Town prepares to perform its 'largest mass dance'

Members of the public have been invited to learn the finale dance for this year's Middlesbrough Mela

A town is preparing to perform what organisers call its "largest ever mass dance".

The performance, which is open to all, is due to take place at this year's Middlesbrough Mela on 17 August.

Members of the public have been invited to learn a routine at dance workshops and will perform alongside professionals in a finale dance to Middlesbrough FC's anthem, Pigbag.

Founder and director of TeesDance Amy Swalwell originated the project and said working towards the performance had had a "massive impact in the community".

"It gives people something to focus on because it gets them out the house, they meet new people, it creates social cohesion and empowerment within the community," Ms Swalwell, who is from Stockton, said.

"People make friends."

Hundreds of handmade crochet flowers will decorate the performance space at Albert Park

The project was commissioned by Borderlands, which is a creative engagement programme, and was funded by Arts Council England Creative People and Places

More than 300 people have already been taught the finale dance, which is based on the idea of home, organisers said.

People who want to get involved, but do not want to dance, have been asked to create decorations to dress the venue.

More than 1,000 crochet flower packs have already been distributed to nearby knitting and craft groups.

More than 300 people have so far been taught the finale dance

Professional dancers from the surrounding area will perform alongside the public

Groups in the community were asked what "home" meant to them, and the audio recordings were used to create a soundscape which will be used during the performance.

Free dance lessons for the finale have been already been held in places like Newport, North Ormesby, Thorntree and Coulby Newham.

Organisers said anyone could take part, even if they had not danced before.

Ms Swalwell said she was "really excited to see it all come together".

"It's going to be really unique, something that we've never had, and it will be the largest mass dance Middlesbrough has ever had, which will be fantastic."

Middlesbrough Mela will be held at Albert Park, with free events across the weekend of 17 -18 August.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the region's largest multicultural event.