THE BIG DANCE 2008 | 12 July | London's Trafalgar Square
How do I learn the dance?
Watch the dance with the 3 dancers, don't try to learn it just watch how the dance works, see how a large part of the dance is repeated and see how in the beginning, middle and end sections the timings differ between each group.
Remember in the middle of the dance is the freestyle section and are not moves you have to learn.
Watch the solo dancer from your colour zone so you can concentrate on the moves you need to learn, however do not learn the freestyle section!
Watch and learn with the slow dance clip. THERE IS NO MUSIC for this just the moves!
As you get used to the dance try it with the music and with the 3 dancers clip so you get used to dancing with the other groups.
Try to do the dance each day, it only takes 5 minutes and will make a big difference, it will start to be much easier and your stamina will increase!
What time should I arrive on the day?
Although the dance will be performed at 5pm its important that everyone arrives earlier to register, find a place, meet their dance captain and warm up. This will all be part of the fun.
Blue zone - arrive at 3pm
Yellow zone - arrive at 3.30pm
Red zone - arrive at 4pm
Can I download just the music?
Yes, so you can practice the dance anywhere! Visit the relevant colour page in the Warm Up area where you will find a link to download the music.
Can anyone do this dance?
The dance is open to everyone however children under the age of 12 need to be accompanied by an adult who will dance with them.
How much room will I have?
Each dancer will have an area so they can stretch their arms out to the side. This is roughly a 3x3 spot.
What do I wear?
On the day please wear as much of your 'colour' as you can. If you're in the RED ZONE try to find anything RED a hat, T-shirt, skirt, shorts, etc. Wear trainers or flat shoes and no jewellery as it could get caught as you dance.
What happens if its raining?
Nothing is going to stop the dance. Ideally, wear waterproof or a coat with a hood as dancing with umbrellas can be dangerous. (Unless you're Gene Kelly!)
Will the dance leader be dancing in front of us as our mirror-image on the day?
All the dancers and dance captains will face the same way - so there will be plenty of people to follow - you will be standing behind them and they will be dancing the same direction as you. Also the lead dancers from the video you have been learning from will be right at the front - they will be raised up and dancing as your mirror! So hopefully you will have plenty of prompting if you need it!
What can I do in the freestyle section?
The freestyle section is up to you so please keep it 'free' and don't rule anything out, however there are 2 rules:
1. Do not include any acrobatics or moves that could be dangerous for your self or those around you.
2. Do not dance away from your spot. The spot you start the dance in is the spot you need to stay in and finish in.
When is the freestyle section?
For each group there is a strong cue in the music, it is a 'YEAH!'. Yellow group start on the 1st then Blue and finally Red on the 3rd. It ends when the music almost stops.
What do I need to bring?
AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE - Just turn up knowing the dance.
There are no cloakroom facilities and we don't want people tripping over bags.
You should however bring water and sun lotion if it's hot. If you need to bring a bag keep it small as you will have to dance with it.
A note from the organisers
While the Event Organisers will do everything in their power to make this a safe event, people are participating at their own risk and the organisers cannot be held liable for injury, loss or damage caused or sustained as a result of participation in the event. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to participate please ensure that you seek your doctors approval before the event. If at any time during the event you feel physically unwell you need to stop immediately and ask a steward to direct you to the first aid facilities on site. Please make sure you bring water in case of dyhydration and sun lotion if the weather is hot. If you are under 18 please make sure that you have your permission from your parents or guardian to participate in this event.
We hope that you will have an enjoyable experience and look forward to seeing you on July 12th,
The Greater London Authority and C&L Partners Limited.
