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Scottish Ballet: Run for It by Martin Lawrance
National Dance Company Wales: Dream by Christopher Bruce
English National Ballet: And the Earth shall Bear Again by Itzik Galili

Download the press release:  Dance GB press release (37 kB)

During June and July 2012 the UK's three national dance companies, English National Ballet, Scottish Ballet and National Dance Company Wales, performed together for the first time in a thrilling programme featuring three specially commissioned works from leading contemporary choreographers.

Performed by Scottish Ballet, Martin Lawrance's Run For It is a high energy work inspired by the power of Olympic athletes. This dynamic piece is set to the propulsive rhythms of John Adams' Son of Chamber Symphony and features a striking sculptural installation created by Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Boyce.

With sly musical references to Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean's sensational 1984 Sarajevo Olympics win, Christopher Bruce's Dream is a heartfelt tribute to sporting bravado and a tongue-in-cheek celebration of this event. Bruce's witty and powerful piece danced by National Dance Company Wales weaves together both the London 2012 Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in a unique piece celebrating the physical movement.

The grand finale is provided by Itzik Galili's And the Earth Shall Bear Again danced by English National Ballet. Inspired by John Cage's prepared music for piano, Galili's piece attempts to turn Cage's rich and versatile music into an extraordinary but accessible piece of dance. "The title sounds epic and enigmatic", says Galili, "2012 is a year of many beginnings, with potential for new world records. To me, it's like the earth having its birth again."

Screened with the performances is Dancing Parallel, an awe-inspiring film by Nic Sandiland featuring 60 young dancers from London, Cardiff and Aberdeen on a journey through classical ballet, contemporary dance and the thrilling agility and speed of parkour.

About the project

Scottish Ballet, National Dance Company Wales and English National Ballet joined forces for the first time in a ground-breaking national celebration of dance inspired by the 2012 London Olympics and the coming together of the British nations for Team GB.

Dance GB was a unique opportunity to see three national companies perform specially commissioned work by international choreographers, each piece celebrating the breathtaking power and athleticism of these incredible dancers.

Part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.