Dance programme bursts into life

8.27.44pm GMT Fri 23rd Feb 2007

The largest programme of dance in the borough's history bursts into life in March with the launch of Richmond Council's Partners in Dance season.

Featuring ballet, salsa, African dance and more, the spectacular six-month schedule will be the most ambitious celebration of dance ever undertaken in Richmond upon Thames. It will include performances from professional dance companies and schools, classes for members of the public and opportunities for amateurs to strut their stuff in front of a wider audience. The programme replaces the annual three-week festival, Leap Into Dance, instead providing access to events throughout the year. The festivities begin with the White Lodge Experience in Richmond Park on Tuesday, 27 March, when the home of The Royal Ballet Lower School will throw open its doors for a rare insight into the world-famous institution. It will be followed by the two-day RichDance festival, also at White Lodge, on April 14 and 15, when amateur artists and companies will showcase their talents in the magnificent Margot Fonteyn theatre. Arts fans are being invited to sign up to the new Partners in Dance mailing list to receive regular information about the full programme of events.

Cllr John Coombs, the Council's Cabinet Member for the Arts, said: "By working closely with partners across the borough, the Arts Service has lined up a spectacular array of shows which will appeal to a wide range of tastes. With its rich history, White Lodge is a fitting venue to launch this superb programme and I have no doubt it will prove a huge hit with local people and visitors to the borough. I would urge anyone keen to catch the various events or even take part to make sure they sign up to the mailing list."