Stirrer TV
 
BRUM DANCES TO A DIFFERENT TUNE

28-04-2008

Birmingham’s first International Dance Festival, which boasts an unrivalled line-up, starts today - in the window of a city centre store. From the Kirov Ballet to Akram Khan, no hoofing tendency will be ignored.

Italian choregrapher Luca Silvestrini will be making heads turn along new Street from noon, with displays in the Oasis and Puma stores, the Thomson holiday shop, and the Bathstore.

That sets the tone for a wildly eclectic four weeks, culminating in the visit to the Hippodrome of the Kirov – one of the finest classical troupes in the world.

Among the other highlights are a collaboration between leading British contemporary dancer Akram Khan and the National Ballet of China; a rare UK visit from the Cloud Gate Theatre of Taiwan; and a workshop by Birmigham kathak specialist Nahid Siddiqui.

For full listings, see here www.idfb.co.uk

To see Birmingham’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Ray Hassall talking to Stirrer TV about the Dance Festival at its launch – and describing it as an “Edinburgh Festival of Dance” – click here