A celebration of black dance

8:52pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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AUDIENCES will be swaying to unique sounds when a special festival arrives in town.

The Big Mission Festival takes place this week and will celebrate the new face of Black British Dance.

The festival is a significant part of State of Emergency's Mission Programme, which supports and develops black choreographers and dancers.

The three-day event, which starts tomorrow and runs until Saturday, will raise the profile and work of black choreographers.

Former athlete and television presenter Colin Jack-son will be opening the festival. He will talk about his career and the importance of sport and fitness.

Colin and Erin Boag, his dance partner from BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, will also perform their dance routine.

Marie McCluskey, director of Swindon Dance, said: "We are really delighted to be working with Deborah Badoo's State of Emergency. It is a great opportunity for us to be involved in this unique event, celebrating not only black dance but also cultural diversity as well.

"We are also working in partnership with the Wyvern, the council and ICIA Bath and the Association of Dance of the African Diaspora (ADAD).

"It's a chance for the people of Swindon to get involved in some extraordinary forms of dance and theatre. We have the George Momboye Dance Company from Paris and Germaul Barnes from New York performing and holding workshops as well.

"It will be great. Swindon Dance has always been passionate about the area of diversity and it's brilliant that we have this chance to be a part of this festival."

The main focus of the festival will be cultural diversity and, as well as performances, there will be a whole host of open workshops for people to try out.

Marie said: "This is the first time we've hosted something like these so a lot of hard work has gone into it. We really want to raise awareness about the genre and hope people will come out and support what we are doing."

For more information about the festival visit www.stateofemergencyltd.com and for tickets and other details call 01793 524481.