Birmingham is set to secure its position as an international dance capital with the announcement of the inaugural International Dance Festival Birmingham.
A joint venture between DanceXchange and Birmingham Hippodrome, the month-long Festival will take place across the city between 28 April and 24 May 2008.
International Dance Festival Birmingham will capture the imagination with a world-class programme that encompasses all styles of dance and expresses the youthful, diverse and energetic spirit of Birmingham.
It will bring outstanding dance from across the globe, showcasing the work of world-renowned dance companies including Kirov Ballet and Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, alongside specially choreographed commissions and large-scale participatory and site-specific performances. Akram Khan MBE presents his new collaboration with National Ballet of China, bahok, as one of the Festival highlights.
Featuring some of the world’s greatest choreographers, International Dance Festival Birmingham promises to engage established audiences and newcomers alike through the sheer diversity of its programme.
With host venues scattered across the city centre from The Birmingham REP and Town Hall, to Birmingham Hippodrome and IKON Gallery’s Eastside venue, there will be lots of opportunities to see and participate in dance activities. The Festival will also take over outdoor locations in the City Centre and shop windows in the stylish retail heart of the City, really bringing dance to the people!
Programme highlights include:
• A Family Weekend featuring outstanding children's work by companies from Spain and Canada, including a dance show for parents and babies under 2 years, and a piece for teenagers
• Three international choreographers - including a well-known Bollywood artist - will be commissioned to create work with young people, leading to a colourful Youth Dance event at Town Hall, Birmingham
• The festival will culminate in a fantastic Salsa at Sunset participatory event at The Mailbox, a finale bringing together people from across Birmingham in a huge synchronised salsa ensemble
• There will be an array of professional development opportunities for dance artists, including master classes, workshops, seminars and debates
• A myriad of classes and participatory events will encourage people to take part in dance
Companies & Choreographers include:
• Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan
• Kirov Ballet from Russia
• National Ballet of China
• Australian choreographer Garry Stewart (Artistic Director, Australian Dance Theatre), International Artist in Residence for the Festival
• Japanese choreographer Saburo Teshigawara
• Aracaladanza from Spain
• Cas Public from Québec
• Acclaimed choreographer Akram Khan
• Robyn Orlin, one of South Africa's most provocative choreographers
• Birmingham-based rising star Rosie Kay
• Havana Rakatan from Cuba
• … and more!
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