Dance & Film at Fringe 2013

Dance and Film are always among the smaller categories at the Fringe - a shame, but a fact. So it is easy and quick to preview the 5 events we have for these catgories this year.

We kick off on July 4th with the award-winning film Beasts of the Southern Wild. This is screening at the Whaley Bridge Mechanics Institute - about 8 miles north of Buxton. We have a number of events outside Buxton - notably in Litton this year. Whaley Bridge has a regular community cinema - one of half a dozen or so in the High Peak. Beasts of the Souther Wild was one of the most discussed films of 2012 and was prompted in part by the devastation of New Orleans by Hurrican Katrina in 2005.

The other film event is Buxton Film's annual short film competition - the winning films from entries to the 5th Open Shorts are being screened at the Pavilion Arts Centre Studio on Saturday July 6th from 8-9.30pm. Entries haven't closed yet - and judging doesn't take place for another month - so we can't tell you what is on offer, but expect 90 minutes of challenging, provocative, witty and informative films from young (and not so young) filmmakers.

There are three dance shows. First up is A Rose By Another Name - being performed on July 12th & 14th at the United Reformed Church. A take on Romeo & Juliet Brick Wall Ensemble promise to challenge homophobia in a fresh adaptation. Brick Wall Ensemble is made up by former students from the University of Huddersfield and this is their first touring production.

The Nottingham-based Green Robin Dance Company are at the URC from 19-21 July with a piece called The People Next Door. You are invited into the home of Georgie, Hayley and Conrad - three people living together, in relative peace. Discover their personal memories, secrets and experiences. Watch their stories unfold and compare them to your own, perhaps over a cuppa, as you are welcomed into their family home.

Finally, for now, on the final Saturday of this year's Fringe - July 20th - there will be Morris Dancing all around the town from around 10am right through to 5pm. Favourite venues include the bottom of the Slopes, at the end of Broad Walk, outside the Opera House and on the Promenade in the Pavilion Gardens. There will be 10 different sides dancing - displaying the full-range of Morris Dancing traditions. And it is free - but please give generously if you see a bucket being shaken.