Big Dance 2012, the ultimate dance experience, will celebrate dance in all its forms and is set to deliver a summer to remember in Hackney.

A huge range of dance performances are scheduled over the coming month, culminating in a celebration of Hackney talent during Big Dance Week 2012.

Nick Skinner, Head of Performing Arts at The Learning Trust said: “We are so excited to be working with The Place on two fabulous showcase events. They will feature 11 Hackney schools and also independent dance groups from East London.

“Tony Adigun, a former student of Cardinal Pole, is choreographing a special performance to a new piece of music by American-born composer Stephen Montague who has previously been featured at BBC Proms.”

Tickets for the showcases to be held at Stoke Newington Town Hall on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 July are now on sale from www.the place.org.uk/theatre or by calling 020 7121 1100. Tickets cost just £5.00 with £4.00 concession tickets also available.

Schools featured over the two night event are: The Bridge Academy; BSix College; Clapton Girls' Academy; The City Academy; Hackney Community College; Haggerston School; Horizon School; Petchey Academy;Skinners' Academy; The Urswick School and Mossbourne Community Academy.

There are also six independent dance groups performing: Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School; Brink Dance (East London Dance); The Firm (East London Dance); Dance United; Tropical Isles and J’s Dance Factory.

Mr Skinner said: “The really exciting thing is that we are exploring the boundaries between dance, abstract drama and physical theatre meaning that anything could happen.”

Big Dance 2012: Hackney Showcase will be held from 7.30pm on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 July 2012 at Stoke Newington Town Hall, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0JR

About Big Dance 2012 is the UK’s biggest ever celebration of dance. Taking place across the UK, Big Dance will feature thousands of events inspired by dance. They will take place in all sorts of locations and in all dance styles which will all be open to absolutely anyone. Events will include classes, workshops, courses, performances, flash-mobs, have-a-go days, film screenings, photography courses, competitions, world record attempts, dancing in unusual spaces – shops, parks, galleries, shopping centres – dancing in schools at home, wherever you like.

Photo: Avant Garde Dance by Brian Slater