dancing in fostering the spirit of community; and promoting dance as a contribution to health and wellbeing.

Jacqueline Rose, Director of Big Dance, speaking at the launch of the 2016 edition said: "Building on the legacy of the Mayor of London's initiative and the extraordinary collective work of the Big Dance Hubs and individual champions, we would like to call for a national Dance Masterplan to ensure access to participation in dance is maintained and improved for all. Big Dance has been a powerful demonstration of how the arts can bring people together in circumstances, places and times that frequently pull us apart. We aim to sustain that spirit through multiple initiatives so that the Big Dance legacy will live on both in the UK and internationally."

Darcey Bussell CBE said: "I believe every child should have the opportunity to be active through dance. Dance fitness must be a powerful contributor to the health of our next generation, as music and movement makes children come alive and changes the way they feel. Big Dance has clearly been a force for good by providing opportunities for more young people to be involved in dance, and I congratulate everyone involved."

Akram Khan said: "Working on Big Dance 2016 has been a transformative experience for me. To have seen for myself the extraordinary effect of bringing people together on a mass scale to dance across cultures, nations, ages, abilities, has been a revelation. Dance should not be contained and controlled by the borders of the stage or even the borders of countries. Big Dance has dared to bring together people, and I hope has transformed lives as a result."

Alistair Spalding, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Sadler's Wells, said: "The creation of the Hubs network is one of Big Dance's successes. The network has established a method of working that is sustainable in the long-term, ensuring that we can reach deep into our communities and bring them together. We look forward to continuing to work with our Big Dance Hub partners to offer an ever increasing number of people the chance to experience and take part in dance."

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "Supporting London's creative industries is one of my core priorities as Mayor, and dance is a key part of the capital's cultural offer. For the past decade, the Big Dance has energised audiences through hundreds of events and performances. Its work in bringing communities together both in London and across the globe is now more important than ever. Akram Khan's moving choreography has inspired people of all abilities to prove that whatever your age, dancing is a great way to have fun and keep fit."

National Big Dance Week highlights

2 - 17 July

Dancefest's Big Dance Fortnight

HEREFORDSHIRE and WORCESTERSHIRE

With a host of activities, Dancefest offers something for everyone. From the Big Dance Picnic on 2 July, to performance evenings for young people, disabled dance groups and schools. And Vista is a special event to explore the landscape created by Capability Brown, in partnership with the National Trust in Croome.

http://www.dancefest.co.uk/big-dance

1 - 2 July

Hijinx Unity Festival

Wales Millennium Centre and National Dance Company Wales, CARDIFF

The Hijinx Unity Festival presents performances from internationally renowned artists Caroline Bowditch and Compañía Danza Mobile and showcasing the best in international inclusive and disability performance. http://www.hijinx.org.uk/unity/

24 Hour Dance Relay, featuring Little Big Disco

1-2 July

Yorkshire Dance, LEEDS

Yorkshire Dance is inviting you to join -and sponsor them - for 24 hours of non-stop dancing to fundraise for their Spirit of Juncture Festival. Everyone is welcome to take part in the 24 Hour Dance Relay. Find out more, including a full timetable of the 24 hours. http://www.yorkshiredance.com/spirit-of-juncture/24-hour-dance-relay

1 - 6 July

Move | Be Moved Festival

DanceEast, IPSWICH

DanceEast host their second annual community dance festival including performance platforms of work by schools and adults, film screenings and an older people's dance celebration https://www.danceeast.co.uk/

1- 3 July

Dance at the Lord Mayor's Celebration

Parade through the city and Chapelfield Gardens, NORWICH

Opportunities to get moving include the Boogie Bar alongside performances from SIN Cru, DanceEast CAT students, Glasshouse, Maui Waui and Norfolk Oriental Dance. https://www.norwich.gov.uk/downloads/file/3375/lmc_booklet

2 July

National Youth Dance Company

Dance City, NEWCASTLE

National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) returns to Dance City with new work by the critically acclaimed Sadler's Wells Associate Artist and NYDC 2015-16 Guest Artistic Director Michael Keegan-Dolan, award-winning Founder and Artistic Director of the former Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre. Keegan-Dolan's original approach, coupled with the 41 dancers' raw talent, illustrates the dynamic energy that young people bring to the creation of a new work. #NYDCtour16

https://www.dancecity.co.uk/performance/46896/national-youth-dance-company-michael-keegan-dolan-in-nocentes/

