Day of dance

People are being invited to take part in a fun day of dance on Saturday 14th July when the “Dance Bus” makes its away around a number of different venues in the isles.

Onboard the bus will be drummers from local group Aestaewast and hopefully a large group of enthusiastic “movers and shakers”. The visit was funded through Creative Scotland’s Big Dance Fund.

At each stop this group will perform a five-minute rehearsed dance accompanied by the musicians. The band will then carry on playing for a further 20 minutes, giving everyone present the chance to dance together and socialise.

The dancers will work with choreographers John Morris and Jane McLaren over three rehearsal sessions to create the piece. The choreographers are keen to stress that the emphasis will be on celebratory, fun dance rather than on complicated technique and would welcome participation from those with little or no experience, all ages, all shapes and all sizes.  

Mr Morris said it was hoped that around 30 people would volunteer to be part of the dance group. The only restriction is that participants must be aged 16 or over.  

He said: “I would love it if we could fill the bus with a whole range of people – those who love dance and also those who think they have two left feet but are willing to have a go. It would be great if some men came on board as well.”

Rehearsals will be at Islesburgh Community Centre on Sunday 8th July (afternoon) and the evenings of Tuesday 10th July and Thursday 12th July. It is anticipated that on the performance day the bus will travel to Yell, Brae, Aith, Sandwick and Lerwick. Full details will be announced shortly.

Participation is free but numbers are restricted by the number of seats available on the bus so booking is advised. To reserve a place please contact Shetland Arts on (01595) 743843.