The first ever Bridport Dance Festival is an exciting and colourful multicultural gathering of dancers and artists from far and wide, as well local dance groups from West Dorset. During the weekend festival there will be performances and workshops in the centre of Bridport offering a very wide range of dancing from all around the world: Argentinian Tango, Indian classical, holistic ballet, jazz fit, jive, hip-hop, tap, contemporary, creative and circle dance. As well as specially choreographed dance films.
Founder Carla Steenkamp Sheills has been a pioneer in inclusive dance education, establishing My Ballet in Bridport in 2010. Her co-producer Nikki Northover is the creator of Bridport Youth Dance which has been running for over twenty years. Carla says ‘This festival is family friendly and includes everybody in our community. There is nothing like dance and music to bring people together. If you think you are not a dancer, don’t worry, it will be a feast for your eyes!’
Key dancers will be Fiona Harvey, former ballerina with the Royal Ballet; Nafisah Baba from London, winner of the BBC young artist award 2017; Aakash Odedra from Leicester; Leo and Tracey Fandago Acosta from Buenos Aires & Bournemouth; Grace & Growl founded by Anna Golding from West Dorset; Vrushali Harihar from India & Bournemouth; My Ballet Dancers; Bridport Youth Dance and alumni as well as local community dance groups. There will also be opportunities for those in wheelchairs and those living with Parkinson’s. Something for everybody.
Locations. All events will be held in Bridport: The Bull Hotel Ballroom, Bridport Town Hall, Bridport Arts Centre, Electric Palace, St Mary’s Church Hall, British Legion Hall and Lyric Theatre. There will be dance workshops for all ages. There will be some free events at BAC and in the Bridport Community Orchard including Nature Voices – songs and raps about endangered species like Dormice and Natterack toads.
Find our more at www.bridportdancefestival.org.uk.
There will be a special Dance Finale in the Electric Palace on Sat 24th May featuring many of the key dancers and groups as well as a series of short films: ‘Inner voices of the Sea’ Dance portraits produced by Carla Sheills.
Plus ‘Dance Weavers’ and ‘Ocean of Tears’ produced by Nikki Northover.
It’s all happening in Bridport on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th May 2025.
For more information Contact: Carla Sheills info@bridportdancefestival.org.
