AN INNOVATIVE street dance performance took stage courtesy of Reimagine Redditch.
Parade – The Giant Wheel – is 12ft tall and is powered by six circus artists which travel high above the streets, accompanied by music and a large community cast of local performers.
Pupils from St George’s First School join in the dance. Picture by Marcus Mingins 3924010MMR5
The show, devised by touring company Autin Dance Theatre, is a metaphor for celebrating people’s different journeys whilst honouring our shared life struggles.
The performances, which wowed audiences today outside Redditch Town Hall, were accompanied by pupils from Saint George’s CE First School.
Over the course of two days, our children had the incredible opportunity to work with the Autin Dance Theatre Group, learning a specially choreographed routine that they performed in public.
Claire Martin, headteacher of St George’s CE First School, said: “This was part of a wonderful collaboration with Reimagine Redditch, aimed at bringing the community together and offering a positive experience for all.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our children.
“They performed their routines with such confidence in front of the audience.
“It was a unique and memorable experience that I know will stay with them for years to come.”
Pupils from St George’s First School enjoy the show. Picture by Marcus Mingins 3924010MMR3
The school children took part in workshops with Autin Dance Theatre in the weeks building up to the performance.
Johnny Autin, Autin Dance Theatre’s artistic director, said the group was thrilled to be bringing The Giant Wheel to the town and thanked Reimagine Redditch for making it happen and offering support.
Crowds gather under the canopies. Picture by Marcus Mingins 3924010MMR4
Creative director Angus MacKechnie added Parade was a carefully created outdoor performance which fused circus, dance, procession and engineering into a show that reached out to audiences, directly engaging with spectators.
“Crowds always love a parade and this is a very different ambulatory experience.”