4 and 5 July

Getting West End Ready

Eden Court Theatre, INVERNESS

West End Casting Director Benjamin Newsome and vibrant new company Divergent Productions present a two-day training course to give you insight into what it takes to break into showbiz, with dancing, singing and acting. Strands for 7-12, 13-19 years or adults.

https://www.eden-court.co.uk/whats-on/shows/getting-west-end-ready-7-12yrs

8-10 July

U.Dance 2016 National Festival

The Lowry, SALFORD

Each year the U.Dance National Festival showcases a selection of the very best youth dance companies from across the country. But U.Dance is not just about performance - it's a chance for hundreds of young people to take part in workshops and masterclasses with dance industry professionals and inspire each other with a love of dance.From hip-hop to ballet, from contemporary to South Asian dance, U.Dance features an exciting mix of dance styles.

http://www.onedanceuk.org/programme/u-dance/national-festival/

9 July

Big Dance Medway as part of River Festival 2016

Sun Pier, CHATHAM

The pier will come alive with dance workshops and performances for all ages and abilities to join in or watch. From 12noon, there will be free workshops in a variety of dance styles that you can try out such as Samba, Creative, Zumba, Active Armchairs and you can learn the Big Dance Pledge routine and be part of the Big Dance flash mob dance.

https://wowkent.co.uk/arts-calendar-listing/big-dance-2016-as-part-of-river-festival/

9 July

curious? A Triple Bill

Part of an LGBTQ Arts Festival for the North East

Bamburgh House, NEWCASTLE

BOUND created and performed by Lucy Hutson. A show about the slippery nature of identities. REPLICAS by Jennifer Essex , a new Dance Theatre piece with dancers Louise Ann Wong and Rosie Macari. A BLIGHTED LIFE choreographed and directed by Gavin Coward, commissioned by curious?-LGBTQ Arts festival for the North East. A programme of live art performance, dance, film and workshops exploring and celebrating aspects of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer culture.

https://www.dancecity.co.uk/performance/47295/curious-triple-bill/

9 July

Bang On the Wall Band: Céilidh

Déda, DERBY

Dance the night away at a traditional Céilidh with live music from The Bang on the Wall Band. Playing melodeon, percussion, tin whistle, guitar and bass, The Bang On The Wall Band play traditional English, Scottish, Irish, and American tunes. Their wonderful foot-stomping, toe-tapping music and fun approach will get everyone dancing, and guarantee a great evening's entertainment for all! No partner required and all dances will be called. Simply come along, have a go and have a great time!

http://www.deda.uk.com/whats-on/bang-wall-band-ceilidh1/

9 - 10 July

Silent Disco at the Flashback Festival

Rockingham, CORBY

Throw on your dancing shoes, grab your headphones and show us your best moves! With 2 DJ's, 2 Stations it's 1 great party. The silent disco runs from 11pm-2am each night after the live music has finished.

http://www.rockin-the-park.com/bigtop.html

9 July

Youth Academy Summer Showcase

Swindon Dance, SWINDON

Fantastic performances by the talented students from Youth Dance Academy (YDA) based in Swindon and Exeter. Featuring Contemporary, Jazz, Classical and Urban Dance, with work by the students and professional choreographers including Ben Dunks (Attik Dance), Laila Diallo, James Cousins, Brooke (Plague) and Anthony Missen (Company Chameleon).

http://www.swindondance.org.uk/event/youth-dance-academy-summer-showcase/

10 July

Dancin' Into Summer at Cowley Road Carnival

Manzil Way Gardens, OXFORD

Join the happy crowds at the popular Dance Stage at Manzil Gardens (12.30-5pm) where Dancin' Oxford and Oxford Playhouse will showcase the huge variety of great dance Oxford has to offer. Expect an action-packed afternoon of dance. The Carnival's dance highlight is special guests 2Faced Dance Company with KAPOW. Look forward to phenomenal dance, vibrant costumes & audience interaction. Witness the inaugural Superhero Games when three of Planet Earth's greatest superheroes battle it out for the title of Most Supreme Superhero...Ever. There'll be goodies, baddies, quick changes and finally a superhero. Good for all ages.

