THE Rosie Kay Dance Company, headed by artistic director and choreographer Rosie Kay, will tour its thought-provoking and extremely moving 5 Soldiers: The Body is the Frontline from April 23 to June 13.

Kay’s exploration of war was made following an intense period of field research when she joined 4th Battalion The Rifles for two weeks and experienced full battle exercises on Dartmoor and Salisbury Plain.

Kay then visited the military rehabilitation centre, Headley Court, to see the effects of conflict and training on the soldiers’ bodies. The company has five new dancers who, during their six-week rehearsal period, will participate in a week-long military exercise with The 4th Battalion The Rifles on Salisbury Plain.

The tour, the first of its kind in the UK, will see the company working in partnership with theatres, military bases and the Army Welfare Service.

This unique style of intensive tour model comprises two months of community outreach work in each location, leading to a weekend of events, community performances, professional shows and post-show talks with Kay, the cast and a local commanding officer.

General Sir Nick Parker said: “Rosie Kay’s use of dance to help create a complex and nuanced picture of conflict is one of the most innovative and compelling initiatives that I have experienced in the aftermath of Iraq and Afghanistan.”

This year’s production was rehearsed at The Rifles’ Officers’ Club in Davies Street, London, and will be performed on May 23 and 24 at Pavilion Dance South West, Westover Road, Bournemouth.