Throw some shapes at Rotherham's Dance Central

THE HUNT is on for smooth movers to take part in a town centre dance competition.

Rotherham is set to host Dance Central 2010–with prizes up for grabs for the best dancers.

Whether you have a flair for street dance, salsa, line dancing, ballet or tap, people of all ages and all abilities are being invited to take part.

The event has been organised by Rotherham Open Arts Renaissance (ROAR) and will take place from 11am on July 24 in All Saint’s Square.

Karen Sherwood, chief executive of ROAR, said: “This is a great opportunity for people who love to dance to show off their skills.

Huge success

“There are prizes for those who are judged to be the best dancers and we are looking for as many competitors as possible to get involved.

“We are also hoping for lots of people to come along and support our dancers and to help to make this event a huge success. 

“Anyone who would like to enter the competition should register their interest as soon as possible.”

The competition is free to enter and prizes include £200 to spend on dance wear at dance shop Dance Fever and a Flip video camera for winners of each category.

Judges will include professional dancers and dance instructors from ROAR and entrants will be judged in individuals, couples and group categories.

The only entry criteria is that you are a non-professional dancer or group.

Dance Central will run throughout the day with the Mayor of Rotherham Cllr Rose McNeely, on hand to open the event.

This will be followed by a performance of the One Town One Community and the Shiny Rotherham People songs performed by Rotherham singer Steph Little and representatives from community and youth groups.

Rotherham's very own stars of Britain’s Got Talent ICE will also perform routines at the event.

Healthy eating stalls will be set up around the event and the team from Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food will serve up treats.

“The great thing about dance is that all ages and abilities can get involved and it really does help to bring people together as one town one community,” added

Karen. “We hope this event will inspire even more local people to take up dance.”

Rotherham Open Arts Renaissance (ROAR) was established in 2005 by a group of professional artists to promote art in Rotherham.

The event has been supported by One Town One Community, the borough council initiative which promotes communities working together.

Participants must register by July 12.

To register or for more information contact Karen Sherwood on 01709 369 435, email [email protected] or visit www.dance-central.org.uk.

 

 

If you can't dance, SING

ROTHERHAM singer-songwriter Steph Little and the Rotherham Diversity and Cultural Group are appealing for as many people as possible to join in the One Town One Community song at the start of the Dance Central.

Steph and a group of children from Rawmarsh first performed the song at the Diversity Festival last year and since then, many young people and community groups have added their own verses to the tune.

Steph Little said: “We have so many talented singers and musicians in Rotherham and we would like as many people as possible to come along and take part in singing and performing the song.

“It's a beautiful, upbeat song, with a tune that is really easy for everyone of all ages to learn.  

“It is also a song that has special meaning with all different age groups, cultures and faiths, which is why we are inviting anyone within the local community to write their own verse that can be added to the song too. 

“We are so excited about the performance at the Dance Central event and to show just what it means to be part of one community here in Rotherham.”

Steph worked with young people in Rawmarsh to create the original song, which was supported by Open Minds Theatre Company and has since been professionally recorded.  

The song is based on the theme of everyone living in peace and harmony together as part of One Town One Community-a scheme to promote cohesion.

The song was the brainchild of the Rotherham Diversity and Cultural Group, who stage the Diversity Festival at Rotherham Show as well as other events throughout the year.

Cllr Mahroof Hussain, Cabinet member for communities and involvement, said: “Music helps to break down barriers and boundaries and having a song for One Town One Community is a great way to celebrate social cohesion in Rotherham. 

“We really do want as many people as possible to get involved and this is the perfect opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together, unite and share a voice.”

Anyone interested in getting involved in this year’s festival should contact the group on 01709 720744 or e-mail via com [email protected]

Can you add a verse to the lyrics?

THE TEAM behind the One Face, One Place, One Town, One Community song are throwing down a challenge for the people of Rotherham to add a verse to the song.

Anyone who would like to write their own verse for the song should contact Steph Little on 07724 475175.   

Let's celebrate today being shiny and new

One face , One place, One town, One Community

Let's free ourselves from yesterday's sorrows

Looking forward to brighter tomorrows

One face, One place, One town, One Community

We are the young

We are the old

We are the ones in the middle I'm told

One face , One place, One town, One Community

Rotherham 's got the bestest faces

With all the multicultural races

One face , One place, One town, One Community

We are unique

With a variety of languages

Spices and all

Only here to make you walk tall

One face , One place, One town, One Community

Unity gives us strength

Lets grow together it's our town

It's our community

One face , One place, One town, One Community

It belongs to us all even if you are only small

Let your inner beauty shine out, Shine out

One face , One place, One town, One Community

A recording of the music can be found here on the borough council website.

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