Bath Dance Festival

An unmissable multi-day dance experience in the heart of the South West with shows, cabarets, street performances, workshops, dances to join in and much more.

This exciting new festival is set to make an important contribution to Bath, city of festivals. With a line-up of local performances and world-renowned visiting artists, the festival starts with a huge Latin American Opening Night Party, with classes in a variety of Latin American styles from vibrant top local teachers, live band K’Chevere to make joining in irresistible, and a rare appearance in the South West of three times World Salsa Champions, Chris Marques & Jaclyn Spencer in a spectacular Latin American cabaret.

The festival continues in full swing on Saturday 5th July as some of the best local teachers invite you to join in and try out classes in one of the broadest opportunities to get involved in a variety of dance styles the region has seen. The City of Bath Abbey Square will also feature local performers and local schools dancers as they battle it out to lift the title of Bath’s Inter-schools Dance Competition champions for the year. Saturday evening features a prestigious collection of some of the top stars of dance from a variety of disciplines all in the same show. Highlights include a premier of Junior Laniyan’s About Time tap company’s new show, Mi Tierra Flamenco with guest Flamenco dancers from Madrid, Cesar Valasquez & Carolina Gonzalez in their breathtaking showcase of Argentine Tango and more.

Sunday 6th July is certainly not a day to be in the arm chair. Start off early with a taste of authentic Capoeira followed by a morning full of classes to get you in the mood for a very special dance event in the Assembly Rooms main ballroom. This period building will host Georgian dancing from Bath Minuet Company as the doors are opening for an afternoon dance with a treat. In addition to live music from top enigmatic dance band Tony & The Sapphires from the Midlands, stars of Strictly Come Dancing, Darren Bennett & Lilia Kopylova make a rare appearance in the South West and showcase a scintillating collection of five Latin American dances including those that took them to claim the title of British National Professional Latin American Champions. It’s a rare opportunity to have a dance on the same floor as the stars and to enjoy their breathtaking show up-close in one of the finest ballrooms in our region.

This year Bath Dance Festival’s nominated charity is the Quartet Community Foundation, the local charity supporting a huge range of good causes within our community. More information can be found on their web-site www.quartetcf.org.uk. The festival is being supported by local council and local and national businesses. If you are a company wanting to find out ways of getting involved and supporting the festival you can contact Loraine at Morgan-Brinkhurst Consultancy on Bath 01225 341460.

Image: World Salsa Champions, Chris Marques & Jaclyn Spencer, AKA Cuban Groove