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Big Dance 2016

Big Dance

Please note that this event has already occured.

Key information

Start date: Friday 20 May 2016 at 1:00pm

End date: Saturday 10 September 2016 at 5:00pm

Cost: No ticket required

The Mayor of London and People Dancing are pleased to announce the dates for Big Dance 2016 – the final Big Dance festival, marking a decade of big dances across the UK.

The Big Dance Festival runs from 20 May until 10 September and will include events by world-class choreographers, a Big Dance Bus touring London with its own dance floor and lots of inspiring events

Organisations, artists, and teachers are all invited to take part and organise an event that inspires people to get dancing. You can get in touch with your local Big Dance Hub for more information about how to be involved in your locality across the capital:

New events are always being added The Big Dance Festival – so stay up to date and sign up to the Big Dance mailing list.

Saturday 4 June Big Dance Bus: Croydon Jump onto Croydon's Big Dance Bus! Join in or just watch dance from Dub Step to Bollywood or try gardening or even IT coding
Sunday 5 June Big Dance Bus: Watford Watford community groups aged 8-80 will perform dance pieces inspired by Big Dance Pledge themes. There will be workshops and interactive dance installations.

Thursday 9 - Sunday 12 June FRAME: The London Dance Festival An exciting new festival with screenings of classic dance films including 42 Street and FAME plus events about choreographing, directing and producing dance films.
Saturday 11 June Big Dance Bus: Kingston The Big Dance Bus presents an unmissable performance by internationally acclaimed dance company BalletBoyz.
Saturday 11 June Big Dance Shorts: A retrospective and exclusive screening Big Dance Shorts 2012 and 2014 will be screened followed by an exclusive preview and Q&A of this year's shortlisted Big Dance Shorts revealing how they were made.
Saturday 11 June A time for Tai Chi Learn about the ancient practice of Lishi which includes many Daoist art practices, tai chi forms and dance.
Sunday 12 June A time for Tai Chi A second day to learn about the ancient practice of Lishi which includes many Daoist art practices, tai chi forms and dance.
Sunday 12 June The Mayor of London's Patron Lunch Celebrate the Queen and her charities and enjoy a day of Queen and Commonwealth themed entertainment.

Friday 17 June Moving Woolwich Woolwich Town Centre presents a vibrant celebration of dance especially designed for young people.
Saturday 18 June In the Mix - a Cando2 Cabaret Night A relaxed evening of bold, diverse and exciting performances. Each piece chosen for you by young artists: expect fresh perspectives and new ideas.
Saturday 18 June Love Clock Playful and unexpected, Chelsea Arts Collective's Love Clock is an interactive outdoor performance for all ages.
Saturday 18 June West End Live An annual celebration of the West End's vibrant theatre scene - jam packed with brilliant classic dance acts.
Saturday 18 June Big Dance Bus - Farnham Maltings The Big Dance Bus is a ready made party and will rock up with performances from new resident dance company New Adventures & Re:Bourne to get you moving and shaking.
Sunday 19 June Big Dance Bus - The Cally Festival The liveliest street festival on Caledonion Road

Wednesday 22 June Wee/Francesco Scavetta: Surprised Body Project #London Led by acclaimed dance artist Francesco Scavetta, dancers from across Europe come together to premiere Surprised Body Project #London.
Sunday 26 June We May Be Some Time Explore an interactive trail of discovery through the National Maritime Museum as a local cast bring the building to life with dance and song.
Sunday 26 June Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet! Sunday Afternoon Disco Boat A boat trip up the Thames and a disco party - dance to the best 70s and 80s vinyl whilst enjoying views of London. Over 18's only.

Tuesday 28 June Greenwich Dance at Moat Island Two outdoor family shows taking a sideways look at dance.
Wednesday 29 June The Psychology of a Dance Party Do you want to know how swing frees up memory and tango triggers creativity? Dance psychologist Dr. Peter Lovatt will teach you about key ideas in cognitive psychology by showing how to bust some moves.
Thursday 30 June Double Bill: Jan Martens and Hannah Buckley A double bill by acclaimed choreographers Jan Martens and Hannah Buckley will close Greenwich Dances 2016. Suitable for ages 16+
Friday 1 July Brent Dance Blast Brent's biggest annual showcase and competition of youth dance talent in the borough.
Friday 1 July Dance Showdown 2016 Kensington & Chelsea’s biggest youth dance competition for talented young dancers to perform and compete, with prizes awarded from established dance companies and guest artists.
Friday 1 July Dancing City Greenwich+Docklands International Festival’s annual dance extravaganza, Dancing City, presents the best of UK and international dance, including: a new piece by Candoco Dance Company choreographed by Arlene Phillips and much more.
Saturday 2 July Dancing City The second day of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival’s annual dance extravaganza, Dancing City, presents the best of UK and international dance.
Saturday 2 July Big Dance Trafalgar Square 2016 1000 Londoners will dance in Trafalgar Square.The full choreography by Akram Khan for Big Dance Trafalgar Square is an extended version of the Big Dance Pledge which Akram has created as London’s signature Big Dance work.
Saturday 2 July The Place Presents: Pop up Dances at the British Library Young dancers from The Place’s recreational classes will be performing pop up dances inspired by their visit to the British Library’s West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song exhibition.
Saturday 2 July Big Dance Bus - Beaversfield Park Beaversfield Park will spring to life for one toe tapping, hip jiggling day with classes, local and professional dance talent & music from all eras, from Charleston to Techno.
Saturday 2 July Ignition Dance Festival: Choreographers Platform

