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Chance to Dance at Landmark North East Event

 

Screen Shot 2015-06-05 at 10.37.12Dancers from across South Tyneside are being given the chance to appear at one of this year’s biggest events.

South Tyneside Council and designer Paul Shriek are searching for 16 young dancers to take part in the South Tyneside Festival 2015.

Open auditions are being held at the Customs House, South Shields at 10am on Sunday June 14, with applications being welcomed from anyone aged 13 or above and living within the South Tyneside, Sunderland and Washington areas.

Successful applicants will work alongside internationally renowned choreographer, Phil Williams, to prepare for the festival’s spectacular Alice in Wonderland-themed Summer Parade, which takes to the streets of South Shields on Saturday July 4.

There they’ll be tasked with accompanying the Queen of Hearts, portrayed by acclaimed singer Jayne McKenzie, and joining her on stage at Bents Park, where she’ll perform a host of classic Kylie tracks.

The South Tyneside Festival Summer Parade, which is celebrating 150 years since the publication of Alice in Wonderland, is expected to involve more than 2000 people, including community groups, musicians and costumed characters.

Those auditioning to be one of the Queen of Hearts backing dancers must commit to rehearsals in the early evening during June and be available all day on Saturday July 4 to take part.

Paul Shriek, Artistic Director for the South Tyneside Festival Summer Parade, said: “This is a great opportunity for aspiring and experienced dancers to showcase their talents and be a part of one of the North East’s biggest ever events.

“They’ll also receive expert tuition from Phil Williams, who is highly respected in the international dance world, so it promises to be an amazing learning experience as well as a lot of fun.”

The South Tyneside Festival Summer Parade, sponsored by Careline Lifestyles, forms part of the wider South Tyneside Festival, which is offering free music and entertainment for all ages from June until the end of August.

Other highlights in this year’s event, organised by South Tyneside Council, include headline performances by 5ive, Sophie Ells Bextor and The Feeling, as well as Billy Ocean and North East stars Collabro, Joe McElderry and Lola Saunders.

There will also be live music at the open air amphitheatre during June, weekly brass band performances throughout June, July and August, Kids Fun Fest children parties from July 18 to August 20 and Harton Quays Park Craft Markets on the firstSunday of the month from June to September.

Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “The South Tyneside Festival Summer Parade is going to be a feast for the senses and we are thrilled that so many members of the community are already taking part.

“This open audition is an ideal opportunity for more dancers to get involved and to take their chance to shine on the iconic Bents Park stage.”

For more information and full listings for the South Tyneside Festival 2015 go to www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk search for South Tyneside Events on Facebook, follow STynesideEvents on Twitter or call the South Tyneside Visitor Information Centre on 0191 424 7788.

By admin