AN ICONIC Worcester city centre building is set to be used as a pop-up dance and art space.

The Old Fire Station will be a short-term home for Dancefest, a Worcester-based dance organisation with over thirty years of experience.

The dance organisation has been awarded investment for the pop-up space for the next three months by Dance Hub Birmingham’s Investment Programme.

The programme aims to support a diverse range of projects in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Kitty Ross, director of Dancefest, says: “This is a fantastic and incredibly exciting opportunity for Dancefest, building on our 30-year history in the region, allowing us to reach new audiences and interact with the city in new ways.

"We are very grateful for the support of Dance Hub Birmingham whose investment will allow us to experiment, test ideas, develop new partnerships and shape our future.”  

This is a trial which will give Dancefest the chance to explore ideas and consider the feasibility of a permanent dance space in the city centre.  

There will be a mix of dance classes, performances and workshops for all ages, with Dancefest also inviting regional artists to use the space for the creation of new work.

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Ben Roberts, director of Guthrie Roberts Ltd, who manages The Old Fire Station, said: "GRL is delighted that Dancefest has chosen to use this unique and historic space, and hope that the location helps to attract the support and attention they deserve.”   

Dancefest will be collaborating with choreographer Robby Graham, artistic director of Southpaw Dance Company, and with local community dancers, to create a special after-dark outdoor dance performance using light and projection. 

The organisation will also be inviting anyone to visit the space and to look out for taster sessions, open days and events.

Dancefest is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and also receives funding from Worcester Municipal Charities. 

To find out more about Dancefest, you can visit dancefest.co.uk.

The building, on Copenhagen Street, used to house the city's fire station.