Dispel the last of the January blues with a vibrant immersion in contemporary dance and film, showcasing international dancers and local talent alike.

On Saturday, January 21 there are a pair of film events at Bridport Arts Centre combining feature-length portraits of international dancers and choreographers, 'Pina' and 'Dancer', with the chance to see short films on the big screen that capture the best of local dance talent of all ages.

'Celebrating Dance on Film' starts at 2.30pm with a screening of 'Pina' - Wim Wenders' portrait of legendary choreographer Pina Bausch - accompanied by short films from Bridport Youth Dance (BYD) as well as the mature dancers' company Grace & Growl. 

At 7.30pm there's the chance to see the feature 'Dancer', which charts the career of Ukrainian ballet star Sergei Polunin, and a second selection of shorts from BYD and Grace & Growl.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Anna Golding, Artistic Director of Grace & Growl, said: “It is thrilling to be sharing our 2022 film ‘Echo’ at this event in Bridport as this is our home ground and much of the filming was done in and around Bridport and nearby Charmouth beach and forest. There is nothing we love more than getting out into the wild spaces of West Dorset, to dance and set our imaginations free.”

Nikki Northover, the founder of Bridport Youth Dance, was also inspired by capturing performances in wild spaces. She said: “By moving my creative work to the great outdoors and celebrating our stunning local landscape, through movement and dance, I was also to a degree touching back to my childhood roots as my dad was an Eype farmer.

“At this turbulent time in our world I feel that reconnecting to nature, community and collaboration is necessary for us all. Dance, like being in nature, is good for our soul.”

At the 2.30pm screening Mayor Ian Bark will launch the ‘Bridport Young People’s Fringe’, a project that will link young peoples' events to each of the town's festivals throughout the year. 

Mayor Ian Bark said: “Bridport Young People's Fringe will give young people the chance to create, curate and perform across a wide range of media and bring their work to a real, wider audience.”

Tickets for Celebrating Dance on Film are available at Bridport Tourist Information Centre or at www.bridport-arts.com, pricing is £6 for adults, £5 for concessions, and £4 for students/Bridport Film Society members.  There are also a limited number of £3 tickets for Bridport Youth Dance students available in person from TIC.