Hula Hoop Workshop Builds Excitement for Herculean Performance

Hula Hoop Workshop Builds Excitement for Herculean Performance

Visitors to Intu Derby shopping centre on Saturday May 23 will be invited to join a hula hoop workshop and flashmob as part of the build-up to an exciting performance which is coming to Derby Theatre on Friday June 12.

‘Hercules’ has been created by and stars award-winning comedy double act Tom Roden and Pete Shenton of New Art Club who are performing in the city as part of their 15-venue UK tour.

The show – billed as a modern cabaret for the whole family - recreates the story of the Greek myth for a 21st century audience.  It follows the story of the hero’s Twelve Labours in a crazy cabaret style with Pete as the unlikely superhero and Tom as the show’s compere.

The show includes Finnish Hula Hooper Tiina Tuomisto who will be leading the workshop at Intu between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

People of all ages will be invited to join the fun with Tiina as part of the community participation element of the show which is a partnership between New Art Club, contemporary dance development organisation Dance4, Derby-based regional dance house Déda and Derby Theatre.

The action then continues at Déda in Chapel Street where Tiina will lead an adult (ages 16+) hula hoop workshop for pre-registered participants – including those who attended an experience day recently to be part of the community cast in the show.

Tiina Tuomisto is a Finnish circus artist based in London specialising in Hula-hoops and Hand balancing. She has performed throughout the world, competed in international circus festivals and even performed for the Queen at Epsom Derby as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Visitors to Intu on May 23 will also have the chance to see extracts from the show performed by a group of local young dancers who will be ‘Birds’ in ‘Hercules’ and are currently learning their routines at Déda’s studios with choreographer and local dance artist Alice Vale.

The group of  ‘Birds’ will be joined on stage at Derby Theatre with the eight-strong group of other young dancers who will be ‘Hydras’ and the eight adult dancers who will be ‘Folkies’ as part of the story.

Déda Head of Dance Development and Learning Clare Limb explained: “The excitement is building for the performance of ‘Hercules’ at Derby Theatre.

“The Hula Hoop workshops at Intu and Déda will be a fantastic opportunity for people to learn more about this skilled artform which is featured in the show and there will also be the chance to buy discounted family tickets for ‘Hercules’ during the day.

“As a dance organisation committed to working with our local communities and developing dance skills, Déda is delighted to be involved in this unique partnership and engagement programme. 

“Rehearsals are going well for the local young people and adults who will be performing alongside New Art Club and this community participation will be a wonderful element to this family entertainment show.”

For more information or to book a place at afternoon workshop (aged 16+), please contact Heather Gunn at Déda on 01332 374670 or h.gunn@deda.uk.com.

Hercules is at Derby Theatre on Friday June 12. For more information visit www.derbytheatre.co.uk and for a sneak preview, visit www.youtube.com/user/NewArtClub or www.herculestour.co.uk . Tickets for the show are on sale from Derby Theatre’s Box Office, call 01332 593939.

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