Countdown Events - Get in the mood for Big Dance 2008!
BBC London 94.9FM
Date: 23 May 2008
Time: 6-9am
BBC London 94.9FM is broadcasting its breakfast show live from Upminister Park in Havering on the day of the Big Dance countdown launch, Friday May 23. Hosted by Jo Good and Rowland Rivron, the show runs from 6-9am, with special guests turning up to chat about Big Dance and the team hope to speak to locals and dance fans, so come down and join in the fun! BBC London 94.9FM is the media partner for Big Dance 2008.
Dance Fever
Date: 5, 16, 22 and 23 May 2008
Time: 6-8pm
Venue: Cabot Square, Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf will come alive this spring with music and dance from some of the best performers around as Cabot Square transforms into an outdoor dance arena.
Featuring live performances of some of the world’s most popular dances including salsa, bhangra, flamenco and the moves of Bollywood, you can either join us to be entertained or become part of the entertainment by taking part and learning a new step or two!
- 15 May – Salsa
- 16 May – Bhangra
- 22 May – Bollywood
- 23 May – Flamenco
FREE - For more information visit www.mycanarywharf.com
A Taste of Spain 2008 – The largest sevilliana’s dance
Date: 25th May 2008
Time: 12-4pm
Venue: Regent Street, Regent Street, London
Regent Street, one of the world’s most famous thoroughfares will be closed to traffic on Sunday 25 May, as shoppers and dancers join together to witness a Guinness World Record breaking attempt “The Largest Sevillanas Dance” from Andalucia. Celebrating the launch of A Taste of Spain 2008 which runs from Sunday 25 May – Sunday 8 June, this unique occasion leads up to the Mayor of London’s Big Dance Campaign which takes place 5-13 July.
In addition, there will be ‘interactive’ demonstrations, ‘Al Aire libre’ dance lessons, food and drink sampling, giveaways and competitions. Live musicians, singers and dancers from Spain and London will entertain shoppers and al fresco diners for free as the Regent Street Food Quarters; Heddon Street and Swallow Street bring a touch of fiesta to the day.
FREE - To particpate in the world record, register online at www.tastespain.info. Participants need to be over 16 years of age.
For more information visit: www.tastespain.inf
Big Dance Schools Pledge Launch
Date: 23rd May 2008
Time: 9.30-4pm
Venue: Upminster Park, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster
On 23rd May the Big Dance Schools Pledge will be launched with a fun day in Upminster Park. The Schools Pledge aims to encourage schools to use dance to help increase activity levels. The event will mark the beginning of the countdown to Big Dance and celebrate the schools planning to be part of the Havering Big Dance. The Havering Big Dance will take place at 1pm on Friday 11th July 2008, inviting school children perform a routine to the same piece of music at the same time and hopes to break a world record for mass participation!
FREE - Aimed at schools and young people
For more information visit: www.cooperscoborn.org.uk
Sporting Futures: See It, Try It, Love It
Date: 22nd June 2008
Time: 11-5pm
Venue: Lee Valley Athletic Centre, Lee Valley Athletic Centre, Lee Valley Leisure Complex, 61 Meridian Way, Picketts Lock, Edmonton, N9 0AR
From break dancing to ballroom, street dance to tap, there will be a whole range of dancing demonstrations and workshops taking place on the Dance Stage at this free come and try activity day.
The event is for all abilities and all ages, so whether you would like to trip the light fandango, master a backspin or learn to paddle and roll there is something for you, your friends, your family and for everyone on your street or at your school. Plus watch in awe as the fantastic Jiving Lindy Hoppers attempt a World Record at the event! The Sporting Futures day is part of the four day Lee Valley Festival.
FREE - For all ages
For more information visit: www.leevalleypark.org.uk
Carnival de Cuba
Date: 28/29th June 2008
Time: Midday - 9pm
Venue: Southwark Park - use China Gate entrance opposite Surrey Quays or use Jamaica Gate entrance and walk through to the south end of the park.
Carnival de Cuba is back on Saturday June 28th and Sunday June 29th at Southwark Park for the fourth Carnival de Cuba where last year 50,000 people enjoyed the best music and dance from Cuba!
Topping the Bill will be La Charanga Habanera, top Cuban reggaeton act Eminencia Clasica and Cuban hip-hop sensation Telmary. There will also be a dance stage feature top stars and dance workshops and there will also be Conga workshops and procession for adults and kids and this year the event has an exciting link up with Big Dance.
