A GROUP of six inspirational Inverclyde 'dance heroes' have been selected to take part in two unique performances as part of this year's Galoshans Festival.
RIG Arts has teamed up with visual theatre makers Megahertz and arts producing house FERAL to stage two outdoor processions on October 17 and 18.
On the STRUT parades, dancers will weave their way through the streets of Greenock and Port Glasgow, showcasing their own personal choreography, and encouraging people to get involved as they move to their own beat.
The magnificent moves - covering styles including funk, pop, Northern Soul, majorette, and lyrical - will be accompanied by dramatic lighting, catchy beats, and amazing building projections, all aimed at celebrating the Inverclyde community.
Elaine Breen, 52, will be bringing a showstopping Northern Soul routine to the streets in her first ever public performance.
Elaine’s connection to Inverclyde goes back to 2000 when her parents bought a caravan in Wemyss Bay.
Her dad died suddenly at the age of just 55, but Elaine and her mum have continued to holiday in Inverclyde and have built lifelong friendships.
Elaine said: "When I dance, for some unknown reason, the pain I experience on a daily basis with my spinal injury leaves.
"It's that feeling when the music starts. Your heart is beating with excitement to get up and dance."
Nadia said: "I've seen photos of the previous performances and was excited to see it was coming to the west of Scotland as we don't get many outdoor performance opportunities."
Aaron Vitrano, nine, taught himself to dance by watching Michael Jackson music videos.
Aaron added: "I love to dance as I can express my feelings without saying anything and it's just fun to do."
Port Glasgow local Sarah Fraser, 11, has been a member of the Aileen Gillen School of Dance since she was four years old.
She dances tap, ballet, majorette, and modern.
She said: "I've loved dancing for as long as I can remember and there's music on in our house all the time.
"Not a lot of people do majorette anymore and I want to show people how much fun it can be."
Lauren Buchan and Astyn Hannah met at Greenock's Unity Dance Project and recently represented Scotland at the Dance World Cup in Prague.
Lauren, 11, said: "I am happiest when dancing as it gives me freedom to express myself, keeps me active, and builds my confidence.
"I sometimes have to pinch myself when thinking about how fortunate I have been travelling around the country and beyond doing what I love, making memories and gaining many championship titles."
Astyn, eight, said: "I have met so many friends through dance and think of some of them as family.
"Inverclyde means a lot to me as it's where I have been brought up and my whole family comes from this area."
Port Glasgow DJ Rob Gilmour, also known as Rockin Rob, will be providing all the music for the processions.
Self-taught guitarist and drummer Rob was in the Royal Artillery for four years, and broadcasts his own live show on Clyde Coast Radio every week.
On Thursday, October 17, STRUT will begin outside Auchmountain Community Resource at 7pm, and make its way to the Corlic Street roundabout via Burnhead Street and Corlic Street.
The following night's procession will begin outside Port Glasgow New Parish Church at 7pm, and make its way to Port Glasgow library via Church Street, King Street, John Wood Street, Bay Street, and Fore Street.
The event is free and suitable for all ages.
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