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A celebration of cycling fused with choreography is coming to Essex. ‘Bicycle Ballet’ is on the look out for 100 cyclists and performers from South Essex to take part in a spectacular 30 minute dance performance on bicycles to celebrate the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad in Hadleigh on Sunday 5 August 2012.

After the successful taster session at Hadleigh Old Fire Station, the search is again on for performers. Come along to rehearsal on 24 June where you can find out what it’s all about and see if you want to be part of this spectacular event. You will need to be a competent cyclist and commit to a maximum of 6 x 3 hour weekly evening sessions (dependant on role) and 3 weekend rehearsals culminating in the shows on 5th August. The minimum age is 12 years old and under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. Make sure you bring your bike! We do have a limited number of bikes available if you want to take part but don’t have your own.

To register your interest, please sign up here then just turn up at Hadleigh Old Fire Station on the 24th June. If you can’t make it on 24th but still want to be part of the event, you can sign up as a member of THE MASS (backing players) and need only attend the dress-rehearsal on 4th Aug and performances on 5th August.

Essex County Councillor Stephen Castle, Cabinet Member for Education and the 2012 Games said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to learn to dance, improve their cycling skills and perform alongside professionals. As the location for the London 2012 Olympic Mountain Bike events, Hadleigh is the perfect place for this performance. I encourage the residents of South Essex to come along and join in the fun.”

Bicycle Ballet is a spectacular dance performance on bicycles, which explores the highs and lows of city cycling. The choreographies fuse dance, circus and physical theatre with visual spectacle, comedy and striking soundtracks, with 100 local people dancing and cycling between set formations reminiscent of a Busby Berkeley film.

This mass participatory show in Hadleigh is being achieved through a partnership between KP Projects, Bicycle Ballet, Arts Council England and Essex County Council’s 2012 Legacy and Arts Development teams.

For more information on Bicycle Ballet visit www.bicycleballet.co.uk

Further rehearsals will take place on :

• 24th June - 1st full day of rehearsals with the Chorus, rehearsal directors and choreographe
• 28th July - 2nd full day with the Chorus
• 6 weekly sessions with the Chorus, last session on 4th August, Mass group x 2 hrs, then run through/dress rehearsal, 11-4pm
• 5th August - run through and 2 performances

To register your interest and sign up to take part click here>>