Dancers limber up for mass event at Slessor Gardens.

Officials want as many people as possible to join in today as part of the Dundee 2023 bid.

Published 6th Oct 2017

Famous Dundee landmarks, and characters have inspired a dance, to be performed at an event in Slessor Gardens today as part of the city's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2023.

The routine features a unique set of Dundee dance steps referred to as the Law Hill, Sails of The Discovery, Waves of the Tay, Telescope from the Mills Observatory, Football Header, Dolphin, as well as moves inspired by the comical poses of Desperate Dan, Oor Wullie and Dennis the Menace.

The routine was developed by choreographer, Thomas Small, founder of Shaper/Caper dance company with support from Dundee Dance Partnership, Dundee & Angus College and The Space.

The moves are set to the official Dundee 2023 soundtrack, ‘Over Bridges’ featuring a local musicians like The View, Model Aeroplanes and St. Martins.

Thomas said: “We hope people will rise to the challenge and learn some of the moves online, then come along to meet us and practice with the professionals at Slessor Gardens on 7th October.

"It will be fun, energetic, and a great opportunity to show that Dundee loves dancing.

"Dundee’s dance halls were an important part of the community through to the 60’s. We want to bring that spirit back!".

He added: “As part of Dundee Dance Partnership we became aware of the huge effort the city is making to ensure Dundee is a leading contender to be European Capital of Culture in 2023 and we wanted to contribute with what we do best. Dancing!

"Listening to the official anthem gave us the ideas for the main movements like the Tay and we also wanted to feature other iconic locations like the Law, Discovery, and the Mills Observatory, and our much-loved comic characters of course.

"The dance routine was developed with the participation of the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance students.”

Anna Day, Bid Manager for Dundee 2023 said: “This is a brilliant initiative from the dance community in Dundee.

"We are thrilled they have stepped forward with this fantastic idea, which is something everyone can participate in.

"We will be filming the dance event and hope to show it as part of our official bid presentation to the judges at the end of the month.

"We would encourage as many people to get dancing and show their support for Dundee2023".

To learn the moves, follow the link: https://vimeo.com/235268564.