As we head into the most hectic and exciting period in the festival’s calendar, we’re looking for an agency or individual to support our in-house media and PR activity.

Building on the success of previous festivals, we want to generate greater profile and media coverage than ever before. If you have a strong track record in securing media coverage and a creative, “can do” approach to PR, you could be just what we’re looking for.

For a full brief and details of how to submit your proposal, please visit the Jobs section of the DanceXchange website, or call 0121 689 3170.

The submission deadline is 10am on Monday 19th September 2011.

Using dance theatre, music and spoken word, Episodes of Blackness is Vocab’s first triple bill. Programmed by East London Dance, the show premiered brand new work ‘Word!’, a choreographic response to headlines around the negative aspects of youth culture which asked “is it in our power to do anything about it?”. The triple bill also featured ‘Temps Mort’, a powerful quintet that explored the theme of polygamy. It was a fierce combination of dance and percussive rhythms of drums.

And there was also a revival of the highly acclaimed ‘Kwenda – Kwenda’, a compelling exploration of a group of women wishing to step away from their roots but are worried about its consequences.

Vocab’s choreographer Alesandra Seutin combines traditional African dance with Contemporary and Hip Hop dynamics resulting in a distinctly fast paced, athletic evening of Afro-Eclectic Contemporary Dance.

Renowned dance critic Donald Hutera said: “Seutin’s work puts me in touch with a feisty inner black/mixed race female self I never even knew I had.”

And Vocab Dance will be performing Episodes of Blackness at DanceXchange, Birmingham Hippodrome on Friday 4 November 2011. Tickets on sale soon – visit www.dancexchange.org.uk.

How did you cast for the musical? Have you had trouble finding artists for such an important role?

Casting the show is the most difficult aspect in Thriller Live because Michael Jackson was such a unique talent. I decided from day one that I didn’t want the show to be a straight tribute performance with one impersonator. I wanted to take the audience on a journey and display all of Michael Jackson’s different personas and talent on stage. Therefore we have 5 lead principal singers sharing the songs throughout – including a child for the early Jackson 5 hits, a soulful singer, the pop singer, a rock singer and a female singer which surprises many people – but she brings a lot of balance to many of the songs.

Then there is also the dancers. We have one lead ‘MJ’ dancer, who fronts songs such as ‘Smooth Criminal’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Billie Jean’. On top of this we have 10 male and female dancers who bring the stage to life with fantastic choreography from Director Gary Lloyd. For these dancers it is a dream come true to be in a show inspired by an icon they grew up on, learning his moves daily.

Why is there a big gap between the first Jackson Celebration of ‘91 and the musical?

The Annual Michael Jackson Celebration started in 1991 and ran every years for 10 years. In 2001 Michael personally attended the show in London and watched over 100 performers pay tribute to him. Afterwards he came on stage and told the 3,000 fans in attendance that he thought the Celebration had been ‘beautiful and incredible!’

Is it true that Jackson didn’t want to start this show about him?

No, from the outset his management were fully aware of the show, and in 2007 Michael wished me luck with the production. He had always been fully supportive of the Annual Michael Jackson Celebration, even sending over his own video crew to film the event and fans.

It’s a great shame that he never got to see Thriller Live, but Kenny Ortega [Director of Michael’s This is It tour - ed.] recently told us that he was planning on coming to watch the show during his ‘This Is It’ stay in London – but dressed in disguise!

Do you believe that the performances scheduled in July in London would have meant his artistic rebirth? Or his golden moment had passed?

I believe the This Is It concerts would have reaffirmed Michael Jackson as the world’s greatest entertainer – and would have taken concert production to a whole new level. Michael was a perfectionist and was always looking to better his previous work. He was the ultimate showman, and he still had so much more to give – both on and off stage.

Do you see any possible heir of Jackson in the pop world?

There will never be another Michael Jackson. The music industry has changed and is far more instant then it was 10, 20, 30 years ago. Michael grew up during the Motown era, and worked hard with his brothers touring and perfecting their craft. Furthermore he learnt from greats such as Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Jackie Wilson and James Brown. He always said he would ‘study the greats and aim to become better!’

You may find an individual who can sing better, or dance better – but what made Michael the King of Pop was that he did everything, and he did it so very well and with his own style. As a songwriter he was sometimes underrated – but like at hits such as ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Wanna Be Startin Somethin’, ‘Earth Song’ and ‘Don’t Stop Til’ You Get Enough’ – pure pop classics. As a singer he had an incredible 4-octave range, and as a dancer he created breakthrough videos such as ‘Beat It’ and ‘Thriller’, and was complimented by none other than Fred Astaire.

