Dance City is delighted to announce that two of the North East’s leading Dance Companies have been selected to perform at this year’s prestigious British Dance Edition (BDE) showcase event taking place in Edinburgh from 30 January – 2 February 2014.

BDE is the UK dance industry’s leading showcase event, profiling the very best of British dance to visitors from across the globe. The bi-annual event is an initiative of the UK’s National Dance Network. Primarily a trade event, BDE is designed to stimulate and support connections between artists, promoters and producers from across the world.

North East-based Southpaw Dance Company and MYSTERYSKIN have both been confirmed in this year’s line up. They will perform among the country’s leading dance artists to an audience of international dance professionals. Both are current ‘Choreographic Associate Artists’ at Dance City, receiving professional and creative development and support to raise their profile.

Anthony Baker, Dance City Artistic Director said: “We are extremely proud that two companies from our region have been selected for this high profile event. This is a real win for the region, a fantastic vote of confidence for the companies and the quality of their work and a real accolade for Dance City, which plays a key role in nurturing and developing a thriving dance ecology in Newcastle and the wider North East region and supporting companies such as these to reach their full potential. Having two companies be part of this important international event really puts North East dance on the map.”

Robby Graham, Choreographer and Director of Southpaw Dance Company said: – “This is a great opportunity for us. We are a relatively new company and this is a fantastic showcase to be part of.”

Roberta Jean, founder and Director of MYSTERYSKIN said: – “We are thrilled to be performing at BDE. It offers fantastic exposure of our work to leading dance professionals from all round the world.”

The public can see both companies perform their new pieces at Dance City as part of the spring season.

Southpaw Dance Company are performing Riots & Men on a Mission at Dance City on Saturday 8 February, 8pm. Tickets are priced £12 (£8 concessions, £6 students).

Roberta Jean | MYSTERYSKIN are performing Road Postures as part of a double bill with Joelene English’s February 11^th 1963 at Dance City on Thursday 24 April, 7.30pm. Tickets are priced £5 as part of Dance City’s ‘Discover dance offer’.