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s you may have gathered from the punchy name, Big Dance 2012 is not an event that minces its words – or its steps. This nine-day explosion of dance events will be sweeping across England as the high-octane atmosphere of the Olympics takes hold.

Everywhere you look you’ll see tap, break, popping and locking, ballroom and flamenco and plenty more as it springs to life in all sorts of public spaces, from parks to galleries and even in the local shopping centre. It’s probably as close to being in a West End show as you’re likely to get, simply by walking down the high street.

If you were thinking of doing a bit of dancing yourself, you’ll find no shortage of workshops, classes and other opportunities to get your feet moving. There’ll also be photography courses, film screenings and even world record attempts going on.

Events will take place throughout England from 18 May, when the seven-week countdown to the Big Dance week begins as part of the London 2012 festival.

The event proper gets underway 7-15 July, with every region represented. In London, many of the main events will be held at Sadler’s Wells theatre, but be sure to check the main event website as more and more listings become available.