Dance Umbrella is well underway and fittingly the skies caved in over the weekend but the diverse programme is making splashes of its own.
Amid the professional programme lies the obligatory nod to the Olympic Games. Overture 2012 is one for the kids and the Arts Council (increasing accessibility, participation: tick) but funded from a plethora of sources and donors. 120 young Londoners, some experiencing contemporary dance for the first time, are being whipped into shape by choreographer, Royston Maldoom, and will be performing at the Royal Albert Hall on the 1st and 2nd of November, accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra and Shostakovich's 10th Symphony. The plan is to make "a major statement about the impact dance can have on the lives of young people. An expression of youthfulness and humanity through dance and music".
We're not an entirely sceptical bunch - this could be 50 mins of jubilation, reminding us that children are indeed the future or we might be slack jawed, wide eyed at the commission. Either way, we feel it's a must-see as an indicator of cultural events to come in the lead up to our Olympic shebang.
You could find out for free as we have a pair of tickets to giveaway. All we ask is that, if you win, you spare us a few minutes afterwards to see what you thought, contributing to a review on Londonist. Simply fill in your details below and indicate which night you'd prefer to go, Sat 1st or Sun 2nd November.
The competition will close on Monday 13 October and the winner will be notified by email.OVERTURE 2012 will be performed on Sat 1 Nov 2008 @ 7.30pm and Sun 2 Nov 2008 @ 3pm at the Royal Albert Hall, London SW7. Dance Umbrella Tickets online or call 0844 412 4312. Tickets £5-35.
