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Birmingham International Dance Festival is back with a thrilling live programme of performances and events... Birmingham International Dance Festival (BIDF) is back - and it’s live too, both outdoors and in venues. The city’s signature festival, produced by Hippodrome-based DanceXchange, showcases some of the best contemporary outdoor performances and new commissions. A theatrical world premiere also features, as do innovative collaborations with visual and performance artists.
shining a light on the region’s amazing dance offer while at the same time engaging communities and celebrating diversity and inclusivity. Also featured in the festival is a programme of dance workshops in schools and free public dance classes showcasing hip-hop, circus and flamenco. There’s an augmented reality (AR) experience too, where people can connect via tablet devices to explore and interact with a series of imaginary digital dances.
Commenting on the festival, Lucie Mirkova, Head of Artistic Programmes at DanceXchange and Curator at BIDF, said: “We can’t wait to be back outdoors presenting thrilling dance performances, and to finally return to venues after so long. The programme is really exciting, showcasing the amazing creativity of both UK and international artists. We are delighted to be taking the festival to communities across the city, so that you can experience amazing dance on your doorstep. Make sure you’ve got the dates in your diary and look out for more announcements in the coming weeks.”
This autumn edition follows on from a hugely successful online festival in June. Taking place at various locations across the city from 21 September until 3 October, the event boasts an imaginative and entertaining live programme,
Locations in which the BIDF programme will be taking place include Centenary Square, Digbeth, North Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park and the on-site Midlands Arts Centre.
Frock
Out Of The Deep Blue
The Bull And The Moon
Stop Gap Theatre presents an uplifting dance riot set to a new art rock soundtrack - the result is a punkish celebration of individuality and difference.
Autin Dance Theatre uses dance, movement and masterful puppetry to tell a story about the climate emergency.
DeNada Dance Theatre’s heart-warming, family-friendly tale blends contemporary dance, flamenco and theatre.
Beyond Borders
Born To Protest
IRMÃ-sister
Witness the power of nature as the landscape changes around you in this live dance sequel to Beyond Borders, a film co-created with over 130 young dancers in the West Midlands.
Working with young people from North West Birmingham, Just Us Dance Theatre challenges presumptions about black male and female figures to reveal vulnerability, fragility and the battle to prove oneself.
Damaedance explores the beauty and challenges of women’s relationships - their strength, power and vulnerability - in an exhilarating and cutting-edge performance.
Check out our festival highlights below...
Birmingham International Dance Festival takes place from 21 September to 3 October Visit: bidf.co.uk for full programme whatsonlive.co.uk 41
