WINNER: EVENT OF THE YEAR 2010
27 days 48 ticketed performances 55,068 total audience attendances 101 free performances, seen by over 27,500 people 238 participatory sessions generating 11,114 experiences for people of all ages and abilities Audiences and participants more than doubled from IDFB 2008 Press and PR value of £3.8million Economic activity of £6.2 million and Gross Value Added at over £962k 40% of audiences were new to the venue they attended 25 countries represented, including: Africa, Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Cuba, Denmark, Egypt, France, India, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Madeira, Morocco, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Tunisia, and the USA 38,836 visits to the IDFB website, accessed from 127 countries 1,031 Facebook fans 40,978 views of the IDFB YouTube page Diverse programme with wide range of performance styles, including: African, Ballet, Ballroom, Bhangra, Bharatanatyam, Bollywood, Circus, Contemporary, Cossack, Dance Theatre, Fire Breathing, Flamenco, Ghumar Dance, Hip-Hop, Irish Step Dance, Jazz, Kathak, Khalgani, Klezmer, Kung Fu, Latin, Light Installation, Lindy Hop, Musical Dance, Performance Art, Physical Theatre, Street Dance, Tai Chi, Tango, Tap Dance, Tribal Belly Dance 80% audiences agreed that IDFB made them more convinced that the West Midlands is good for arts and culture
www.idfb.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL BIRMINGHAM (IDFB) 2010 brought the theatres, streets and city spaces alive with dance in Birmingham and beyond for four weeks in April and May 2010. The performances by artists and companies from across the globe were as diverse as they were spectacular! This, our second Festival, demonstrated that dance could be performed just about anywhere. From a four-week run of outstanding dance at Birmingham Hippodrome to (in)visible dancin’, two weeks of quirky performances on High Street in Birmingham city centre, there was an amazing buzz as show after show delivered memorable and meaningful days and nights out. Watch some of the highlights on the enclosed DVD and visit www.idfb.co.uk for even more films, photos and updates! Building on the success of IDFB 2008, this Festival delivered a bigger, more distinctive programme, producing more performances and participatory events and doubling audiences and participation. The Festival was also an integral part of the West Midlands Culture Programme for 2012, showcasing our region as a world class cultural destination. It engaged more people from across the West Midlands – including many who do not usually connect with the arts – and attracted increased numbers of visitors, raised the profile of Birmingham and generated deeper social, economic and cultural impact, as this report reveals. We are proud that IDFB has won Best Event of the Year at the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010. The IDFB team is grateful for financial support from Advantage West Midlands, Arts Council England West Midlands and Birmingham City Council. Principal Sponsor Brewin Dolphin, Media Partner BBC WM and Accommodation Partner Crowne Plaza also offered essential support, alongside many other stakeholders who helped make this Festival a success. Co-Artistic Directors
David Massingham
Stuart Griffiths
Artistic Director, DanceXchange
Chief Executive, Birmingham Hippodrome
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WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCES The ticketed programme for IDFB 2010 offered an incredible range and quality of performances, including 3 world premieres, 10 UK premieres and several others on limited tours, with either first or only performances outside of London. • 24 ticketed shows in 48 performances in five venues: Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Ikon Eastside, The Patrick Centre and Town Hall • Total audience attendance for ticketed shows was almost 28,000 Birmingham Hippodrome, IDFB’s co-producer and largest venue, hosted a spectacular programme of dance from some of the finest companies across the globe.
“There aren’t many dance works that are pure joy from beginning to end, but this one is. Heavenly.” HHHHH THE DAILY TELEGRAPH ON MARK MORRIS
Mark Morris Dance Group opened the ticketed programme with the rarely performed piece L’Allegro il Penseroso ed il Moderato. Supported by the orchestra, soloists and choir of the world famous English National Opera, the Hippodrome dates were the only chance to see this acknowledged masterpiece outside of London.
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They were followed on stage by Ballet Nacional de Cuba who, under the artistic direction of the legendary Alicia Alonso, performed a stunning mixed bill featuring dance superstar Carlos Acosta, former Ballet Nacional de Cuba dancer and Royal Ballet Principal, as well as the timeless classic Giselle. Both productions engaged new audiences, with Giselle attracting 32% new attenders to the venue.