https://www.dancinoxford.co.uk/whats-on/2016/dancin-summer-cowley-road-carnival

London Big Dance Week highlights

2 July

Big Dance Trafalgar Square by Akram Khan

Hundreds of people of all ages from across the capital and beyond will perform a spectacular and moving dance choreographed by Akram Khan in the iconic setting of Trafalgar Square with epic music by Nitin Sawhney especially composed for the occasion-www.london.gov.uk/bigdance

1 & 2 July

Dancing City

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival's annual dance extravaganza, Dancing City, presents the best of free outdoor dance with a thrilling two day programme of surprising, thought provoking and exhilarating performances from UK and international dance companies. Enjoy performances from Wired Aerial Theatre, Beelden Dans Theatre Telder, and Corey Baker Dance as well as a new piece by Candoco Dance Company choreographed by Arlene Phillips and much more.

http://www.festival.org/festival/events/programme/14/2016/#dancing-city

Big Dance Bus

Watch out for the Big Dance Bus which is on tour across the capital until 10 September for fun family days out. This quirky double-decker Routemaster pulls up with it its own dance-floor, pumping sound system, DJ & professional Dance Company and turns into a pop up ballroom and ready-made rave. There are plenty of opportunities for everyone to take part - with free workshops and a social jam at the end for everyone to throw down some moves and shapes.

Big Dance Week Bus Stops:

Sat 2 July - 11:00 -16:00 @ Beaversfield Park, Hounslow West, TW4 7JG

Sun 3 July - 12:00 -17:00 @ Goose Green Park, Dulwich, SE15

Wed 6 July - 12:00 - 19:00 @ Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 8BE

Fri 8 July - 13:00 - 18:00 @ Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT

Sat 9 July - 12:00 - 17:00 @ Sutton High Street, Sutton, SM1 1LD

Sun 10 July - 13:00 - 18:00 @ Paddington Festival, Maida Hill Market, W9 3EU

More Big Dance Bus Stops here: http://www.bigdance.org.uk/big-dance-bus-2016/

2 July

The Place Presents: Pop up Dances at the British Library

Young dancers from The Place's classes will perform pop up dances inspired by the British Library's West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song exhibition. 10:45, 12:10 and 14:10 Just turn up and it is free. http://www.theplace.org.uk/

2-8 July

The Beat Goes On - Big Dance across Southwark

The Beat Goes On invites everyone to get involved - You can try a new dance style and watch live dance performances or films. There's something for everybody in Southwark's Big Dance weekend celebration

2 July: Dance Hall Stage at Bermondsey Carnival (12-8pm)

3 July: Big Dance Bus at Goose Green, East Dulwich (12-5pm)

3 July: Dance at the Scoop, City Hall (1-4pm) Join an afternoon of dance with workshops performances from Tim Casson and Theatre Peckham together with Big Dance Shorts film screenings.

4 - 8 July: Watch out for Big Dance Shorts films being screened during the coverage from Wimbledon!

http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200006/arts_in_southwark/3994/big_dance

3 July

Festa Julina - Horniman Gardens

Join a traditional Brazilian party in the Horniman Gardens to celebrate the opening of a 'Brazilian Summer'. Expect traditional Brazilian square dance, contemporary fusions, theatre and dance performances by professional and community artists, traditional Brazilian games, face painting, food and more. Produced in partnership with Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance & Gandaia Arts. http://www.horniman.ac.uk/visit/events/festa-julina

3 July

Next Choreography Festival

A celebration of choreography throughout Siobhan Davies Studios, featuring the work of young artists and professionals including workshops, performances, a Young Artists Feedback Forum, a screening of Siobhan Davies & David Hinton's film installation The Running Tongue and Pilgrim by Lucy Suggate. For more information and booking, visit: www.siobhandavies.com

