Category: DANCE

Sadler’s Wells welcomes UK premiere of Akram Khan’s latest masterpiece

Dancers

Mark your calendars, dance aficionados! The illustrious Sadler’s Wells Theatre is set to host the UK premiere of Akram Khan’s latest masterpiece, “GIGENIS: The generation of the Earth,” from November 20 to 24. In a rare and highly anticipated performance, Khan will not only direct but also grace the stage as a performer, bringing to life a compelling narrative alongside a stellar ensemble of Indian classical dance artists. Akram Khan, a powerhouse in the world of dance, is known for his seamless fusion of Kathak and contemporary styles, creating a unique voice that speaks across cultures and traditions. His works, such as “Jungle Book reimagined,” “Outwitting the Devil,” “XENOS,” and “Giselle,” have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a place as one of the most esteemed choreographers and performers of our time. With “GIGENIS,” Khan delves into the collective memories of our civilisation, crafting a performance that is both a tribute to the past and a reflection on the present. The stage will come alive with the presence of renowned artists like Kutiyattam performer Kapila Venu, Bharatanatyam soloists Mavin Khoo and Mythili Prakash, and the duo Vijna Vasudevan and Renjith Babu, alongside Sirikalyani Adkoli. The performance will be enriched by the live collaboration of seven Indian Classical musicians, adding depth and vibrancy to the storytelling. “GIGENIS” is not just a dance performance; it’s a profound statement on the enduring resonance of tradition in our rapidly evolving world. Khan’s return to the London stage after four years is a momentous occasion, offering audiences a rare glimpse of… Read More

RG Live Presents the Return of Varna International Ballet and Orchestra

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RG Live is excited to announce the much-anticipated return of the celebrated Varna International Ballet and Orchestra to the UK, following their breathtaking debut tour in 2023. In 2025, the esteemed company will grace 20 venues across the country, showcasing beloved classics including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet. Founded in 1947, Varna International Ballet is renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, captivating audiences in Bulgaria and beyond with performances of the highest quality. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Daniela Dimova and Music Director and Chief Conductor Peter Tuleshkov, Varna International Ballet promises to enchant both newcomers to ballet and devoted ballet aficionados. The tour kicks off in Manchester on 2 January 2025, with subsequent performances in Buxton, Bristol, Liverpool, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Basingstoke, Ipswich, Southend, Brighton, Nottingham, Reading, Oxford, Darlington, Wimbledon, Norwich, Hull, Sheffield, Leicester, and Northampton, concluding on 5 March. Artistic Director Daniela Dimova expressed her excitement about the upcoming tour, stating, “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.” The timeless magic of The Nutcracker begins on Christmas Eve, whisking audiences away to a fairy-tale realm where toy dolls come to life, the Mouse King battles the Nutcracker Prince, and a journey through the Land of Snow unveils an enchanted experience. Accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s memorable score and stunning choreography by Vasily Vainonen, revised by Sergey Bobrov, this… Read More

Dance, theatre and live music come together in Nobodaddy at Sadler’s Wells

Nobodaddy dancers

Experience the magic of dance at Sadler’s Wells Theatre this November with the enchanting production of “Nobodaddy,” brought to life by the brilliant Michael Keegan-Dolan and his acclaimed company, Tea? Da?sa. Running from 27th to 30th November, this groundbreaking performance promises to captivate audiences with its innovative fusion of dance, theatre, and live music. Following the success of their previous work, Mám, Keegan-Dolan returns to Sadler’s Wells with Nobodaddy, a powerful and evocative creation co-produced by Sadler’s Wells and making its London premiere. Inspired by a William Blake poem, this production emerges from the heart of Ireland’s Gaeltacht in West Kerry, offering a unique exploration of themes that resonate deeply with audiences. Nobodaddy is a large-scale dance and theatre ritual, featuring nine dancers seamlessly blending movement with song, accompanied by six musicians performing live on stage. The piece includes the extraordinary talents of renowned folk singer Sam Amidon, whose expertise in banjo, guitar, and fiddle enriches the performance. With seven acclaimed solo albums to his name, Amidon’s collaboration with Tea? Da?sa brings a vibrant, musical heartbeat to this immersive experience. The name “Nobodaddy,” an anagram for “Old daddy Nobody” or “Nobody’s daddy,” was coined by English Romantic poet William Blake. While Blake’s Nobodaddy represented a destructive divinity, Tea? Da?sa’s interpretation is a tribute to peacemakers and the harbingers of goodwill—an artistic nod to the power of unity and creativity. Created over eight weeks in the scenic surroundings of Kerry, Nobodaddy is a testament to Keegan-Dolan’s distinctive style of contemporary dance. The production is a celebration… Read More

