Dance South West

Choreographed shadows of dancers and elite sport athletes appear to leap, jump, spin, dive off and run up urban sites across the cities of Plymouth, Bristol and Swindon. Diver Tom Daley was one of the sporting elite who had been filmed for this dance and film project for the Cultural Olympiad.

Commissioned by Dance South West, film maker Peter Anderson and choreographer Jules Laville created this film and live performance event specifically for the Big Screen and Live Sites across the South West.

With an audience of well over 400, On Your Marks premiered in Plymouth in September with two further performances in Bristol and Swindon attracted audiences in excess of 300 each. Six professional dancers performed against the backdrop of the specially commissioned film. The dancers were joined by a total of 57 young dancers from the local area for the grand finale of the piece.

‘By creating this outdoor performance we were able to offer hundreds of people who may not normally get the chance to see dance the opportunity to enjoy these free performances that appealed to all sorts of people, helping to meet the Arts Council’s ambition to make great art available for everyone’.

Sarah Cobley, Regional Strategic Director for Dance South West.

On Your Marks was also granted the prestigious Inspire Mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire Programme which recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

‘We want to use the power of the Games to inspire change. The Inspire programme is recognising the work our partners all round the UK are doing to help us achieve this vision now – three years out from the start of the Games. I congratulate everyone involved in On Your Marks for securing the Inspire mark and wish you every success with your work.’

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

The project was a huge success in terms of raising the profile of dance in the South West attracting TV coverage, and national recognition from The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) who screened the film to The International Olympic Committee (IOC) during their latest Coordination Commission visit.

‘Sincere thanks to everyone who pulled off the most amazing double performance in Plymouth. Seeing the finished film with the live performance made me very proud to have been involved. And seeing it all again in the 360 arena was breathtaking’

Kevin Heathorn, Producer BBC Big Screen

The project was supported by Arts Council England South West and produced by Dance South West working in partnership with BBC Big Screens, Swindon Dance and Bristol City Council.

 

Film Maker: Peter Anderson

Choreographer: Jules Laville

Sound Artist: Luke Robinson

Camera & Editor: Hamish Anderson

Dancers: Clare Billington, Kim Clarke, Elly Crowther, Toby Gorniack, Kerri Jackson & Eric Koky

 

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