Eden Court Theatre, Inverness will next week bring together more than 100 people from across the Highlands for a spectacular dance event to launch the theatre’s countdown to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

As part of EventScotland’s Games for Scotland initiative, Eden Court’s Dance Artist Louise Marshall, and Arts Education Manager, Kati Kozikowska have been working with 6 different groups from across the Highland region for the last month, to develop dances based on one of the 17 sports included in the Commonwealth Games.

Participants from 3 of Eden Court’s regular classes are taking part in the events – including the EC Youth Dance Group, Dance Jam and the Integrated Performance Group; as well as Kingussie Dance Group, Lochaber Wheelchair Dance Group and Mellow Yellow from Nairn.

The team have also incorporated film into the project, capturing the dancers performing their sport themed choreography in a number of outdoor locations across the Highlands.

Next week, as well as taking part in live performances, the participants will have the chance to do dance workshops with professional dancers including Alex Emerson, who was one of Eden Court’s body Currents Dance Catalysts.

On TUESDAY 11 OCT at 14.30 there will be live dance performances in Falcon Square, Inverness and other city centre locations, including a ‘flash mob’ performance to which anyone and everyone is invited to take part – Just turn up and help to ‘Get Inverness Dancing!’

WEDNESDAY 12 OCT sees a live dance performance at Eden Court taking place in the OneTouch Theatre featuring each of the groups who have been involved in the buildup. The groups will each perform their devised dance pieces and more than 60 dancers will take to the stage to perform an original piece, entitled The Countdown, which has been choreographed by Eden Court’s Dance Artist Louise Marshall.

Eden Court’s Arts Education Manager Kati Kozikowska said, “It’s a great opportunity for the Highlands to be part of the countdown to the Commonwealth Games and a fantastic way to showcase the breadth of dance talent across the area.  We’d love everyone to come and get involved by joining in the flash mob and come to the finale performance to support their local groups”.

‘Commonwealth Countdown’ events will take place in Inverness City Centre and Eden Court Theatre on Tue 11 and Wed 12 Oct.

David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive said:

“We’re delighted that Inverness is holding this dance event as part of the Games for Scotland programme. The programme will provide a fantastic opportunity for people across the country to participate in a number of fascinating events that will celebrate Scotland’s culture, heritage and role as host of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.  “Innovative and exciting cultural programmes are an essential part of any Commonwealth Games and the Games for Scotland programme will allow participants the opportunity to enjoy and experience a range of dance and sporting activities across the length and breadth of Scotland as we prepare to celebrate 1,000 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2014 on October 27^th.”

Shona Robison MSP, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport said:

It’s little more than three years until the start of the Commonwealth Games. Now more than ever in the countdown to 2014 it’s important that we involve local people and communities from across Scotland in the excitement of the Games.  “Hosting the Games is not only about putting on a spectacular sporting extravaganza but also about leaving a lasting legacy for the people of Scotland. The Games for Scotland programme will form a key strand of this and is a perfect platform for bringing the community together. I would encourage everyone to come along, have fun and play their part.”

Tickets are available from the Eden Court box office and website.

Source: Eden Court Theatre