THRILLER LIVE will be at Birmingham Hippodrome on Monday April 18 until Saturday 30 April. Tickets are priced between £13.50 and £32.00. You can book online at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000. Please remember that transaction fees apply.

We’re giving away two free tickets for the opening night on the 18th. Simply go to the IDFB Facebook Fan page, ‘Like’ us and tell us what your favourite Michael Jackson video is. We’ll do a draw and we’ll announce the winner on Friday April 15.

Also, on Saturday April 16, a mass Thriller flash mob will be descending on central Birmingham and you can be part of it. You can register online and to find out more, go to http://thrillerinthecity.com/.

Here’s the Thriller in the city video:

Thriller in the city is presented by Birmingham Hippodrome and supported by Dancing for the Games; a project inspired by London 2012 and part of the Cultural Olympiad in the West Midlands and DanceXchange.

Last week, the season kicked off with David Toole and Lucy Hind’s satirical dance duet Extra-Ordinary. David and Lucy will be continuing to work together with acclaimed UK choreographer Liam Steele in collaboration with South African dance company Remix, in partnership with DanceXchange and The Baxter Theatre in South Africa, on an exciting Unlimited commission for the Cultural Olympiad in 2012, so look out for more information on that project soon.

This month, IDFB’s (in)visible/visible dancin’ choreographer Luca Silvestrini is back in Birmingham with LOL (lots of love) on Thursday 17 February. Luca’s latest work has received 4 star reviews from The Times and The Guardian, and explores the very current theme of social networking and how it impacts on the way we live and love.

Here’s the trailer:

Tilted Productions’ Masquerade is on Friday 11 March. Described as “an excursion of the sleeping mind”, this piece for six dancers is inspired by Freud’s interpretations of dreams and features prosthetics by renowned SFX artist John Schoonraad.

London’s leading Hip hop company Avant Garde Dance, under Artistic Director Tony Adigun, are making their Birmingham debut with Illegal Dance on Sunday 26 March. A 360-degree multimedia production, the show is set in an underground society where dance and artistic expression are forbidden. The Stage described Avant Garde as “bold, inventive dance… an adventure in hip hop.”

A strong double bill comes to The Patrick Centre on Thursday 21 April from Company Chameleon founders Anthony Missen and Kevin Turner. Kith/Kin explores male relationships and identity. Before the Night Fell, made with choreographer Beth Cassani, looks at notions of camaraderie and bravery. Meanwhile, Rites is about coming of age, peer pressure and the events that shape men as sons, brothers, fathers and friends.

Kate Mason’s Mobius Dance Theatre will perform Such is Life at The Patrick Centre on Thursday 5 May. The show’s five fantastic performers will perform an athletic, high-octane theatrical work with a quirky edge.

Finally, dx will be presenting its annual Family Weekend – a weekend of dance performances and workshops for children and their families. There are two great shows featuring in the Family Weekend: White Caps, which is on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 May, and See Saw on Saturday 21 May at 7pm and Sunday 22 May at 11am and 2pm.

Champloo Dance and Travelling Light’s White Caps combines film, music and physical performance. This piece, created by Wilkie Branson, is about the emotional and physical journey of two b-boys.

“Stronger”- an excerpt from White Caps from Wilkie Branson on Vimeo.

Meanwhile, Irish dance company Ciotog’s See Saw introduces young children to dance with an intimate and informal performance by three dancers interacting with the audience. Choreographer Ríonach Ní Néill said that the title See-Saw refers to people watching and looking, “the balance between looking and being looked at”

All shows start at 8pm except during the Family Weekend. Please check the website for age suitability.

Also, good news – ticket prices are staying at last season’s reduced rate:

In advance: £10/£7 concession
On the day: £12/£9 concession

For ticket sales call 0844 338 5000 or to book online and for more information visit www.dancexchange.org.uk.

And as a Gold winner, the 2010 Festival will be entered in the national Enjoy England Awards to represent the West Midlands in early 2011.

According to the judges, IDFB 2010 “brought great national and international dance to venues and open spaces across the region. Through the range of work on offer, IDFB 2010 connected with the region’s diverse population, inspired pride and attracted visitors to the city. In doing so, IDFB 2010 raised aspirations, benefitted the local economy and enhanced the cultural life of the region.”

DanceXchange Artistic Director and IDFB Co-Director David Massingham said: “It is fantastic news that IDFB 2010 has been recognised in this way. The programme was truly diverse and very appealing, engaging people who wouldn’t usually come to arts events.

