The London 2012 Festival continues to hit the North East with a festival of dance, organized by Dance City, hitting the North East for nine days of celebrations from 7-15 July 2012.

Big Dance week will kick off with the Big Dance Launch in Times Square, Newcastle on Saturday 7 July from 1pm. This opening event will see performances from youth dance groups from around the region as well as live bands and professional dance companies including Bad Taste Cru, Lindy Jazz and Dora Frankel Dance.

Players from Newcastle United Football Club will be visiting Big Dance Launch to show their support and to take part in dance demonstrations on the main stage.

In the morning of Saturday 7 July you can get involved throughout Newcastle City Centre with the opportunity to watch and take part in taster dance sessions from hip hop to burlesque as part of Big Dance around the Toon.

As well as activities in Newcastle on Saturday 7 July there are launches taking place across the region. Big Dance has teamed up with Brass: Durham International Festival to present Keep Your Hat On, a watery boat procession incorporating music, dance and electronics.

Arts Centre, Washington will be hosting a Big Dance Community Day which will feature dance displays and demonstrations in their Courtyard. There will be dance demonstrations from line dancing to salsa as well as performances from Dora Frankel Dance.

Wallsend Festival is a community celebration of all that is good in Wallsend, past and present. Throughout the day there will be dance performances and participation a plenty.

Throughout the week Big Dance activities will be taking place across the region.

Tees Valley plays host to lots of dance activities over the Big Dance period. Stockton Dance Festival and Darlington Dance Festival takes place on Sat 14 July highlighting the best in local dance talent, dance demonstrations and pop up performances from professional companies.

Big Dance has also joined up with Middlesbrough Mela to bring together youth and community performers from across the region to share the stage with professional dance companies.

In Northumberland on Sun 15 July, Big Dance at the Bandstand is taking place in Hexham Abbey Grounds. Local youth and community groups will be performing live at the bandstand as well as professional dance companies. The performance will be followed by an outdoor showing of Grease with a chance to learn the key dance routines.

Also on Sunday 15 July, Ridley Park in Blyth play host to a summer festival consisting of aerial dance, visual art and music. There will be performances from Bare Toed Dance Company and Bad Taste Cru as well as a full dance taster programme in aerial dance, music and storytelling.

Big Dance, led by the Mayor of London in Partnership, with Arts Council England, is the UK’s biggest ever celebration of dance activity taking place across the England.

To find out more and to get involved in any of the events taking place across the region, visit www.dancecity.co.uk.

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