THE dance community of Bradford will unite for a special culturally diverse production this weekend.

The Bradford Dance network was formed 10 years ago and is made up of a number of dance organisations and practitioners in and around the Bradford district. Groups involved in the network are putting on a show, called Exchanges, at the Alhambra on Saturday.

“The show heralds a coming together of culturally diverse dancers and creators who want to spread the word about the exciting dance landscape on our doorstep,” said Deana Morgan, principal of Shipley’s DM Academy. “The specially commissioned piece, aptly entitled Exchanges, will be led by professional choreographer Alessandra Seutin.

"Sweating it out at the Shipley studio are six local dance artists - Laura Liddon, Shrikant Subramaniam, Jyoti Uniyal, Alexandra Doe, Lucie Lee and Caroline Smalley - working with Alexandra, whose brief is to create the title dance piece for Exchanges."

Alesandra, taking a break in rehearsals, said: "I've heard such wonderful things about the dance scene in Bradford and jumped at the chance to head North. My aim is to fuse a wealth of dance genres, from hip hop, to Bhangra, contemporary and everything else in between by "exchanging" techniques and processes with these talented local artists to create something showstopping and unique to Bradford.

"This is so exciting for everyone involved, but especially Bradford."

The dancers are working with local schoolchildren from IQRA, St Clare’s and Dance For Life to create three further short pieces. Northern Ballet’s Dance Education Officer, Philippa Ranger, is creating a special piece combining young dancers from the network group members.

There are additional appearances by Dance United Yorkshire, RSK Dance, Kala Sangam, the Deana Morgan Academy, Lucie Lee Dance Co, YACAD, Rees Dance, Mind The Gap and Creative Industries.

Exchanges, funded by the Arts Council England with additional support from Bradford Council and Yorkshire Dance, heralds the first major performance project staged by Dance Bradford.

“Funding from the Arts Council England has ensured that tickets for the event are as accessible as possible and so we hope people will support this inaugural event,” added Deana.

"The Alhambra has such a huge dance performance heritage, from the Sunbeams tradition to Margot Fonteyn and Rudolph Nureyev, Alvin Ailey and Northern Ballet. Most internationally renowned dance companies have graced its stage over the 100-plus years of the theatre's existence.

"Saturday brings together a cast of over 200 children and adults from across Bradford, displaying a wealth of dance genres which will showcase dance in Bradford at its very best."

* Exchanges is at the Alhambra on Saturday at 7pm. For tickets call (01274) 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk