WHEN a town gathers for a mass dance in May, it will do so in the aim of promoting mental health and well-being.

Every year, hundreds of people rehearse for months to play a part in Darlington Dance Festival’s Mass Dance.

In 2017, more than 800 dancers strutted their stuff in the town’s market square, with dance schools and community groups showcasing their moves in front of a huge crowd of spectators.

Now, the hunt is on again for people willing to take part in this year’s event, which aims to raise awareness of mental health and demonstrate how dancing can help to improve well-being.

Organisers are urging people to sign up for the ‘Express Yourself’ themed dance and are hoping more people than ever before will take part.

Joanne Scott, chair of the Darlington Dance Festival Association, said: “Darlington is so lucky to have an event like this that brings everyone together as one community.

“The market place is brought to life with such a buzz that the mass dance creates and this always amazes me.

“This year we want more people than ever to get involved especially those who don’t dance or may have been affected by mental health issues.

“We want to promote awareness of mental health and share how dancing can improve your mental health and wellbeing.

“So many people are affected by mental ill health at some point in their life and we don’t want to hide it we want people to talk, dance and most of all feel good.”

The dance festival will begin on Saturday, May 19 with a variety of performances throughout the day, from ballet dancers’ street theatre to showcases from local dance schools.

The mass dance, which is choreographed by Debbie Harbin of the D Project and Darrien Wright of Dance Wright Studios, will take place from 1pm the next day.

Mr Wright said: “This is a unique event and we want everyone to join us, to express yourself. Feel the benefits of dance and be part of an amazing community event, have a go.”

The organisers are willing to visit groups to teach them the mass dance but anyone interested in taking part can also attend weekly open rehearsals, taking place every Friday from April 20 until May 18 from noon at the Dolphin Centre.

  • Mental health charities and support groups who would like to learn the dance or promote their services at the event are also urged to contact organisers. For more information, email darlingtondfa@gmail.com