People Features

Photo courtesy James O. Jenkins

London's Mayor appeared resolute in not shaking a leg as he was surrounded by a swirl of colourful activity.

In blazing sunshine, over 50 dancers gathered on the bridge around him, ranging from jive and Latin enthusiasts to flamenco dancers and representatives from English National Ballet.

Bollywood dancers in traditional costume added a splash of colour while cheerleaders from The London Rockets went through their paces to the amusement of tourists and passers-by.

The photo session, which flags up a nine-day dance celebration across the capital, also brought Strictly Come Dancing stars Erin Boag and Bruno Tonioli into close proximity with the Mayoral frame.

They are among thousands of Londoners due to take part in the festival which concludes on 13 July with a street dance carnival processing from Lloyd Park to Walthamstow Town Square.

world dance records

Hundreds of additional events are envisaged for Big Dance 2008, including performances in shop windows in Oxford Street and Regent Street and alfresco dancing in Regents Park.

Flanked by Strictly Come Dancing stars

Commuters will be invited to tango in several different city locations while St Paul's Cathedral will host a new work performed by students from London's dance schools.

The centre-piece event will take place in Trafalgar Square where five world dance records will be attempted in one afternoon, led by Strictly Come Dancing's Erin Boag and Bruno Tonioli.

BBC London presenters Lesley Joseph and Christopher Biggins will also be in attendance and the day will culminate with a 'silent rave' to a DJ set by 94.9's very own Jazzie B.

The penultimate day of the festival will be marked by a mass choreographed dance event, again in Trafalgar Square, involving 2,008 participants.

Big Dance 2008 runs from Friday 4th to Sunday 13th July at various London locations.

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