International Dance Festival Birmingham 2010 can proudly announce its arrival in the dance calender, marked by a launch event tonight at Birmingham Hippodrome.
It was announced yesterday the festival, run by DanceXchange and Birmingham Hippodrome, will take place from Monday 19 April – Sunday 16 May 2010, once again funded by Advantage West Midlands, Arts Council England West Midlands, and Birmingham City Council. The 2010 festival is also delighted to welcome Brewin Dolphin as sponsor, BBC Radio WM as Media Partner and Crowne Plaza (Birmingham City Centre) as Accomodation Partner.
Showcasing a huge range of dance styles at venues across both the city and the region, 2010 highlights include: a new solo Kathak work by acclaimed choreographer Akram Khan; the National Ballet of Cuba featuring guest appearances by Carlos Acosta; Mark Morris Dance Group with the orchestra of English National Opera; Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals; Sutra, a stunning dance piece featuring 17 monks from the original Shaolin Temple in China; and C!RCA, a thoroughly new circus show combining dance with awe inspiring acrobatics. There will also be a host of other activities and events including free outdoor spectaculars, a weekend for children and families, and many opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part.
Announcing the Festival, David Massingham, Artistic Director of DanceXchange and Co-Artistic Director of IDFB 2010 said:
“We’re delighted to be bringing back this exciting Festival for its second year. Once again Birmingham will be showcasing some of the finest international talent across a broad range of dance styles appealing to diverse groups of audiences and dancers from across the region. More than 18 countries are represented in the programme – including Cuba, USA, France, India, Morocco, China, Norway, Madeira, Italy, Belgium and Germany – reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a world stage. Whether it’s ballet, flamenco, contemporary, ballroom, street, breakin or jazz you’re looking for, there really is something to suit all tastes!”
Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome and IDFB 2010 Co-Artistic Director Stuart Griffiths added:
“More than ever dance is broadening its appeal across the generations. Whether it’s essential Saturday night family viewing, exciting projects in schools and colleges, or award winning new creative work, it’s increasingly impacting on all our lives with benefits for everyone to see. Through IDFB 2010, we’re particularly delighted to be working with numerous city partners and venues including Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Ikon Eastside, Town Hall, as well as some of the major retail outlets, to ensure our exciting programme can be experienced and enjoyed by as many people as possible.”
A review of our launch event will be coming online in the next few days, so do check back for updates.
