Critical Mass opened BIDF 2022 - The UK's largest dance festival

Published on: Wednesday May 4, 2022

Birmingham International Dance Festival 2022 launches with world premiere from Critical Mass.

Did you know that Critical Mass opened BIDF 2022 with our WORLD PREMIERE of SENSE on the 17th June 2022 in Centenary Square? The UK’s largest dance festival took place from 17 June to 3 July 2022, and offered amazing dance in the city’s theatres and a take-over of Birmingham’s public spaces with three, FREE, outdoor weekends. SENSE followed a journey to discover true equality, sharing dancers sense of self. Devised by Critical Mass and Directed by Lead Artist Zoie Golding MBE in collaboration with:

Maiya Leeke (co – choreographer)
Wayne Sables (digital artist)
Duncan Grimley (composer)
Liam Gifford (dramaturg)

Through our community events including Critical Mass and Tappin’ In, we’ll be showcasing more than 450 individuals on a global stage. A world-first in inclusive community activity. There’s something for everybody, dance is for everyone in the broadest sense, whether that be as an international career artist or you’re someone who likes to dance and come along and have a good time.

Alex Henwood, Former Head of Learning and Participation at FABRIC

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Opening weekend Friday 17 – Sunday 19 June

Entitled Birmingham Is A Dancefloor BIDF 2022 opened with dance in Centenary, Chamberlain and Victoria Squares as well as Brindley Place and invited audiences of all backgrounds and abilities to join in.

Critical Mass opened the festival in Centenary Square with an audio described and BSL interpreted performance of SENSE at 7.30pm followed by Troi Lee’s Deaf Rave, an inclusive experience full of fun, good music and laughter.

BIDF will bring every conceivable place and space to life this summer; the range of events is staggering and there’s truly something for everyone. We’re particularly proud that Critical Mass will open the event and equally excited at the prospect of a mass shim sham that anyone can take part in. With 9 world premieres, this programme rivals any dance festival in the world, making Birmingham the destination for dance this summer.

Raidene Carter, Executive Producer, Birmingham Festival 2022