A BALLROOM dancing couple with more than 60 years’ experience will be handing over the baton to young street dancers as Pavilion Dance – the South West’s new centre for dance – opens at Bournemouth Pavilion on Saturday.

Fred Kendall, 80, and his wife and dancing partner Sheila will join young people from hip-hop group Shake in being the first to glide across the new dancefloor in the Seafront Studio at the Pavilion.

The Pavilion Dance development is the result of a unique partnership between Dance South West, Arts Council England and Bournemouth Borough Council, with £3.29 million investment from the local authority.

As well as the capital investment in refurbishing previously disused space within the 80-year-old Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth Borough Council and Arts Council England are providing revenue support for the artistic programme for Pavilion Dance. Pavilion Dance is also part of Bournemouth Borough Council’s Town Centre Vision, which aims to bring new life to the town centre.

“Pavilion Dance will provide opportunities for thousands of people to enjoy dance performances and take part in activities and workshops,” says Arts Council England’s south west director Phil Gibby.

“I believe that Pavilion Dance will put Bournemouth on the map as a key destination for dance – locally, nationally and internationally.”

Facilities for Pavilion Dance include two dance studios, a 200-seat theatre and first class backstage facilities. It also has access to the Pavilion’s main theatre and to the largest ballroom on the south coast, thanks to an operating agreement with BH Live – the town’s new leisure and cultural trust.

Pavilion Dance will also create employment for more than 150 people, both inside and outside the centre. Its programme of dance includes classes from Butoh to ballet and world class performances from UK and international artists. Space will also be provided for professional artists to rehearse and create new work.

“In such uncertain times, this is exactly the kind of large-scale imaginative development that will bring a boost to the local economy, enliven a much-loved local theatre and create a dynamic hub for new cultural activity, which everyone can benefit from and enjoy,” says executive director Kate Castle.