Contemporary dance piece to be performed as part of Tall Ships Races entertainment

Fully Grounded, a double bill of shows by choreographers Robby Graham and Regina Wielingen, was performed by Fertile Ground at Sunderland College’s arts academy.

Following the premiere, the new works will be shown at theatre venues and arts and heritage sites across the North East up until July 21, including dates at the NGCA in Sunderland and a performance as part of the Tall Ships Races celebrations in the city.

Fully Grounded is performed by Fertile Ground’s all female company of new dancers: Katherine Whale, Giulia Coti Zelati, Alyssa Lisle and Lerato Mncube.

The North East dance company was established in 2013 to give opportunities to emerging dance performers and to offer audiences and participants new dance experiences.

Fully Grounded represents the most ambitious and exciting season to date for Fertile Ground.

This season also sees the announcement of two new artistic directors for the company, Malgorzata Dzierzon and Renaud Wiser, who take over from Dora Frankel.

Malgorzata said: “I am thrilled to be part of the future of Fertile Ground. I have long been an admirer of Dora and the work she has done.

“I look forward to widening the international and national links and being part of the North East dance ecology.”

Renaud Wiser said: “Fertile Ground represents something we are both passionate about – supporting young and emerging dance artists and making work that excites audiences.

“We look forward to creating performances in unusual spaces and continuing the great work that has already been started.”

•The remaining Wearside performances of Fully Grounded will be at Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, within National Glass Centre, at 2.30pm on June 30, Tel. 0191 568 9700, and on Sunderland Town Moor, in the East End, as part of the Tall Ships Races on July 12 at 4.30pm.