IN THEATRES... Star-studded programme at Birmingham Hippodrome
“Virtuoso technique with its own Cuban accent” HHHH THE INDEPENDENT ON BALLET NACIONAL DE CUBA
A week of Strictly Come Dancing -- The Professionals added a touch of sparkle and glamour to proceedings with a whirlwind tour of all the major Latin and Ballroom styles made famous by the hit TV show. The seven performances drew in a crowd of over 11,000 people to Birmingham Hippodrome, with 33% of bookers having never been to the theatre before. IDFB 2010 closed with the return of Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker from Brazil performing their latest work, Cruel. The visually stunning performance attracted audiences from as far afield as Perth and the Isle of Man with hundreds of people staying behind for a free post-show talk with the entire company led by Deborah Colker herself. The dance programme on the Hippodrome stage alone drew in 28% new audiences to the theatre over eighteen performances; engaging with thousands of people, across a wide range of dance genres.
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WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCES Record audiences at The REP Two impressive productions were programmed at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Sutra from Sidi Larbi with the Shaolin Monks and design by Antony Gormley, and the circus spectacle Circa. Extremely successful, with all four performances selling almost to capacity, both shows attracted significant numbers of new audiences to the venue.
“The REP is delighted to be an active partner in IDFB and welcomes the opportunity it gives us to present world-class contemporary dance on our stage.” STUART ROGERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE
Akram Khan and Spanish stars shine at Town Hall An eclectic programme brought Town Hall alive with diverse styles and rhythms, from Akram Khan’s unique blend of Kathak and contemporary dance with Japanese KODO drumming in Gnosis, to the intricate footwork and passionate presentation of flamenco by Chanta La Mui.
“Town Hall was delighted to be a venue partner. IDFB is a great asset to the city.” 6
SIMON WALES, GENERAL MANAGER, TOWN HALL
IN THEATRES... Rosie Kay’s sold-out world premiere, one of IDFB’s hot tickets Presented by DanceXchange’s Associate Artist Rosie Kay, 5 SOLDIERS was co-commissioned by IDFB 2010 and was undoubtedly one of its huge successes. Its topical subject matter attracted significant media interest, including a feature piece on Radio 4’s Today programme.
Sampad collaboration showcases South Asian dance The Patrick Centre hosted two productions in partnership with sampad South Asian Arts – Thresh Dance’s The Absent Lover and Abhimanyu & Vidha Lal’s Kathak Duet, attracting many new audiences to the venue for the first time.
Outspoken UK premieres bring exclusivity to programme This exclusive four-day programme dedicated to new performance by artists and companies from Arabic-speaking countries, attracted a distinct new young audience, as well as promoter interest. Funded by British Council and awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark, it featured work from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon and Morocco, and demonstrated a real commitment to supporting emerging international artists – giving IDFB a unique status among UK dance festivals.
Colin Dunne’s homecoming, one of the highlights Nine times world Irish step dance champion and former principal dancer in Riverdance, Birmingham-born Colin Dunne was another audience hit with his first full-length solo production Out of Time, performed at The Patrick Centre.
“IDFB is really a jewel in the crown of the Birmingham dance scene... and has led on to fantastic things for us as a company – UK tours, Edinburgh Festival, awards and now international touring and representation. Birmingham has taken dancing to its heart and I’m so proud.” ROSIE KAY
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WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCES IDFB also brought outstanding dance to public spaces across the city with a number of free events and new commissions. These free events attracted audiences estimated at over 27,000 and connected with a significantly younger, more diverse audience than ticketed performances.
