PUBLIC URGED TO PRACTICE AND PARTICIPATE IN MASSIVE DUNDEE2023 DANCE EVENT AT DUNDEE’S SLESSOR GARDENS ON SATURDAY 7th OCTOBER
A new Dundee dance routine with moves inspired by the city’s favourite landmarks and comic book characters has been posted online in support of Dundee’s bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2023.
The online dance tutorial reveals a unique set of Dundee dance steps referred to as the Law Hill, Sails of The Discovery, Waves of the Tay, Telescope from the Mills Observatory, Football Header, Dolphin, as well as moves inspired by the comical poses of Desperate Dan, Oor Wullie and Dennis the Menace.
The routine has been described as ‘fun to try’ and ‘easy to learn’ by award-winning choreographer Thomas Small, founder of Shaper/Caper dance company responsible for developing the Dundee2023 dance routine and video with support from Dundee Dance Partnership, Dundee & Angus College and The Space.
The dance moves are set to the official Dundee 2023 soundtrack, ‘Over Bridges’ featuring a prestigious cast of local musicians.
Filmed at The Space in Dundee, it is hoped the video will inspire many hundreds of people to practice the moves at home, before joining in with the planned mass dance session at Slessor Gardens on 7thOctober.
A free to attend dance rehearsal is set to take place on Wednesday 4thOctober at Craigowl Primary School between 7-9 pm for those keen to practice the 3 minute routine.
“We hope people will rise to the challenge and learn some of the moves online, then come along to meet us and practice with the professionals at Slessor Gardens on 7th October. It will be fun, energetic, and a great opportunity to show that Dundee loves dancing. Dundee’s dance halls were an important part of the community through to the 60’s. We want to bring that spirit back! “ said Thomas Small of Shaper / Caper.
“As part of Dundee Dance Partnership we became aware of the huge effort the city is making to ensure Dundee is a leading contender to be European Capital of Culture in 2023 and we wanted to contribute with what we do best. Dancing! Listening to the official anthem gave us the ideas for the main movements like the Tay and we also wanted to feature other iconic locations like the Law, Discovery, and the Mills Observatory, and our much-loved comic characters of course. The dance routine was developed with the participation of the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance students.”
Anna Day, Bid Manager for Dundee 2023 said: “This is a brilliant initiative from the dance community in Dundee. We are thrilled they have stepped forward with this fantastic idea, which is something everyone can participate in. We will be filming the dance event and hope to show it as part of our official bid presentation to the judges at the end of the month. We would encourage as many people to get dancing and show their support for Dundee2023.
Dundee2023 dance rehearsal will take place on Wednesday 4th October at Craigowl Primary School, Dundee 7pm-9pm.
Dundee2023 dance event will take place on Saturday 7th October at Slessor Gardens, Dundee from 2pm-4pm.
All events are free to attend.
All participants under 16 years old must be accompanied throughout the sessions and by entering, participants consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. Entry constitutes participants' consent to such photography, filming and/or recording and to any use, in any and all media throughout the universe in perpetuity, of the participants' appearance, voice and name for any purpose whatsoever in connection with the production.
For further details about the events email: hello@shapercaper.com
The video tutorial can be found here https://vimeo.com/235268564