“The stage shows and unique outdoor productions complemented each other and attracted big audiences. We’re very proud of this result, which recognises the impact the event has had on the city and the region – after just two Festivals, it is a real achievement. We’re really looking forward to 2012!”

Stuart Griffiths, Birmingham Hippodrome Chief Executive and Co-Director of IDFB added: “IDFB has, in just two years, become one of the largest dance festivals in the world, so we are thrilled to have been presented with this tourism award. Not only were we able to present some of the best dance from around the globe, but we also saw audiences double in size from 2008.”

This year’s Festival had an audience of nearly 60,000 people and its broad range of programmes featured more than 30 different dance and performance styles, and represented almost 30 countries from six continents.

Fingers crossed for 2011 at the national awards – watch this space to find out if we scoop another gong!

Kicking off the season is Edits (Thursday 30 Sept), a highly anticipated new work by choreographer Lea Anderson and her six-strong male dance company, The Featherstonehaughs (pronounced Fan-shaws). The showstylishly draws on the peculiar elasticity of filmic time, the dramatic rhythm of film editing, and the ability to heighten effect through extreme close up.

Then on Friday 1 October, The Featherstonehaughs will be performing a classic piece (originally created in 1998) The Featherstonehaughs draw on the sketchbooks of Egon Schiele, bringing to life the artistic vision of Austrian expressionist artist Egon Schiele. Both The Featherstonehaughs’ shows are an opportunity to see the all-male company perform without The Cholmondeleys for the first time in 12 years. If you book for both shows in advance you get one half price- a great excuse to treat yourself to two nights of outstanding contemporary dance!

In October, things get a little silly, when Britain’s funniest dance duo New Art Club perform This is Now (Thursday 14 October).Watch them deconstruct the first ever Now That’s What I Call Music album and get all nostalgic as Tom and Pete wrestle with classic hits from Duran Duran and Bonnie Tyler (to name a few!)…

Moving on to Saturday 6 November, Tavaziva Dance’s critically acclaimed Wild Dog features high-octane performers capturing the beauty and elegance of one of Africa’s most endangered species. There is also a brilliant soundtrack to enjoy, cut and arranged by award-winning Zimbabwean-born choreographer/composer Bawren Tavaziva.

The season closes with Eddie Ladd’s Ras Goffa Bobby Sands/The Bobby Sands Memorial Race (Thursday 11 November). This solo dance piece will be performed on a 12ft x 6ft running machine and follows the life of Bobby Sands, who died on hunger strike in the H Blocks in Belfast in 1981. Moving and compelling, this is a piece of dance unlike any other.

DanceXchange Programme Manager Paul Burns said: “This Autumn season we’re continuing to present fantastic dance with a varied programme showcasing some of the best work currently being made in the UK. From the iconic Featherstonehaughs to the hilarious New Art Club we think there is something for every dance lover to enjoy.”

I’m certainly very much looking forward to all of these shows, which are going to be at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome.

All shows start at 8pm – please check the website for age suitability and running times.

Tickets:

In advance: £10/£7 concession
On the day: £12/£9 concession

For ticket sales call 0844 338 5000 or to book online and for more information visit www.dancexchange.org.uk.

Just saw a group of dancers queue up behind a very confused man at a cash point in town and dance behind him.

I also saw people dancing in town and a little girl tried to join in!

There was a massive crowd of people around a group of people dancing outside the Pavilions in town.

I heard someone talking about the performance. They said “Oh my god, these guys are really amazing!” So true!

There was massive cheering from the crowd while they were watching a dance performance and I saw loads of people taking photos and filming it. Must be IDFB!

Many thanks to Ruth for such fabulous photos.

If you’re a young person and would like to get more involved in dance activities in and around the West Midlands, drop DanceXchange a line to see what opportunities are out there.  You could join the DanceXchange Youth Forum, gain valuable work experience through volunteering, or take part in dance classes to improve your technical skills.

Click here to get in touch with our Youth Dance team!

Saw a huge crowd gathering for the performance in the centre of town today!

There were massive cheers from the crowd as the dancing started in High Street.

What an amazing performance!  IDFB got loads of other dance groups together to perform.  I saw belly dancers, street dancers, ballroom, Latin and Bhangra dancers performing.

Today’s performance was a brilliant success, and I hope to see another one soon!

Thanks to Ruth for these great pics! She will be back next week with her shots from (in)visible dancin’ – don’t miss it!

