World In A Weekend 2021

‘World in a Weekend’ – 13th -15th August 2021

Let’s all get back to enjoying live dance this summer with ‘World in a Weekend – North East’ from Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance.

Due to COVID-19 International travel restrictions, it isn’t possible for performers from accross the globe to make it to Billingham, however, you can still prepare to be dazzled as an international line-up of UK-based performers from Colombia, The Philippines, Japan, India, Iran, Ireland and Scotland celebrate their unique cultures and dance styles.

Dance and Music Companies

COLOMBIA – Talentos Dance School, London

PHILIPPINES – Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company

JAPAN – ‘DON!’ Taiko Drummers

GEORGIA – ‘Kartveli’

IRELAND – Absolutely Legless Irish Dancers

SCOTLAND – Discovery Highland Dancers

Balbir Singh Dance Company

Eliot Smith Dance Company

Bobak Champion

Kathryn O’Donnell – World Story-teller

Community participants:

Tapshoes & Tutus

Billingham Ice Skaters

Festival Programme

FREE taster informal performances in Billingham Town Centre

Friday, 13th August

1 pm – Colombia

2 pm – Philippines

Saturday, 14th August

1 pm – Billingham Festival Parade

4 pm – Japanese Taiko Drummers

Sunday, 15th August

4 pm – Scotland and Japanese Taiko Drummers

Forum Theatre – Billingham

Friday, 13th August, 7.30 pm – ‘The Two Fridas’

‘The Two Fridas’ is a beautiful dance, music and theatre performance, a rediscovery of the lives and works of two incredible female artists Frida Kahlo (Mexico) and Amrita Sher-Gil (Hungary/India), exploring identity, home and relationships.

Family friendly performance

‘The Two Fridas’ is presented by Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance in collaboration with Balbir Singh Dance Company.

Funded by Arts Council England.

Saturday, 14th August, 2 pm – ‘The Magic Bed’ Family Show

Step into a magical world of Rajahs, talking tigers, demons, mystics, and mayhem as our handsome Prince embarks on a quest bestowed to him by a grateful ant-king. As he journeys across mountain ranges and kingdoms in search of the Princess Lalun, whose beauty shines like a beacon across the land, he finds many obstacles in his way. Will our prince ever complete the trials of Rajah Afzal to win the hand of his precious daughter Lalun?

Family show featuring Balbir Singh Dance Company (India), Talentos (Colombia), LK Dance Company (Philippines), Absolutely Legless (Ireland), Don Japanese Taiko Drummers and Kartveli (Georgia)

Sunday, 15th August, 2 pm – ‘The Man without a Heart’ Family Show

Can you imagine being separated from your heart? When six orphan brothers go out in the world in search of wives, they are met by a strange, lonely old man who appears helpful but has other things on his mind. Join our brave youth as he journeys around the world to capture the old man’s heart in order to rescue his brothers. Nothing is as it seems in this Scottish Tale, including an unexpected twist at the end! Enjoy this unusual saga, brought to life by magical music, dynamic dance and superb storytelling. Love, magic, revenge and excitement – this performance has it all!

Family show featuring Discovery Highland Dancers (Scotland), Talentos (Colombia), LK Dance Company (Philippines), Balbir Singh Dance Company (India), Don Japanese Taiko Drummers and Kartveli (Geoorgia).

Saturday, 14th August, 7.30 pm – ‘World in a Weekend’ Concert – Part 1

International Concert featuring:

Iranian Lullaby

Don Japanese Taiko Drummers

LK Dance Company (Philippines)

Absolutely Legless Irish Dancer

Kartveli (Georgia)

Talentos Dance Company (Colombia)

Balbir Singh Dance Company

Sunday, 15th August, 7.30 pm – ‘World in a Weekend’ – Part 2