The search is on for 50 dancers to take part in one of the biggest community musicals Bradford has ever seen.

The event, a choral concert reflecting different aspects of life in the district, is part of the ambitious Bradford: The Mus-ical project. Organisers have commissioned five pieces of music for the extravaganza, which will be performed by 200 singers and 50 drummers.

It will launch Bradford Fest-ival on Friday, June 17, and will be performed at the Mela the following day. "The music brings to life Bradford's past, present and future through dancing, drumming and sing-ing," said co-producer Ron Wiener. "The plan is for it to tour the district next year."

The music will be interpreted through dance. Dancers wanting to take part are invited to auditions next week.

"The auditions are open to anyone, whether their style is tea-dance, street, contemporary, ballet, Asian or breakdance," said choreographer Victoria Hills who has worked with pop giants Robbie Williams and Texas. "I want people that have a passion for dancing - anyone from the age of 15 to the over-50s," she said. "I'm not looking for great technical dancers, just people willing to work hard."

Rehearsals will take place every Saturday and chosen dancers will have a say in how the music is interpreted.

The Bradford: The Musical board has secured £30,000 from the York-based Joseph Rown-tree Foundation, which funds arts projects in Yorkshire. The choral project is also supported by Bradford Council, Bradford Vision, Cnet and community art companies Artworks in Shipley and Promenade Productions in Manningham.

Mr Wiener said: "In 2006 community groups from every corner of Bradford will be invited to tell their stories - every aspect of life in the district, from its history of textiles, engineering and immigration to the development of farming and market towns, will be given a new artistic chapter.

"And in 2007 the grand finale of Bradford the Musical will see a specially-commissioned musical performed at a large-scale city-centre venue."

l The dance auditions are on Saturday, March 5, at Bradford University's sports centre in Great Horton Road, 2pm to 6pm. Dancers must be aged 15-plus. Ring Victoria on 0773 6068514.