If you’re a young person and would like to get more involved in dance activities in and around the West Midlands, drop DanceXchange a line to see what opportunities are out there.  You could join the DanceXchange Youth Forum, gain valuable work experience through volunteering, or take part in dance classes to improve your technical skills.

Click here to get in touch with our Youth Dance team!

Our Festival may be entering its final 24 hours, but the IDFB team is still very much on the go and gearing up for a big finale this Saturday with Put Your Foot Down! and Deborah Colker’s Cruel.

So what have we got in store for you on 15 May then? Well, between midday and 6pm, we’ve got an array of free performances lined up on our main stage in St Martin’s Square including:

• VOCAB Dance Company performing Kwenda-Kwenda
• Musical Dance performance by class participants from DanceXchange
• Beingfrank Youth performing Deja Vu
• Hina & Co Bollywood Bhangra Performance
• Guest Performance by Making Choreographers students (Telford Culture Zone & DanceXchange)
• Club Jazz performance by class participants from DanceXchange
• IDFB Dance Challenge Showcase featuring Jodie Schofield from Smooth Radio
• SteadiFlux performing BodyRock
• Performance by Hereford-based 2Faced Dance Company
• ACE Youth performing Artificial Intelligence
• Dance into Fitness demonstration by class participants from DanceXchange
• Guest Performance by Centre for Advanced Training in Contemporary and South Asian Dance students from DanceXchange
• Capoeira demonstration by class participants from DanceXchange
• IDFB Dance Challenge Showcase featuring Louisa James from ITV Central
• Tap Dance performance by Advanced Tap class participants from DanceXchange
• Guest Performance by High Achievers from DanceXchange’s Buzz! project
• DanceXchange Class Programme Showcase
• IDFB Dance Challenge Showcase featuring Satnam Rana from BBC WM
• Plus, DJ Moyma will be providing some quality tunes throughout the afternoon.  Presenters are Smooth Radio’s Tammy Gooding, BBC WM’s Satnam Rana and David Massingham, IDFB’s Co-Director.

Then, it’s the bit you’ve all been waiting for – the Put Your Foot Down Mass Dance with hip hop sensation Salah between 6pm and 6.30pm. We’re expecting hundreds of people dancing the same street/hip hop dance routine (choreographed by Salah) at the same time, so don’t miss it!  Check out a sneak preview of the routine here.

Want to join in?  There’s still time!  Come along tomorrow afternoon and follow the on stage demos (12.30pm-12.45pm, 2.35pm-2.50pm, 4.35pm-4.50pm), or take part in classes outside Debenhams in Bullring at the following times: 12.15pm // 1.15pm // 2.15pm // 3.15pm // 4.15pm

And, for our final theatre show of 2010, we welcome renowned Brazilian company Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker with Cruel, 8pm at Birmingham Hippodrome. The performance explores the many forms cruelty can take in a relationship.  For tickets, book online or call 0844 338 5000 or buy on the door.

Rosie Kay is artist-in-residence at DanceXchange in Birmingham where she’s been developing the piece. I’ve been lucky enough to have a glimpse of the work from time to time and it has been fascinating to see how it has come together.

Part of that is seeing the sheer amount of research that goes into developing a piece like this. For example:

• In early 2009, Rosie spent two weeks training with the 4th Battalion of The Rifles (see her write-up here)
• Following that, Rosie spent some time at Headley Court a rehabilitation centre for injured soldiers
• Three of the dancers also spent a weekend with the Officers Training Corps
• After a hard day in the studio, the company relaxed by watching the Oscar-winning film, The Hurt Locker
• In an unusual move, an injured bomb-disposal expert was released by the military for two days to spend time in the studio where he spoke with the company’s dancers

It’s not just Rosie Kay and her dancers who are involved with this deeper research; others involved in realising 5 SOLDIERS have:

• Early on, Rosie Kay and collaborators Annie Mahtani (sound artist) and Petra Tauscher (dramaturgist) conducted interviews with members of 4 Rifles, a retired Major General and a recent recruit
• David Cotterrell, a visual artist, spent time in Helmland Province with the Joint Forces Medical Group

The issues explored in 5 SOLDIERS are not ones that should be approached lightly. What this immersion in the subject matter means is that, as well as infusing the finished piece, Rosie has become an eloquent speaker on the matters raised. Here she is discussing the origination of the work:

Rosie Kay – 5 Soldiers from Mr Nat Higginbottom on Vimeo.

Buy tickets – 5 SOLDIERS The Body is the Frontline will be at International Dance Festival Birmingham at the Patrick Centre on 23 and 24 April. Tickets cost £8-10.