Utopia As the major outdoor event in IDFB 2010, Utopia played a vital role in bringing the Festival to the streets of Birmingham. From the construction of the complex stage in Victoria Square, to the performances over the Bank Holiday weekend, it was a dynamic and very visible manifestation of IDFB’s impact on the city centre and its population. • • • • •
4 days 6 performances 38 performers 14 musicians 6,600 attenders
Charged and vibrant, this dance celebration was a brand new commission for the 2010 Festival. Directed by Arthur Pita, contemporary dancers formed
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a dance company collective alongside Russian, Spanish, Indian and African folk dance groups, all moving to the turbo-folk Gypsy and Balkan beats of Birmingham’s very own band The Destroyers. A stampede of colourful dancers and frenzied songs brought together this riotous cast in a 30minute outdoor extravaganza unlike any other!
@nicolamgauld – utopia in victoria square #idfb2010 absolutely excellent, going back to see it this lunchtime! “Thank you once again for giving me a real opportunity to be part of something I love.” JAMES MEGARRY, VOLUNTEER
Visit www.idfb.co.uk to watch highlights of Utopia.
IN PUBLIC SPACES...
“My family and I were in Birmingham city centre today and were just passing Victoria Square when Utopia started. We were transfixed. It was such a joyous event, and great to see different cultures performing together. It really made me appreciate living in such a multicultural city.� AUDIENCE MEMBER
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WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCES (in)visible dancin’ A spontaneous explosion of dance on the streets of Birmingham, Visible Dancin’ was a unique outdoor spectacle reflecting and celebrating the rich mix of Birmingham’s street life. Directed by Luca Silvestrini (Artistic Director, Protein) it marked the grand finale of (in)visible dancin’ – a cycle of performances that literally transformed city life into a dance performance over two weeks, becoming more and more visible to passers-by every day. • • • •
20 public performances 546 participatory experiences Audiences estimated at almost 8,000 Over 80 people drawn in by the performances signed up to take part in classes and performances
Visit www.idfb.co.uk to watch highlights of (in)visible dancin’.
“Very rewarding, lots of fun, a great personal and professional experience.” JON BEANEY, PROFESSIONAL DANCER
United Colours of Dance Out and About Featuring companies taking part in Utopia in Victoria Square, this event extended IDFB 2010’s regional reach. Indoor and outdoor performances took place in Coventry, Hereford, Stoke-on-Trent and Stratford-uponAvon city centres on the first day of IDFB – promoting the launch of the Festival and reaching members of the public as they went about their daily business. Across all locations, the performances resulted in a total audience of 1,031, with 63 taking part in workshops on the streets.
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IN PUBLIC SPACES...
“Were the impromptu dance displays I saw in town at lunchtime an IDFB stunt? If so, full marks. The one I witnessed at the Barclays Bank cash point was brilliant.� MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC
Dancing the Waterways Taking the festival beyond the city of Birmingham and connecting directly to the landscape of the region, Dancing the Waterways was a festival commission by Australian choreographer Paul Gazzola together with dancers Maria Blundell-Palethorpe, Mary Eddowes, Kimberly Noble, and Kate Mason. The festival barge travelled from Birmingham through Wolverhampton to Brewood and back again, over a two week period, with performances and workshops along the route, attracting estimated audiences of over 550, and creating 71 participatory experiences. This project was awarded the prestigious London 2012 Inspire Mark.
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PARTICIPATION... Education and participatory activities took place across the West Midlands – from Stoke-On-Trent to Worcester, as well as various locations within Birmingham. 238 participatory sessions took place, generating 11,114 participatory experiences, 7,000 of which were linked to Waves.
Waves This innovative light installation outside Birmingham Hippodrome offered opportunities for public interaction by encouraging people to play with movement and choreograph the light.
A Taste of the East with Tai Chi Held in the Arcadian Centre, right at the heart of the Chinese quarter in Birmingham city centre, this informal lunchtime activity presented another opportunity to promote the Festival to new audiences. • 1 session, 73 participants
Argentine Tango Intensive attracts capacity crowds A new collaboration with Birminghambased instructors Sandra Bernard and Loyd Vidal for the 2010 Festival. A weekend of workshops, masterclasses and Milonga social evenings for Argentine Tango enthusiasts of all abilities was held at DanceXchange and The Friends Institute, Moseley. • 13 workshops • 267 experiences
Flamenco Intensive As in 2008, the 2010 Festival worked with Birmingham-based Flamenco expert Ana Garcia to deliver an intensive weekend of workshops and masterclasses for different levels, linked to the performances at Town Hall. • 15 workshops, including 3 for professionals • 156 experiences, including 39 for professionals Words used by participants to describe their participatory experience: awesome, cool, fun, funky, energetic, fantastic, challenging, inspirational, exhilarating.