Selected from a national competition, four of the UK’s finest choreographers will present new work under one theme: Disorder.

Saturday 2 The Beat Goes on - Big Dance Weekend in Southwark This lively stage will present the best local dancers and there will be a chance to have a go at a range of dance styles from Zumba to contemporary.
Sunday 3 July The Beat Goes on - Big Dance Weekend in Southwark: Big Dance Bus Emerging and experienced choreographers will present a day of performances and workshops which will explore different choreographic styles from experienced artists.
Sunday 3 July The London Bridge City Summer Festival Join an afternoon of dance with workshops, performances and Big Dance film screenings.
Sunday 3 July Baby Loves Disco Baby Loves Disco is a special club event to bring your children to dance with you. Dance trainers are at hand to teach dance moves to the young and uninitiated.
Sunday 3 July Greenwich World Cultural Festival In collaboration with English Heritage, Greenwich World Cultural Festival returns to Eltham Palace & Gardens with an afternoon of dance, theatre, music and circus from around the world.
Sunday 3 July Next Choreography Festival A celebration of choreography throughout Siobhan Davies Studios, featuring the work of young artists and professionals.
Sunday 3 July Festa Julina Join a traditional Brazilian party in the Horniman Gardens to celebrate the opening of a Brazilian Summer.
Sunday 3 July Ignition Dance Festival: Community Platform Community based dance groups from West London take to the Rose Theatre stage.

Monday 4 - Friday 8 July The London Bridge City Summer Festival An afternoon of dance with workshops performances and Big Dance film screenings.

Monday 4 July - Friday 8 Jul

 Summer Intensive Workshop - Transmitting Trio A (1966) with Sara Wookey

A celebration of choreography throughout Siobhan Davies Studios, featuring the work of young artists and professionals including workshops and performances.
Monday 4 July City Hall Take Over: Dance through your Imagination The Institute of Imagination in partnership with Siobhan Davies Dance takeover City Hall to celebrate imagination, movement and dance with invited groups of children, young people and teachers.
Monday 4 July Street Dance Class for Toddlers Are your kids dancing around the house to the latest Hip Hop tracks?Enjoy this taster dance workshop with a professional Street Dance Artist, who will teach your little ones the foundations of Street Dance.
Monday 4 July Krump for Kids Class Want to get your kids involved in the latest dance craze? Then get them down to this exclusive Krump for Kids Class for this taster dance workshop with a professional Krump Performer.
Wednesday 6 July Big Dance Question Time: The Gender of Choreography Is it time for quotas?

Big Dance and Dance Umbrella will host an evening of discussion for you to listen and engage with an expert panel on how to change the world
Wednesday 6 July Big Dance Bus - Covent Garden Piazza Jubilee Hall Trust is building healthier communities by bringing the Big Dance Bus to the Covent Garden Piazza!
Thursday 7 July Mr. Gaga

