World Premiere of Wandeldreef
The streets and sculptures of Winchester create the perfect setting and inspiration for a new dance commission on May Bank Holiday, Monday 1 May.
Everyone is invited to enjoy this unique performance event as it unfolds. The dance begins at the city's Buttercross in the High Street at 2pm and leads the audience on a mysterious journey of a lifetime, past Luminous Motion, the light sculpture on the Cathedral Green, and into the very heart of the Cathedral itself where the destination is revealed …
Wandeldreef (Dutch for promenading) has been choreographed by Winchester based contemporary dancer Sacha Lee, working with twelve performing arts students from the University of Winchester. The dancers will be accompanied by the Brightwater Singers, a group of talented young vocalists who Sacha met while they were busking on Winchester High Street.
Wandeldreef has been commissioned by Winchester City Council and the JIF Partnership (local authorities in the Hampshire area) as part of a county-wide celebration of dance - Big Dance Day, and is supported by Arts Council England, South East, the University of Winchester and Winchester Cathedral. Sacha was asked to use for her inspiration Winchester's sculptural landmarks, and is one of a series of fringe events for the Winchester Year of Sculpture.
For more information about Wandeldreef or any other Winchester District dance or arts activities, please contact Marilyn Michalowicz, the City Council's arts development officer, on 01962 848 175 or email mmichalowicz@winchester.gov.uk
Big Dance Day aims to involve as many people as possible in dancing or enjoying dance, and more than forty events have been organised around the area in clubs, arts venues and schools.
Winchester is also hosting a Circle Dance workshop in St Lawrence's Church, beginning at 3pm (further information from Miggy Scott on 01962 868 056) and Winchester's Westgate School is holding a special performing arts evening on 2 May. Anyone can obtain more information by calling 01962 854 757.
Hungry for more? Check out the website of Hampshire Dance on www.hampshiredance.org.uk for regional listings of dance classes, workshops, performances and careers advice.