What is Big Dance?

Big Dance is a biennial celebration of dance which takes place in London to encourage people to get into dance, increase fitness levels and generate a legacy of dance for all. The celebration typically spans nine days, with dance events taking place in parks, shops, galleries and museums throughout the city, showcasing the diversity of dance styles and cultural attractions in the capital.

Big Dance is London’s Legacy Trust UK programme led by the Greater London Authority in partnership with Arts Council England. It was initiated by the Mayor of London in 2006 in partnership with Arts Council England and is the world’s biggest and most influential dance initiative. It is delivered in London through a network of the city’s leading dance organisations.

Big Dance and Connecting Classrooms

In 2010, the British Council supported the Big Dance Schools Pledge by inviting students and teachers in schools to do 20 minutes of extra dance or physical activity each day during Big Dance week (3-11 July 2010 in the UK), and to participate in a Guinness World Record attempt on 9 July 2010. Any school in the world could take part and Hakeem Onibudo from Impact Dance created different versions of the dance, so that, regardless of age or ability, anyone could participate. To find out how, go to the Big Dance section of the Connecting Classrooms online community.

The next Big Dance event is due to take place in 2012, so watch this space!