Aberdeen hosts Scotland’s first post-lockdown performance festival to the world

31/07/2020
Flash mob of young dancers at DanceLive 2019 (Drew Farrell)

AN Aberdeen charity is to host Scotland’s first performance festival since lock down – to a global audience.

Citymoves Dance Agency has unveiled plans to deliver DanceLive, a contemporary dance festival online and in real life from the Granite City

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The acclaimed dance event, now in its’ 15th year, is being presented in an all new format, part digital and part face to face, assuming that easing of restrictions role out per the Scottish Government briefing on July 30, using large venues, such as The Anatomy Rooms, and outdoor settings that allow adequate scope for safe social distancing.

DanceLive 2020 will be more accessible than ever before, and will be available to be streamed by dance lovers anywhere in the world.

The festival, which is supported by Aberdeen City Council and Creative Scotland, runs from October 15 to 18.

There will be input from dancers, performers, choreographers, creators, musicians and educators.

Carol Benzie, chief executive officer of Citymoves Dance Agency, said: “The absence of live events has seen the performance industry come up with creative solutions, and our DanceLive festival has been no different.

“We have devised a programme that can be enjoyed by local audiences attending events or those who want to take part by watching from their own homes.

“We’re proud to draw together local, national and international performers in this way for this our first hybrid festival. This will be the first live performance festival in Aberdeen since lockdown and one of the first in Scotland, and it has been a rewarding challenge overcoming the various obstacles to work out how to deliver the festival in this new format.”

Chris Foy, chief executive of VisitAberdeenshire says, “DanceLive has been a favourite on the city’s events calendar for some time, drawing the best performers from around the world.

“With so many challenges currently facing the performing arts, it’s great to see the dance festival back in a new format for 2020 and shining a light on Aberdeen.”

 

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