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Family Weekend The Family Weekend presented stimulating performances Funny Bones and Echoa and confirmed IDFB’s commitment to showcasing quality work for children, engaging new, young audiences in dance. Feedback demonstrates that both children and adults welcomed the opportunity to watch performances and take part in workshops on the same day. The Family Weekend was awarded the prestigious London 2012 Inspire Mark and was part of the Cultural Olympiad. • 4 workshops • 48 participatory experiences for children and young people
“World Class performance aimed at children and families that wasn’t dumbed down so only a four year old could enjoy it. I loved it and think a lot of adults around me got a lot out of it too. My little girls were amazed, inspired and entertained. All great value for money.” AUDIENCE MEMBER
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PARTICIPATION... Put Your Foot Down! Held at Birmingham’s iconic Bullring, IDFB 2010’s grand finale Put Your Foot Down!, was a mass dance routine developed by French hip-hop artist Salah, presented as part of a day-long showcase featuring some of the best youth and community performances from across the region. The routine itself was taught through a series of workshops during the four weeks of IDFB, with sessions at DanceXchange, the IDFB Shop in Pavilions, the LG Arena, and Bullring. It was also demonstrated by Salah in a video available online via IDFB’s website. Principal sponsor Brewin Dolphin also held a lunchtime class outdoors for employees and the general public in Colmore Row's business district. • • • •
9,320 audience attendances 924 participatory experiences 65 participatory sessions Performances from French b-boy superstar Salah, 2Faced Dance Company, Beingfrank Youth, VOCAB Dance, Steadiflux, Hina & Co., and many groups engaged through DanceXchange’s class programme and youth and community projects
Aside from the numbers who experienced dance through Put Your Foot Down!, the other key achievement was the profile which resulted from Salah’s involvement. Salah’s popularity with a young generation of budding dancers enabled IDFB to connect with a vibrant new audience, and attracted fans from as far afield as France and Lebanon.
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“International Dance Festival Birmingham brought a series of beautiful dance forms to the city and we were thrilled to host the grand finale at Bullring.” LOUISE HAMER-BROWN, MARKETING CONTROLLER, BULLRING
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PRESS & MEDIA COVERAGE... IDFB generated a press and PR value of over £3.8 million, significantly exceeding the original target. This was in no small part due to the mutually successful media partnership with BBC WM, which was of huge value to IDFB – and resulted in a significant amount of coverage on BBC WM, BBC Midlands Today and the BBC website. “BBC WM and BBC Midlands Today played a big part reporting on all the stories from the International Dance Festival on radio, online and on TV. In the run up to the election we also reported on the political debate around the arts in the West Midlands which is very much a part of our public service remit.” CATH HEARNE, HEAD OF REGIONAL & LOCAL PROGRAMMES, BBC WEST MIDLANDS
Culture Minister. Ed Vaizey MP. participating in. the IDFB. Cultural Debate.
• TV – regular features on BBC Midlands Today and 3 features on ITV Central News • Radio – regular coverage on BBC WM, plus Smooth Radio, Kerrang, Galaxy, Radio 4 • International – Bthere (Brussels Airline in-flight magazine), Dance News, danceeurope.net, plus online coverage in Australia, India, Virginia (USA), Malaysia and Madeira
The IDFB Dance Challenge IDFB challenged a number of local journalists and presenters as well as representatives from Principal Sponsor Brewin Dolphin, to take on The IDFB Dance Challenge. Seven participants were each given a particular style of dance, from ballet to hip-hop, to master in the two months leading up to the Festival. The novice dancers – including Kate Lawler from Kerrang! Radio, Louisa James (the eventual winner) from ITV Central News, Satnam Rana from BBC Midlands Today, Jodie Schofield from Smooth Radio, Fionnuala Bourke from Birmingham Mail, and Paul Sargent and Keith Gabriel from Brewin Dolphin – attended weekly classes at DanceXchange, with the person who’d made the most progress being crowned the winner. The challenge gave IDFB access to coverage on channels and outlets it may not otherwise have reached – achieving an AVE of nearly £85k.
