MDI to take over Anfield with Big Dance event
On Sunday July 13, Merseyside Dance Initiative will be staging one of their biggest events ever. We Are the City will "represent the rich tapestry of Liverpool people", according to the organisation, as they plan to top off a summer of dance events. We Are the City will aim to celebrate the local community, engaging with local groups, crafts, associations and societies - the people who have made the city the vibrant cultural hub that it is today. A part of Big Dance 2014, this is the latest Moving Dance Forward project - which seeks imaginative projects to create a new vision for dance in the North West, and will include hundreds of members of the community forming a 'moving installation'. This parade-style event starts on Anfield Road at 1.30pm and participants will make their way along the length of the road to meet in Stanley Park. Groups already signed up include bee keepers, urban farmers, knitters, ballroom dancers, bikers, Anfield community arts groups and the fire brigade. Karen Gallagher, artistic director of MDI said: “Big Dance 2014 is a great opportunity to shine a light on some wonderful dance works being created around the country and MDI are really excited to be creating something truly different that captures Liverpool and the people who live and work in it.” MDI have invited renowned Austrian artist Willi Dorner (pictured) to create the piece. With the help of local dancers and choreographers, he will choreograph individual groups and put them together to construct a mass participation event culminating in a professional choreographed procession. Besides his international touring dance performances, Dorner is keen on creating events that give the audience the opportunity for new experiences, insights and a different perception of everyday life. His interdisciplinary works are developed in cooperation with artists and scientists of different fields. Willi Dorner said: “In the parade I give people a face, those who provide daily services that we take for granted. I want them to receive attention and recognition. They are an important part of city life and deserve to be appreciated in what they contribute to a community. I see the parade as a political statement taking place in an area that needs the attention of a wider public. I invite all the residents to celebrate with us.” There is already a huge collection of local groups signed up to be involved and MDI are excited for everyone to see the results of all their hard work and commitment to their community. They say: "This free event will bring Anfield alive, instilling a sense of community spirit for all to witness and enjoy".