National Theatre’s new show is a must-see this season

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Hold onto your top hats, theatre enthusiasts, because the National Theatre is sprinkling a little stage magic with its latest announcement. They’re rolling out the red carpet for the first major stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved book, “Ballet Shoes,” adapted by the talented Kendall Feaver, who you might remember from “The Almighty Sometimes.” This festive family feast will pirouette into the Olivier Theatre from 23 November 2024, promising to be the must-see show of the holiday season. Directing this enchanting spectacle is Katy Rudd, making her triumphant return to the National Theatre after her hit with “The Ocean at the End of the Lane.” Rudd’s directing prowess, paired with an all-star creative team, assures audiences are in for a visual and emotional treat. The set’s magic is conjured by Frankie Bradshaw, with costume wizardry by Samuel Wyer, and toe-tapping choreography by Ellen Kane. Composer Asaf Zohar crafts the musical atmosphere, while Gavin Sutherland handles dance arrangements and orchestrations. Lighting, sound, and video design elevate the experience, thanks to Paule Constable, Ian Dickinson, and Ash J Woodward respectively. The cast is a diverse tapestry of talent including Stacy Abalogun, Yanexi Enriquez as the ambitious Petrova Fossil, and Pearl Mackie as the nurturing Sylvia. They join a vibrant ensemble featuring the likes of Eryck Brahmania, Cordelia Braithwaite, and the dynamic trio of Grace Saif as Pauline Fossil, Justin Salinger as GUM/Fidolia, and Daisy Sequerra as Posy Fossil. Together, they bring to life the story of three adopted sisters living in a delightfully crumbling house garnished with… Read More

What to see this Christmas at Sadler’s Wells

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This Christmas, Sadler’s Wells is rolling out the red carpet for a festive extravaganza that’ll warm even the chilliest of hearts. As London’s winter wonderland cranks up the charm, the iconic theatre is pulling out all the stops with a trio of enchanting performances that promise to dazzle audiences from every walk of life.

Sydney Dance Company brings ‘momenta’ dance to Melbourne

Sydney Dance Company dancers nude

Sydney Dance Company is set to captivate Melbourne audiences with the debut of Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela’s latest creation, ‘momenta’, at the Arts Centre Melbourne from 8-12 October. This full-length dance work, which has already garnered critical acclaim in Sydney, is a celebration of the profound beauty and fragility of shared humanity. Through the dynamic and evocative language of contemporary dance, ‘momenta’ delves into the ephemeral nature of human connections and encounters. Bonachela’s choreography is renowned for its intricate rhythmic patterns and inventive partnering, and ‘momenta’ is no exception. The 17 dancers of Sydney Dance Company transcend their physical boundaries, showcasing a breathtaking blend of grace, power, and vulnerability. Each movement is designed to resonate through space, creating a visceral experience for audiences as they are drawn into a world where raw emotion seamlessly blends with exquisite technique. The performance is elevated by the evocative electronic soundscapes of composer Nick Wales, who weaves in elements from P?teris Vasks, adding layers of depth to the narrative. Elizabeth Gadsby’s immersive set design and Damien Cooper’s striking lighting further enhance the atmosphere, capturing the essence of fleeting moments suspended between past and future. These elements converge to create a space where individual trajectories collide and intertwine, echoing the transient nature of life itself. Rafael Bonachela expressed his excitement about bringing ‘momenta’ to Melbourne, stating, “We’re thrilled to present momenta in Melbourne for the first time. momenta is a testament to the ephemeral yet profound connections that weave through all of our lives. From the most tender exchanges to… Read More

Chicos Mambo’s award-winning show TUTU comes to the Peacock Theatre

Tutu Sadlers Wells

Chicos Mambo’s acclaimed performance of TUTU is set to light up the Peacock Theatre at Sadler’s Wells, from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 October. After nearly a decade of touring and close to 700 performances worldwide, this family-friendly show, created by Artistic Director Philippe Lafeuille, features an all-male cast of six dancers dressed in a kaleidoscope of flamboyant costumes. TUTU affectionately mocks the classical ballet uniform while expertly parodying over 40 iconic characters, blending styles from classical ballet to contemporary dance. Audiences can expect innovative twists on well-known pieces, including a hip-hop rendition of Swan Lake and a quirky take on Dirty Dancing. Ahead of the show, Lafeuille expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m very happy and proud to be presenting my show TUTU in London. For me, London represents one of the world’s great epicentres of performing arts and entertainment. It’s a city that has given me great theatrical thrills, and I’m delighted that our visit coincides with TUTU’s 10th anniversary. Where better to celebrate this milestone than at Sadler’s Wells, a theatre that showcases dance in all its diversity and richness? So get ready to be ‘TUTUfied’, London… let’s dance!” David Fry, the Peacock Programmer, shares the excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Chicos Mambo’s TUTU to the Peacock Theatre this October. With their blend of technical prowess and comedic flair, Chicos Mambo injects a fun and fresh energy into their shows. I know our audiences and West End friends will adore TUTU’s playful choreography and flamboyant costumes that cleverly subvert gender norms in… Read More