Media highlights • National newspapers including The Guardian (Dance Picks of the Week), The Independent (Ten Best Dance Events), The Times, The Sunday Times, Independent on Sunday • Regional newspapers including the Birmingham Post, Birmingham Mail, Metro Life, Coventry Telegraph, The Oxford Times, The Sentinel, Shropshire Star, Hereford Times, Bromsgrove Advertiser, Sunday Mercury, Express & Star • Magazines including Elle, Stylist, Dancing Times, Aesthetica, Dance Dynamic, Dance Today, What’s On, 24 seven, Touchbase, Area
“...an impressively global programme...” JUDITH MACKRELL, THE GUARDIAN
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ITV Central’s Louisa James
“A packed diary in theatres and outdoors – even along canals.” DAVID DOUGILL, THE SUNDAY TIMES
WHAT THE PEOPLE SAID... “The best thing was to know that, when attending Mark Morris Dance Group, Birmingham was the only UK venue outside of London. We had world-class top artists.” AUDIENCE MEMBER
“I can’t believe how fortunate we were to have Ballet Nacional de Cuba come to Birmingham.” AUDIENCE MEMBER
“As a choreographer, it’s good to see what’s happening internationally and have visuals, tastes and movements that are different than the ones we are seeing here in England. It’s a very enriching experience.” CHOREOGRAPHER ATTENDING OUTSPOKEN
IDFB on @benjiw – If you’re free tomorrow night go & see Gnosis at the Town Hall, B’ham. Truly mesmerising dance pieces by Akram Kham. @AlexNut – Some madness going on in Birmingham right now... Called Utopia >>> sick, voodoo dancing, gypsy jazz... my kinda thing. @XIII_Rajiv – #idfb’s Utopia is vibrant and really expresses the level of international exchange and creative collaboration the festival seems to promote.
What was the best thing about the Festival for you? “The Kathak dancing was amazing! I will actively seek out performances of this kind in the future.”
“The excellence and quality of the performances. The fabulous atmosphere.”
“The sheer brilliance and joy of the performances (particularly Mark Morris). Given the time, I would come to see and participate in far more.”
“I am new to dance and really didn’t expect the 2 performances at the REP to be my cup of tea. They totally were, I enjoyed every second... and would be more willing to attend more contemporary dance performances.”
“Seeing everyone smiling, the audience I mean. The outdoor events brought a real feeling of community.” “How I imagine heaven to be.”
“The public events... fantastically mixed audiences getting to enjoy styles of dance they might not otherwise have encountered.”
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ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, PERCEPTIONS AND ENGAGEMENT Economic Activity Economic activity associated with IDFB 2010 has been calculated at approximately £6.2 million and Gross Value Added at over £962k. These figures are based on conservative estimates of visitor spend of around £918k, generated by IDFB through such things as patrons paying to travel to Birmingham for Festival events and audiences eating at restaurants before or after a performance. Audience surveys indicated that the average spend per head of ‘commercial stayers’ (those staying overnight in paid accommodation) was £156, higher than the average overnight spend figure of £105.87 used by Festival funders Advantage West Midlands. Average spend per head for patrons who were not staying overnight was £29.77.
Visitor Perceptions Our audience surveys suggest that IDFB had an extremely positive effect on patrons’ perceptions of the city. On average, 70-80% agreed that IDFB left them more convinced that the area is good for arts and culture, festivals and events, and is an area to feel proud of. Similar proportions agreed that IDFB makes Birmingham a world class cultural city and a great place to live, work, study or visit. Those who attended free events were more likely to feel that IDFB had changed their perceptions of Birmingham and the region, with 80% feeling a positive change. Ticketed event patrons’ responses were also positive, with 63% of them feeling a positive change in their perceptions as a result of IDFB.
