Talented dancers have been chosen to for the stage in a professional show. 

Six older dancers from local dance company Grace and Growl will perform in Launch Day at Bridport Arts Centre tomorrow night.  

The opportunity came after Launch Day needed dancers from the community to fill out the stage and to play working men in the production inspired by the paintings of regionally-based artist Alexander Millar. It is a celebration of the North East in all its industrial glory.

Choreographer Kristin Kelly Abbott said: “I am so excited to tour Launch Day nationally. Our community participation programme is so important, enabling us to interact with local people, to show them that dance theatre is accessible and that you will be entertained if you come and see this show. Working with groups like Grace and Growl means that we can stay true to the themes of this show - that whole sense of community, the working man, the camaraderie of the work force, when everyone rallies round for the cause – that’s what we want to depict.” 

Speaking after rehearsals, Deborah Winstone said: “I really loved the background and art that Kristen shared with us explaining how Launch evolved, her passion for the work was inspirational."

Kristin Kelly Abbott has choreographed a very vibrant muscular show using mostly male dancers to tell the story which was inspired by the paintings of Millar.

Using exciting and powerful movement, she has created a production with a soundtrack featuring music by Mark Knopfler, who said: “It’s always exciting when individual pieces of creative work come together to make something else. This project with Kristin’s dancers is inspired by painting and song and I’m delighted that some of my music is a part of it.”

Launch Day brings to life Millar’s iconic characters - British shipyard workers socially and at work. Kristin Kelly Abbott has also included a dance for the community members involving three women dancing with the professionals, including lifts.

Margie Barbour of Grace and Growl said: “I am torn between delight at being on stage with the dancers, and being incredibly nervous. Learning so many steps in a short time was challenging, never mind knowing a dancer will have to lift me as well.”

Kristin Kelly Abbott added: “'The dancers from Grace and Growl are inspirational, mature dancers doing what they love to do, expressing themselves creatively and physically - it  is wonderful and uplifting to work with them and to have them as part of this show'

Launch Day celebrates the rich culture of the North East, past and present.

Tickets are available from the box office 01308 424204 or on line:  www.bridport-arts.com