SHOPPERS were able to catch a glimpse of Poetry in Motion as the finishing touches were being put on a performance being premiered at a festival of dance.

The project has been inspired by poems selected by the various dance troupes representing different countries during the 50th Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance.

Organisers brought in Newcastle-based National Touring Theatre Company, ZENDEH as well as North-East choreographer and artistic director, Nadia Iftkhar, of Red Road Dance Theatre, to bring the creative components to life.

The rehearsals for the piece have been taking place in an empty shop in the heart of Billingham Town Centre.

The choreographer said: “If think what the Folklore Festival does is very unique and much needed to create a colourful dance landscape for the North.”

Olga Maloney, the festival’s artistic director, said: “Poetry in Motion has been such a special project for the Festival as it cleverly involves all of the countries and companies taking part in this year’s event.”

The performance will take to the stage during two major Gala Festival nights at Middlesbrough Theatre on Thursday (August 14) and at the Forum Theatre in Billingham on Friday (August 15). Both shows will commence at 7.30pm.

For further information and tickets visit www.billinghamfestival.co.uk