“The free performance in Victoria Square... made me proud to live in Birmingham.” AUDIENCE MEMBER
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IDFB wins Event of the Year at. the Heart of England Excellence. in Tourism Awards 2010.
Visitor Engagement The overall number of people engaged by IDFB 2010, compared to 2008, increased by more than 50%. The number of tickets sold increased from 13,470 in 2008 to 23,824 in 2010. 92% of ticket bookers were new to IDFB and 40% were new to the venue they attended. When attendances at free events are factored in, the increase is from just over 23,000 in 2008 to over 55,000 in 2010, an increase of 139%. Participation figures also increased from 1,851 experiences in 2008 to 11,114 in 2010, an increase of 500%. IDFB successfully engaged a range of different audiences through different types of events. Half of those who attended free or participatory events experienced something new to them. These events in particular successfully engaged younger, more diverse audiences, including many with low or no traditional engagement with the arts. 70% of free event attenders said they are more likely to attend dance events in future as a result of IDFB, and 43% were more likely to take part in dance activities. Many patrons commented on the exciting, enjoyable atmosphere around outdoor events and were hugely appreciative of the accessibility of free events. 71% of ticket bookers and 86% of free attenders came from outside Birmingham, demonstrating the ability of the Festival to attract visitors to the city.
WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS ON THE FESTIVAL SHOWREEL
www.idfb.co.uk
THANKS & CREDITS Festival Producers DanceXchange and Birmingham Hippodrome would like to extend a huge thank you to all the sponsors, funders, dance companies, venues, arts organisations, audiences, participants and performers that contributed to making International Dance Festival Birmingham 2010 such a fantastic success.
“Brewin Dolphin was delighted to be the principal sponsor of IDFB 2010. The festival was enormously enjoyable for both clients and staff, and we relished the opportunity to ally our brand with some of the most sought-after dance companies in the world. We found this to be of great benefit in raising our profile across the region. We are looking forward to seeing how we can build on this relationship in the future.” STEPHEN JONES, HEAD OF BIRMINGHAM OFFICE, BREWIN DOLPHIN
“What IDFB 2010 was able to underline so well was the clear demonstration of the passion that already exists in the region for dance; that enthusiasm is set to grow with our investment in this artform in the approach to the London 2012 Games.” PAUL KAYNES, WEST MIDLANDS CREATIVE PROGRAMMER, LONDON 2012
“IDFB provides a fantastic opportunity for audiences in the West Midlands to see international dance of the highest standard and participate in dance activity in a range of spaces and contexts.” ROS ROBINS, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND
“The second edition of Birmingham’s International Dance Festival was a great success for the city, building on the 2008 event with increased numbers of performances, international partnerships, new commissions and community participants. IDFB is a great example of why Birmingham is a cultural capital -- world class activities which engage local people, bring economic benefits to the city and help to raise our profile as a great place to live, work and visit. I look forward to hearing about plans for the 2012 event!” SHARON LEA, STRATEGIC DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENT & CULTURE, BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL
Festival Producers
Funders
Principal Sponsor
Media Partner, Accommodation Partner, Festival Venues, Project Partners & Project Funders
International Dance Festival Birmingham is working in partnership with the West Midlands Culture Programme for London 2012, along with a range of other exciting programmes including People Dancing, to celebrate and engage people with the region’s world-class cultural offer. The Festival strands Outspoken, Family Weekend and Dancing the Waterways were awarded the Inspire Mark and were part of the Cultural Olympiad. For more information and to find out how you can get involved go to www.wmfor2012.com or www.dancingforthegames.co.uk Images: Tim Cross, Ed Moore, Ken Friedman, Brian Slater, Johan Persson, Hugh Glendinning, Charlotte Brennan, Nick Gallagher-Hughes, Richard Haughton, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thresh Dance Company, Colin Dunne, Ballet Nacional de Cuba, sampad South Asian Arts, Brewin Dolphin