3 July

Greenwich World Cultural Festival

Explore the beautiful grounds of Eltham Palace and discover pop-up performances, live music, and creative activities for all the family - plus dance through the decades in the Great Hall. Produced and presented by Greenwich Dance in collaboration with English Heritage, Greenwich World Cultural Festival returns to Eltham Palace & Gardens for its eighth year, with a stunning afternoon of free dance, theatre, music and circus from around the world, for all the family to enjoy.http://greenwichdance.org.uk/dance/event/greenwich_world_cultural_festival_2012/

4 July

City Hall Take Over: Dance Through Your Imagination with the Institute of Imagination

The Institute of Imagination in partnership with Siobhan Davies Dance takeover London's City Hall to celebrate imagination, movement and dance with invited groups of children, young people and teachers. Audiences are invited to observe interactive installations, dance workshops and performances. Pre-booked with school groups: http://www.ioi.london/

6 July

Big Dance Question Time: The Gender of Choreography. Is it Time for Quotas?

In a year that has seen a triple bill by female choreographers, investigations into gender bias, a conference, and a social media storm around the issue, Dance Umbrella invites you for Big Dance Question Time - a lively evening of discussions with expert panellists around the theme of gender inequality in choreography. You also get the chance to see Dance Umbrella Framing London, an inspiring photographic exhibition at City Hall which runs until 15 July.

To book, visit: http://www.bigdance.org.uk/question-time/

7 July

Mr Gaga screening - Lyric

Join DanceWest for two exclusive screenings of Mr Gaga with a Q & A streamed live with a representative from the Heymann Brothers. Israeli born Ohad Naharin is one of the most prominent and innovative choreographers in the world. This wonderful and uplifting film draws a unique portrait of the 60-year old artist. To book, visit: http://www.dancewest.co.uk/news

8 July

Big Dance at Sadler's Wells

*Big Dance Tea Twist, 3.30pm, 8 July,

Sadler's Wells invites you for a day of dance. If you're over 55 and fancy meeting other people who love to watch and dance, Tea Twist is for you. The afternoon includes a first view of a dance project with elders in our community lead by Candoco and All Change plus a DJ who will be mixing up genres and playing everything from 1940s waltzes and lindy hopping to reggae, funk and big band. Free, book here: http://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2016/big-dance-tea-twist/booking

*Big Dance at the Baylis, 7.15pm, 8 July

A theatre takeover by the north London dance community for an inspiring range of performances that includes Baby, a magical piece by Rhiannon Brace Dance which includes 6 babies and Family Honour, which explores the mental state of a girl reminiscing a taboo family subject by Spoken Movement. Free, book here: http://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2016/big-dance-in-the-baylis/

*Dance Decade Exhibition, 12-5pm daily until 10 Sep

If you are visiting Sadler's Wells over the next few months, don't forget to pop into our café to see the Dance Decade exhibition which includes photography from Big Dance 2012 and a selection of Big Dance Shorts 2012 and 2014 which are commissioned by Channel 4 as part of their Random Acts series.

9 July

What's Next? - Theatre Royal Stratford East

East London Dance, Theatre Royal Stratford East and Frantic Assembly present a physical theatre workshops for young men aged between 16-20. What's Next is part of Ignition by Frantic Assembly - a national training programme for young men. Supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. http://www.eastlondondance.org/opportunities/whatsnext/

9 July

Big Dance Bromley Showcase - Churchill Theatre, Bromley

Celebrating the best of dance in Bromley. From Flamenco to hip hop, contemporary to carnival, there is something to inspire and delight everyone.

http://greenwichdance.org.uk/dance/event/bromley/

10 July

ENBYouthCo Taster Workshop

Launched as part of Big Dance 2012, ENBYouthCo has become one of the UK's leading youth dance companies. Join English National Ballet's Youth Company Creative Director, Jo Meredith for an open Taster Workshop exploring a blend of ballet and contemporary styles, honing technique and developing creativity. Also join English National Ballet's partners at Westfield London to celebrate Big Dance 2016 with a dazzling array of high quality dance performances and energetic workshops from west London on 14 July.http://www.ballet.org.uk/whats-on/enbyouthco-taster-workshop/

More information on events:

http://www.bigdance.org.uk/big-dance-events/

https://www.london.gov.uk/events/2016-05-20/big-dance-2016

Picture credit: Kois Miah

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