Carnival de Cuba 2008 will be at Southwark Park from midday to 9.00pm on Saturday 28th June and from midday to 8.00pm on Sunday 29th June – main access Canada Water Tube. The event is free so check out www.carnival-de-cuba.com for details.
FREE - For all ages
For more information visit: www.carnival-de-cuba.com
A Time for Tai Chi
Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays in June
Time: 08.15–09.15
Venue: Somerset House - River Terrace, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
Join us for an open Tai Chi session at Somerset House every Tuesday and Thursday morning throughout June, led by tutors from London Lishi Arts. Enjoy a relaxing and energising start to your day this summer. Suitable for beginners as well as those with experience. Come dressed as you are, though loose clothing and light footwear are recommended. Tai Chi at Somerset House is part of the build up to Big Dance 2008.
FREE - Suitable for beginners
For more information visit: www.somersethouse.org.uk
ProActive Islington Sports and Cycling festival
Date: 21 June
Time: 12-6pm
Venue: Arsenal Emirates stadium, Drayton Park, London N5 1BU
Body willing but the brain lacking motivation to get moving and get active? Help is at hand - the ProActive Festival is the perfect place to find the motivation and inspiration to boost your exercise routine.
Last year, 10,000 people came along to the festival, which is a joint project with Islington Council and the ProActive Islington Partnership. This year will be bigger and better with five different zones with something for absolutely everyone. Activities include bicycle stunts, climbing walls, a health and massage zone, dance shows and lots of local clubs showcasing their sports. Arsenal Football in the Community will be running football penalty shoot-outs, and there will be lots for bike owners too, including police security tagging. Not forgetting a visit from sports personalities throughout the day.
For more information, please contact Karen Smith on 020 7527 2615 or Sonia Gouveia on 020 7527 7096.
West End Live
Date: 21 & 22 June
Time: 11-6 on Saturday, 12- 6 on Sunday
Venue: Leicester Square, Leicester Square, London
West End LIVE, London's biggest free theatre festival, will return to the heart of the capital this summer for another extraordinary showcase of the very best of West End entertainment.
With more than a dozen top shows already committed, this year's event is set to be bigger and better than ever before. Audiences can look forward to performances from Avenue Q, Buddy, Chicago, Dirty Dancing, Into The Hoods, Jersey Boys, Joseph, The Lord of the Rings, Mamma Mia!, Never Forget, The Sound of Music, Stomp, We Will Rock You and Wicked.
As well as a series of stellar stage performances, Leicester Square will host several fantastic interactive exhibits for the whole family to enjoy.
FREE - For all ages
For more information visit: www.westendlive.co.uk
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival presents "Dancing City"
Date: 22 June
Time: 1pm - 5pm
Venue: Canary Wharf - various sites, E14
Soak up a summery afternoon of alfresco delights in the company of a sizzling array of international and British dance companies. Now in its seventh year, Dancing City brings the spirit of Barcelona to Canary Wharf, transforming its squares and outdoor spaces into a playground for the senses. Amongst highlights of this year's programme will be flirtatious games and water play from Senza Tempo, an entrancing choreographed outdoor wedding from French companies Tango Sumo and Vendeval, as well as Srishti’s testosterone-fuelled football fantasy "Bend it.." . Dancing City is an affirmation of life and passion in the heart of the city - don't miss it!
FREE - For more information visit: www.festival.org
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival presents "Bend it..."
Date: Thursday 19 June, Friday 20 June, Saturday 21 June
Time: Thursday 19 and Friday 20 June, 1pm and 6pm, Saturday 21 June, 2pm and 5pm
Venue: Canary Wharf, Canary Riverside, E14
A barnstorming collision between football and South Asian dance brings "the beautiful game" to E14. Created by Nina Rajarani’s Srishti dance company, "Bend it…" promises a match like no other. Dancers and musicians fight it out for Premiership glory, with intricate footwork, slow motion replays and that heart stopping ultimate goal. "Bend it.." is part of a groundbreaking GDIF 2008 project forging new collaborations between sport and the arts.
FREE - For more information visit: www.festival.org
TangoCommute
Date: Monday 7 July
Time: 6pm - 7pm
Venue: Seven London bridges and train stations
TangoCommute hopes to attract hundreds of tango dancers onto seven London bridges and train stations. The event is accessible to everybody - members of the public, participants, total beginners or expert dancers. If you want to be affiliated with the project as a dance school, musician, media partner, location steward, promoter or sponsor, send an email to info@tangocommute.com.
FREE - For more information visit: www.tangocommute.com