Birmingham's dancing boom

Keisha Grant. Photo: Chris Nash.

ACE Dance and Music's new production, 'Switch' showcased at Solihull Art Complex - the digbeth-based company once again bringing a fresh mix of African and Asian infused contemporary moves to the dance arena. If you missed out on the evening of dynamic choreography and athletic dancing, ACE return with 'Switch' on 6 November to the Drum in Aston.

Next up, the second installment from the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Cyrano. Following David Bintley's powerful new ballet E=mc², Cyrano returned again since its 2007 re-launch with the original trio Robert Parker, Elisha Willis and Iain MacKay dancing the lead roles Bintley created for them. The company now tours around the UK showcasing the additions to the repetoire, and it is only with feelings of gushing pride that we wave them off on their travels. Bintley is truly one of the best choreographers and directors the company has ever seen, and witnessing the debut of a creation such as E=mc² feels like tasting a piece of history. It is an explosive and captivating piece - exploring unknown territory in the ballet world, inspired by Einstein's theory of relativity.

Finally to round off the week, on Friday The Patrick Centre at DanceXchange played host to some of the region's rising new talent. Laura Dredger, Keisha Grant (in a self-choreographed duet alongside Sean Graham) and Kate Mason put on a varied Triple Bill of fresh new works in what turned out to be a thought-provoking, mesmerising and exciting evening with three young dancers showing oodles of talent and promise.

All in all it was a week to prove Birmingham is creating and choreographing leading new works, both in the tiny corners of the city with experimental and understated choreography, as well as on the big stage such as the Hippodrome's display of the astounding talents in our very own international ballet company. Who knew we had so much (and so much variety) of dance right on our door step.

What's more, we've got nearly 12,000 people taking part in Bollywood steps outdoor event tomorrow in Victoria Square for the Town Hall's 175th birthday celebrations. With International Dance Festival Birmingham and British Dance Edition all setting up camp in Birmingham later this year - it's possible Birmingham could become the biggest dance hub for the UK with unrivaled dance activity all year.