GDance, National Trust and Ballet Cymru to create unique open-air performance

A pioneering dance performance will take place in Hidcote Manor Garden in Gloucestershire this summer in a groundbreaking new venture.

It will feature a cast of 14 professionals, including 3 disabled dancers, and 50 local dancers. 

The open-air work will be choreographed to fit the surroundings of the world-renowned National Trust property near Chipping Campden. The music will also be specially commissioned.

After its Cotswolds premiere, the show, called Stuck in the Mud, will go on tour to Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester, and to a National Trust property near Newport in Wales.  A European tour is envisaged in 2014.

The venture is made possible by a unique collaboration between the National Trust, Cheltenham Festivals, and two dance organisations that share a commitment to work with disabled dance artists: Ballet Cymru and GDance.

Choreographed by renowned disabled choreographer Marc Brew, the show will consist of an hour-long dance experience at Hidcote, performed from July 4-7.

It aims to reinforce positive impressions of the talents of disabled people, as evidenced in the 2012 Paralympics.

Marc has created dance all over the world. He was guest collaborator and media spokesperson for the London handover ceremony at the Beijing Olympics, and was hailed in Time Out magazine as ‘the best of the new breed of London’s rising dance talent’.

Local community dance groups and schools are being invited to apply to take part – more than 50 dancers are needed to back up the professionals.

(Click here to download information and application form to take part)

Stuck in the Mud is being financed by the National Trust, Arts Council England and Arts Council of Wales.

Lead partner is GDance, based in Colwell Road, Gloucester, which is internationally renowned for its work with dance and disability.

GDance Director Cath Wilkins said: “We came up with the idea of a collaboration with Ballet Cymru and the National Trust two years ago and pitched for support funding from Arts Council England last year.

“It’s fantastic that it’s finally happening. Bringing together Ballet Cymru dancers with highly talented disabled performers and a range of local dance and musical talent in a stunning National Trust setting is a recipe for a truly inspiring audience experience.”

Property Manager at Hidcote, Mike Beeston, added: “At Hidcote we have shared in some wonderful experiences with GDance in partnership with local schools and communities. It’s fantastic to see how the garden can inspire the creative arts and engage younger members of our community. Our partnership with GDance is very special to us and we are really looking forward to this summer’s performances.”

Artistic Director of Ballet Cymru Darius James said: “Ballet Cymru is committed to breaking down boundaries and making ballet more accessible. Working again with choreographer Marc Brew will be a wonderful opportunity for our dancers and it has long been a goal to work more closely with GDance. Add to that the collaboration with The National Trust and I cannot think of a more inspiring and innovative mix, I can’t wait!”

Director of Cheltenham Music Festival Meurig Bowen is commissioning music for the piece and sourcing musicians to join the team.

For more information, contact Helen Crocker, Producer, on 01452 550 431 or helen@gdance.co.uk.