210 A Dynamic Return Down Under for Edinburgh Tattoo. Following the resounding success of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo‟s visit to Australia in 2005, the Tattoo again marching down under, this time to launch the show‟s diamond jubilee year with its largest ever production. With more than 1,500 performers from around the world set to descend on Sydney in February, “The Edinburgh Military Tattoo – Celebrating 60 years of Valour, Mateship, Glory,” promises to be an explosive start to the Tattoo‟s birthday celebrations. “Australia has always been good to the Tattoo,” said Tattoo Producer Major General Euan Loudon on taking the Tattoo back to Sydney. “I can think of no better way of kicking off our diamond jubilee year in 2010 than by returning to the city and country which opened their hearts to us so warmly when we visited last time round.”Once again the show will be held at the Sydney Football Stadium , and will feature 17 pipe bands including s ix from the UK. A key theme for the event reflects the history and camaraderie between the British and Australian Defence Forces. Along with the acts like the New Zealand Army Band, His Majesty The King‟s Guard and Drill Team from Norway, Switzerland‟s Top Secret Drum Corps and The Band of the Moscow Military Conservatoire from Russia, 2010 will also mark the first Australian visit for the 100-strong Military Band of the People‟s Liberation Army of China. OzScot Australia has fielded the country and has 100 highland dancers journeying to Sydney from every state and territory. The Edinburgh Tattoo‟s Dance Director Billy Forsyth will also be bringing 24 highland dancers to compliment the Australian team. The choreography for the highland dance segment has been undertaken by OzScot Australia Dance Director Cheryl Roach. With dancers spread around the country and others over in Scotland, DVDs are sent out to the dancers in advance of the group rehearsals at the end of January so when the team meets for the first time, the dancers can mak e the most out of the intense pre-s how practice. For Roach the challenge will be to design a performance that combines traditional steps with a modern creative edge. “The choreography reflects a unique blending of tr aditional Highland Dancing with every contemporary segments,” Roach said. “The dance is physically demanding, fun and challenging for the dancer and therefore provides a fresh
