Join the global dance party

Apr 25 2008 By Diane Parkes

GET ready to party as Birmingham's inaugural International Dance Festival kicks off next week.

With more than 30 activities and performances taking place across the city, Birmingham will be dancing in the streets, in the aisles and in countless other places.

With performers and choreographers hailing from across the globe including Taiwan, Cuba, Italy, China, Spain, India, Japan, South Africa and Russia, it will be the first time the city has presented so much dance from so many different countries.

Bringing together a host of venues including Town Hall, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, The Mailbox, Ikon, The Patrick Centre and public spaces, the festival is aiming to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy dance.

And no-one is too old or too young, with performances even aimed at babies.

Plus there are plenty of opportunities to put your own feet forward whether in a flamenco workshop, stepping out in a tea dance or joining the hundreds of people for a salsa routine in the city centre.

Beginning on Monday, the festival offers us all the chance to see some of the most interesting, innovative and impressive dance from across the world without having to leave Birmingham.