London Borough of Culture gets off to a flying start with all-day dance extravaganza Strictly Wandsworth

Two-time Strictly Professional Champ Oti Mabuse hosted a crowd of 3000 people from Wandsworth and beyond, for a celebration of dance and movement in the borough.

Strictly Wandsworth was filled with show-stopping performances, including the biggest dance spectacle Wandsworth has ever seen, bringing together 150 dancers from 20 local organisations.

The mass dance centrepiece for the day was created by Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE, (London 2012 Olympic Games, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant, and Manchester International Festival) and featured groups including Tavaziva Dance, London Children’s Ballet and Royal Academy of Dance. Choreographer Patience J, (Strictly Come Dancing and X Factor), collaborated with Jeanefer Jean-Charles and Jenna Lee to create a fun, dynamic dance for everyone. Bursting with energy and powered by the irresistible rhythms of Afrobeats by composer DJ Walde, this routine was made for all to enjoy and join in.

After the main show there was a classic DJ set from Gok Wan and over in the Big Pink Silent Disco there were dance battle sessions and interactive dance performances and tutorials for all ages.

The programme of events also included:

Let’s All Dance Ballet Company performing magical ballet showcase featuring excerpts from Cinderella, The Princess and the Frog and Alice in Wonderland. Perfect for tiny dancers!

Colour, costumes and high-energy dance in a dazzling showcase of Bollywood dance, presented by the sensational Naz Choudhury and Boly Flex.

Guests were transported to 1920’s Harlem with a jazz, tap and swing performance from the Lindy Hop Dance Co, and everyone saddled up to line dance with The Country Roses and witnessed the thrill of break-dance battles with Breakforce.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ‘Today’s event in Battersea Park was a spectacular way to start Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to take part. London Borough of Culture plays an important role in providing positive opportunities for young people, boosting the local economy and uniting communities. It promises to be an inspiring year ahead for Wandsworth, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”

Cllr Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council and Lead Member for Culture said: ‘Strictly Wandsworth was everything we hoped it would be, joyful, bold, and brilliantly Wandsworth. From ballet to Bollywood, breakdancing to line dancing, today was a true celebration of our borough’s incredible diversity and creative spirit. It was amazing to see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together, dancing side by side, and kicking off our year as London Borough of Culture with such energy and pride. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to show the world what Wandsworth can do.’

Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “Dance has the power to unite and inspire, and it was fantastic to see hundreds of people filling Battersea Park for a day packed full of show-stopping performances and activities. We created London Borough of Culture to shine a light on local talent, and Strictly Wandsworth showed exactly how culture can bring us together. I look forward to seeing how Wandsworth continues to inspire local people and the next generation, because culture is what makes London such a great city.”

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