Join DanceWest for two exclusive screenings of Mr Gaga with a Q & A streamed live with a representative from the Heymann Brothers
Friday 8 July Big Dance Bus - Community Dance Celebration The Big Dance Bus returns to Hornchurch with a Carnival theme to get everyone moving.
Friday 8 July Big Dance Tea Twist Join us for a Big Tea Dance with a Twist. Our nonagenarian DJ will have you on your feet dancing to everything from 1940’s waltzes and lindy hopping, to reggae, funk and big band.
Friday 8 July Action Potential: An Evening of Dance & Science Combination Dance Company presents a new dance work exploring how scientists believe motor neurons work.
Friday 8 July Big Dance at the Baylis, Sadler's Wells Sadler’s Wells presents dance in a variety of styles from dance communities in North London who have been inspired by Big Dance.
Saturday 9 July What's Next? East London Dance, Theatre Royal Stratford East and Frantic Assembly present a career development training day and physical theatre workshops for young men aged between 16–20.
Saturday 9 July Big Dance Day in Sutton - Dance in Sutton's Central Library Experience taster dance performances to warm you up in Sutton’s Central Library before you get on board the Big Dance Bus event.
Saturday 9 July A Time for Tai Chi Find out more about the ancient practice of Lishi, which includes many Daoist arts practices, tai chi forms and dance.
Saturday 9 July The Mayor's Newham Carnival Emergency Exit Arts leads the Mayor’s Newham Carnival. It’s always an amazing display of colourful costumes, dance & music created by Newham’s communities including dance groups from all over Africa, Peru, Ecuador, Caribbean as well as Tamil.
Saturday 9 July Flamenco Westminster Barraca Flamenca presents a brand new site specific work, with choreography inspired by the Spanish dance books of the Westminster Reference Library Collection.
Saturday 9 July Big Dance Bromley Showcase Come to this fantastic showcase celebrating the very best of dance in Bromley. From Flamenco to hip hop, contemporary to carnival.
Sunday 10 July A Time for Tai Chi A second day to find out more about the ancient practice of Lishi, which includes many Daoist arts practices, tai chi forms and dance.
Sunday 10 July ENBYouthCo Taster Workshop Join English National Ballet’s Youth Company Creative Director, Jo Meredith for an open ENBYouthCo Taster Workshop exploring a blend of ballet and contemporary styles, honing technique and developing creativity. Suitable for 13 – 17 years with some dance experience.
Sunday 10 July Big Dance Bus - Paddington Festival The Big Dance Bus will feature a mixture of professional and community performances showcasing amazing young local talent and a host of dance styles.

Thursday 14 July Big Dance Celebrates at Westfield London English National Ballet partners with one of London’s biggest shopping centres, Westfield London to celebrate Big Dance 2016.
Saturday 16 July Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet! Why shouldn’t we still dance?! Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet! is a hugely popular 70s and 80s soul, funk and disco night for those in their 30s, 40s and 50s and beyond.
Saturday 16 July Big Dance Bus - Twickenham Green The Big Dance Bus is returning to Twickenham! The ‘pop up ballroom and ready-made rave’ will rock up with its own dance-floor to get you moving and shaking.
Sunday 17 July Give it a go! Festival The Big Dance Bus is going to Hampstead! The ‘pop up ballroom and ready-made rave’ will rock up with its own dance-floor to get you moving and shaking.

Thursday 21 July Big Dance Presents - Decades of Dance through the Movies Big Dance Presents at Merchant Square will offer an eclectic programme of workshops and performances inspired by cult movies to get you grooving in your lunch break.
Saturday 23 July Plaza Latina Festival Enjoy London’s best Latin American festival with music, food, dance, arts & crafts and fun kids activities including piñata-making!
Saturday 23 July Streetz Ahead Flashmob Fitness - Streetz Ahead will stage a gigantic flashmob with 2000 young people who will dance their socks off to the best tracks of the past 50 years.
Sunday 24 July Big Dance Bus - Summer Streets Don’t miss this incredible day with the Big Dance Bus as part of Regent Street’s Summer Streets event - where all Sundays are traffic-free this month!

Saturday 30 July Dance Bus at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens The ‘pop up ballroom and ready made rave’ will rock up with its own dance-floor complete with DJ, MC, sound system and resident dance company to get you moving and shaking.

No events confirmed

Wednesday 10 August Big Dance Bus comes to The Centre, Feltham The Big Dance Bus is coming to Feltham to celebrate Big Dance’s 10th anniversary and get everyone dancing through the decades!
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August Big Dance Presents - a Sizzling Summer at Westfield Stratford City Big Dance presents sizzling & high-energy dance performances and participatory workshops to raise the temperature and get everyone feeling the spirit of summer.

No events confirmed

No events confirmed

Saturday 3 September Liberty Festival 2016 - National Paralympic Day The Mayor of London’s Liberty Festival returns to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park together with National Paralympic Day. Featuring an incredible line-up of Deaf and disability arts, there’ll be something for everyone with live music, theatre and dance performances, activities for families, and more.

Friday 9 September Capoeira Taster Workshop & Big Dance Party Join Mestre Poncianinho and members of London’s Capoeira community to celebrate 10 years of Big Dance. You will be taken by this amazing Brazilian art form, feel incredible beats of a live orchestra and try some Capoeira dance movements.
Saturday 10 September Final Big Dance Bus Stop - Bell Square The Big Dance Bus will reach its final stop at Bell Square in Hounslow to close Big Dance 2016! Come and celebrate this exciting ‘grand finale’ moment with us!

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