Image: More than 500 UK dance events are planned

Big Dance - one of the world's largest dance festivals - has revealed new partnerships with the cities of Beijing, China, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of this year's programme.

Against the backdrop of the London 2012 Games, Big Dance 2012 is set to have a presence in the cities - the former and next Games hosts - in collaboration with the British Council.

Meanwhile, more than half a million schoolchildren across 53 countries are set to participate in a Guinness World Record Attempt through British Council school partnerships.

More than 500 UK events are also planned as part of Big Dance 2012, which runs from 18 May to 15 July - including a seven-week countdown to Big Dance week between 7-16 July.

London mayor Boris Johnson said: "In the year that London welcomes the world for the greatest show on earth, this year's Big Dance is going truly global."

Details: www.bigdance2012.com

Image: Hugo Glendinning