Big Dance Week 2006

Big Dance is a week-long, England-wide celebration of dance. Everyone is invited to take part in a huge range of fun and unusual dance events taking place throughout the country. There will be dancing in the streets, in schools, fitness centres, arts centres, parks, museums, theatres and shopping centres.

On Saturday, 22 July 2006, a special BBC programme will attempt to break world records in dance and will include live coverage of a mass dance spectacular in Trafalgar Square, London.

Big Dance is a partnership between Arts Council England, the BBC, the Mayor of London and everyone who takes part.

Dance in London

As major international dance capital, London is home to the majority of British dance artists and dance companies that tour nationally and internationally. The world-class companies that have their home in London include: The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, and Rambert Dance Company. Many other dance companies have their base in London who work in many different dance styles
A network of venues across the capital present dance performances to a range of audiences. Sadler's Wells is the only theatre of its size in the world to present dance five nights a week. Other key dance performance venues include the South Bank Centre, The Place in Euston, Laban in Deptford, and The Royal Opera House's studio theatre ROH2
London Dance provides comprehensive listings and information about dance across the capital

Big Dance

Fun and unusual Big Dance events will be taking place throughout the capital from 15 July to 23 July. From large-scale public events through to performances and local workshops, there is something to suit everyone's taste regardless of their age or dance experience. Join in, take part or simply watch and enjoy!

Here is a small taster of Big Dance activities happening throughout London.

There will be dancing in the streets throughout London:
Sadler's Wells will produce a Brazilian Carnival procession through Clerkenwell. East London Dance and Protein Dance will bring hundreds of dancers to Canary Wharf station. Combination Dance will host a picnic at Hampton Court Palace with hundreds of local dancers taking part; Tango Al Fresco and The Broadwalk Ballroom will take over Regent's Park; Hackney Spice of Life Festival will include a Cuban Conga with Havanna2Hackney on the town hall square. and The City Hall and its open air performance space, The Scoop, will be home to a week-long programme of dance events
The week will climax with a weekend of special events in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July. On Saturday, The Big Dance will attempt to set a world record for a piece of mass choreography with the greatest number of dance styles performed to one track of music
On 22 July, local BBC radio stations will be organising The Big Dance Class at venues throughout the country. This is your chance to take part in the world's biggest ever dance class. Information on Big Dance Classes in your area is coming soon to the BBC's Where I Live web pages