Hartlepool friends make a splash at festival aqua workshop

Heidi Day and Jessie Laking, both aged 11, attended the two-hour water-based dance workshop run by Balbir Singh Dance Company in conjunction with a show called ‘Synchronised’ which will open this year’s festival on August 13.

The workshops were open to people of all ages with varied dance and swimming abilities and aims to give participants the chance to get involved with the festival by learning a section of the performance and become a member of the cast alongside the professional dancers and swimmers.

The two workshops offered people the chance to experience contemporary movement, classical Indian dance and water-based activities.

Synchronised is described as a stunning one-off show that will offer audiences a dance, synchronised swimming and live music.

The dance workshops give young people a valuable window into international cultures and customs that would normally only be available from a text book.

Heidi Day, said: “I loved pretending to be a sea serpent wriggling around in the water.

“It was really great fun as I enjoy both dancing and swimming.

“I’d like to do it again, especially as a member of the Synchronised cast!”

The show will take place on August 13 at the Billingham Forum from 5.30pm and is part of the festival which will run until August 20. For tickets visit: www.billinghamfestival.co.uk