Birmingham International Dance Festival (BIDF), produced by Birmingham-based DanceXchange returns to the city from 1 – 24 June 2018. Expect fantastic dance in the city’s theatres and a takeover of Birmingham’s streets and squares, with exciting free performances and opportunities to get dancing.
This festival will bring the best of international dance to the city and provide a platform for local talent to shine. BIDF celebrates Birmingham as a young, diverse city, a place where anything is possible, where the extraordinary happens in the most unexpected spaces.
10 Reasons why Birmingham International Dance Festival will be a highlight of your Summer.
- See some of the best international dance to Birmingham. Don’t miss Elements of Freestyle at the Birmingham Hippodrome on 14 June, as star performers around the world showcase their skills in breakdancing, inline skating, skateboarding, freerunning, BMX and even freestyle basketball. Click here for see more.
2. Celebrate local talent with Midlands Made, an exciting free programme of new and existing works all made by artists living and working in the Midlands in Victoria Square 4-8 June.
3. Get involved. On Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 June, join in the BIDF fun with Birmingham Dances, a series of workshops and performances including swing, Northern Soul, disco, urban fusion, bhangra and much more, finishing with a free epic ceilidh with Moseley Folk led by a live band. Whilst you’re enjoying Birmingham Dances, you can also try the amazing street food which will be on offer. Digbeth Dining Club will be there to provide the feast.
4. Expect the unexpected in the city centre with UK premieres of Air which sees four dancers perform in inflatable latex suits and Gravitas which explores gravity through a duet combining dance and acrobatics on an air floor mat (that’s special trampoline to me and you). Find these performances in and around Victoria Square on 9 & 10 June. Click here to see more.
5. If music’s your thing, Morning Gloryville, the original sober morning rave, makes it’s first visit to Birmingham opening the festival on 1 June at 7am. Expect an incredible headline DJ set from legendary Crazy P, plus support from local stars Leftfoot. Birmingham legends Hare and Hounds will also be providing the DJs for ten days of incredible music in Victoria Square. Click here for more.
6. For late-night party lovers, Fierce are harbouring some of the world’s Fiercest dance outlaws to whom no move is illegal. Club Fierce will be at on 23 June at Quantum Exhibition Centre from 10pm until late.
7. Dance is for everyone and every-body, proved by Candoco Dance Company, the renowned contemporary dance company for disabled and non-disabled performers, who present their latest critically acclaimed work at Midlands Arts Centre on 13 & 14 June. Click here to see more.
8. Technology enthusiasts can interact with virtual reality adventures, in a fun unforgettable, immersive experience VR_1 at the Patrick Studios from 1-4 June. A great experience to share with friends and family. Click here to see more.
9. As a world-class festival, BIDF will show the best in contemporary dance. Expect to be amazed by Atomos, a cutting-edge work by contemporary choreographer Wayne McGregor at the New Alexandra Theatre on 1-2 June for which you will need 3D glasses!Click here to see more
10. BIDF is dedicating a whole weekend to families. Based at the Midlands Art Centre, enjoy a host of performances and activities suitable for all ages. A highlight will be Kindur on 16 & 17 June, a magical digital interactive theatre experience for children aged 5+. Click here to see more
