The Place

Taste The Place will see over 1500 participants taking part in 50 sessions covering a huge range of dance styles: from morris dancing and body percussion to ballet and contemporary technique at The Place’s state-of-the-art central London studios.

The Place, which first opened its doors in September 1969, is widely recognised as the driving force behind the development of contemporary dance in Britain.  Alongside supporting and developing the careers of dance luminaries like Richard Alston, Wayne McGregor and Hofesh Shechter, The Place throughout its history has offered open access dance classes for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy dance. Each year, over 30,000 people attend these dance classes at The Place.

Taste The Place begins on Friday 11 September with a series of hip-hop themed classes led by Zoo Nation, Lil Tim from Jonzi D Productions and Marso from Company Decalage.  For dancers aged 12 and over, the Urban Spice night ends with a party hosted by Jonzi D and featuring freestyle demos by some of the UK’s leading hip-hop and break dance artists and music from DJ TJ . 

Global Flavours, open sessions for dancers 18 and over, will also run on Friday night.  With classes including Egyptian, African, Indian, Capoeira and Latin ballroom dance, Global Flavours will take participants on a tour of dance from around the world.  For the evening’s attendees, Brazilian band Trio do Mangue offer a chance to try out their new moves and to watch the pros in action during a Latin flavoured dance party.

The schedule for Saturday 12 September features special sessions dedicated to families.  There is a ‘dads and lads’ class for fathers and sons, while ‘dance games’ integrate physical learning and dance technique.  In addition to contemporary, jazz and ballet for beginners and dancers with some experience, there is also a contemporary class for the over 60s and an integrated class for disabled and non-disabled dancers led by Cando2.  Bollywood and African classes offer a taste of the diverse styles of dance now popular in the UK, while waltz, Baroque, morris and clog dancing celebrate some of Britain’s rich dance traditions.  Pilates, Tai Chi and Feldenkrais sessions give the opportunity to focus on healthy living, and composition, body percussion and improvisation classes provide a chance to be creative.

Saturday’s activities continue with a studio jam at 5pm, where all ages and levels of experience are welcome to enjoy the music and join in with dance improvisation.  The weekend culminates in a barn dance for everyone involved at 6pm.  Additional activities, including design and costume workshops, a children’s treasure trail and an open rehearsal with Richard Alston Dance Company, can fill gaps between sessions and give participants the chance to learn more about dance and The Place.
All of the taster sessions, which last 50 minutes each, are completely free and open to all. Recommended age guidelines are provided, and for most sessions no previous dance experience is required. Bookings are being taken on a first-come-first served basis, maximum three sessions per person, by calling 020 7121 1100; you can also make a ‘lucky dip’ selection of up to three sessions online at www.theplace.org.uk/taste, or turn up on the day to drop-in and try out a new dance style.

Details of the full programme, plus advice on what to wear and other frequently asked questions, can be found at www.theplace.org.uk/taste

For media enquiries, contact Tim Wood on 020 7121 1021 /

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Taste The Place
a weekend of free dance taster sessions
Fri 11 & Sat 12 September 2009
The Place, 16 Flaxman Terrace, London WC1H 9AT
www.theplace.org.uk/taste     020 7121 1100

Fri 11 September 6 – 10.30pm        
Urban Spice
free street dance taster sessions for adults and children 12+ with Zoo Nation, Lil Tim and Marso

Fri 11 September  7- 11.30pm   
Global Flavours
free tastes of classical, contemporary and ballroom dance from around the world for adults

Sat 12 September  10am – 7.30pm   
Taste The Place
a full day’s menu of free dance taster sessions for adults and children of all ages, together with a help-yourself buffet of other dance activity, concluding with a barn dance (6pm)