Big Dance kicked off on Sat 7 July with various events taking place across the region with the main launch taking place Newcastle’s Times Square. There were numerous dance performances as well as workshops to allow for audience participation as well as a guest appearance from two Newcastle United footballers, Steven Taylor and Michael Richardson.

Three winners from The Journal Big Dance competition had the opportunity to perform live on stage. The Journal launched a competition to allow dance groups/crew to enter a short video clip of themselves dancing. These videos were then short listed down by a panel of judges. The public then had the chance to vote for their favourite dance clip. The three winners were, Famous 4.15, Catherine Muckle and the Hellcats: Street Crew.

Big Dance 2012 was one of biggest mass participation events which were being presented as part of the London 2012 Festival and also ran alongside the Mayor of London's programme of free events which took place across the capital.

Darlington Dance Festival led a mass dance with participants from school groups, brownies, guides and community groups, this mass dance took place simultaneously in Middlesbrough and Stockton.

Large crowds turned out for the Mouth of the Tyne Festival with dance performances taking place on a purpose built stage in the newly refurbishment Tynemouth Station. Later on that day Big Dance took over the Band Stand in the Abbey Grounds in Hexham. Professional companies such as Bad Taste Cru took to the stage to entertain the crowds whilst the rain came down. A live screening of Grease closed the Big Dance activities in Northumberland.

Big Dance joined Durham’s Brass Festival throughout July through rain and shine. Dance acts joined Keep your Hat on – a musical water boat procession which sailed across the river. Also, break dance company Bad Taste Cru performed and led workshops for participants of the Brass Festival embracing new cultures and styles throughout Durham.
Thousands of people took part in the School’s Pledge, which was a mass dance routine choreographed by Wayne McGregor and then taught to schools, colleges and workers in the hope to break the world record of the largest mass participation. Dance City held their own School’s Pledge record attempt with four different schools from across the region as well as their own staff members and Arts Council members.

Big Dance has been a great opportunity for people to become involved and enjoy dance. With events and activities taking place across the region it has allowed people to get an insight into the world of dance and will hopefully in turn encourage them to start dancing.

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