Navel gazing and Square dancing

Think of the implications of that. The end of the printed newspaper?

As an ex-fixture on the most tabloid of all tabloids (yes, Sunday Sport in its mould-breaking early days), I am spellbound to see how they are missing the www boat and how the shout-out-loud, in-yer-face agenda which politicians so love to tap into for their big campaigns (eg Brown's food wastage guff this week) is being hijacked by the immediacy of the blogs, podcasts, texts and talk radio.

Newsnight economics editor Paul Mason has a must-read blog on the wider implications.

Right, let's lower the tone now.

It's weird how a couple of unexpected double acts have developed in the Bloggers Corner here at the Post. I'm just waiting for some uncouth ex-tabloid type to tell Roshan and Ursula to get a room - it does get a bit pukeworthy at times, you have to admit, if you bother to read it. The other pairing seems to be yours truly and Paul Groves.

The Welsh wordsmith has been beating me to most punches and I find I agree with most of what he says. His critique of the latest TV horror, Bonekickers, is spot on. The show is a dreadful pointer to the way TV may be going - and why sites like YouTube and the burgeoning internet microchannels will be taking over.

I maintain you can't beat the live show thing in the flesh - look at the huge success of the Dance Festival in Birmingham. You can still check out Fiona Ferguson's inspired if at times OTT blogs around it.

Or you might like to make sure you're in Centenary Square at Friday (July 11) lunchtime when 600 youngsters will people perform a specially-commissioned piece as part of this year's Big Dance celebrations.

Our very own Adrian Goldberg (who'd possibly beat Carl Chinn in a Mayoral poll) will host the free event and encourage members of the public to join in the fun, which begins at 12.30pm.

The youngsters, from five to 18 will create a visual spectacle as they dance the 15-minute piece SHOUT! (their capitals), choreographed by Birmingham-based Gail Parmel, the Artistic Director of acclaimed company ACE Dance and Music.

Professional dancers will lead the choreography, which, my PR friend Helen tells me, "is a fun and funky piece of dance set to instantly recognisable music filled with upbeat classics".

The ten schools involved have had access to four workshops from professional dance artists recruited for this project.

Hillary Allan, Teacher from William Cowper Primary School, said: "Our pupils have thoroughly enjoyed the expert teaching they have received and performing in front of an audience, along with other schools, is something they will remember and be proud of."

Wanjiku Nyachae, Dance Officer, Arts Council England West Midlands, said: "I am really excited about the event. There are so many young dancers coming from all over the city, from different schools. These young people have had such fun learning the dance and on the day they will get to share this fun and hopefully encourage all the passers by and audience to join in."

The event is part of a nationwide initiative by Arts Council England to encourage people of all ages to enjoy taking part in and watching dance. Events are taking place across the country, with many free and open to everyone to join in. Big Dance aims to get as many people dancing as possible throughout the week itself and all year round.

The Big Dance event in Birmingham is produced by Argy Bhaji arts and media productions and funded by Arts Council England in partnership with Bright Space (formerly known as Creative Partnerships Birmingham) and Birmingham City Council.

There are further Big Dance performances taking place in the West Midlands, including events in Stoke-on-Trent on tomorrow (July 10). For further information on more events across the country and throughout the West Midlands go to www.bigdance.org.uk

The schools involved in the Big Dance in Centenary Square include Wyndcliffe Primary in Bordelsey Green, Christ Church Primary and Arden Primary in Sparkhill, Yardley's Science College in Tyseley, Aston Tower Primary, Canterbury Cross Primary and Broadway Secondary in Aston, College High Secondary, William Cowper Primary and Calthorpe Special School and Sports College Highgate.

Bright Space aims to improve the life chances of children and young people through the development of their creative skills and their engagement in arts and cultural activities. Go here for details of the programme in Birmingham, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Or try here or contact the Bright Space team on 0121 772 6932.

For further information on more events across the country and throughout the UK go here.

For further information on Argy Bhaji's additional Big Dance events in the West Midlands email here

Now don't tell me a tabloid newspaper would have given you all that info so neatly in one place ...