Category: DANCE

A life-affirming journey in dance coming to Sadler’s Wells

Get ready for a stunning piece of visual theatre, because this September, two titans of the dance world, Marc Brew and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, are bringing their acclaimed collaboration, an Accident / a Life, to London for its premiere. This Sadler’s Wells co-commission will take the stage at the brand-new Sadler’s Wells East from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 September, and it’s a show you won’t want to miss. This powerful performance brings together storytelling, film, music, dance, and even a car to explore those pivotal, life-altering moments we all face. The starting point for the artists was an exchange of personal stories and key moments of change. For Marc, this was his life-altering car accident, a split-second event that transformed him from a ballet dancer to a paraplegic and cultivated a completely fresh approach to movement. Don’t expect a somber affair, though, as the work uses humour and generosity to take the audience on a candid and ultimately life-affirming journey. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, earning two National Dance Award nominations in 2024 for Best Modern Choreography and Outstanding Male Modern Performance. This unique dance production piece explores transformation, identity, and the search for home. It’s a story of incredible strength and artistic reinvention. We had the privilege of sitting down with Marc to delve deeper into his creative process, the collaboration with Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, and the deeply personal journey behind an Accident / a Life. Read on for our exclusive Q&A… What inspired the collaboration between you,… Read More

UK’s first hip hop theatre school at Sadler’s Wells East

A groundbreaking new chapter in hip hop and dance education begins as Academy Breakin’ Convention (ABC) officially opens its doors on Monday, 8 September, at Sadler’s Wells East in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Offering the UK’s first free Level 3 Qualification in hip hop theatre, ABC is set to redefine professional pathways for young artists and entrepreneurs passionate about hip hop culture and the creative industries. ABC’s launch marks an exciting milestone for Sadler’s Wells East, which opened in February 2025 as part of East Bank, London’s newest cultural and educational district. The academy, delivered in partnership with Big Creative Training, fills a critical gap in professional training for hip hop artists, providing a structured, accredited pathway for the next generation of talent. Over the next two years, the inaugural cohort of up to 20 students, aged 16-19, will immerse themselves in the seven core elements of hip hop dance theatre: Popping, Breaking, Emceeing, Social Dance, DJing, Music Production, and Graffiti. Each year, an additional 20 students will join, creating a total of 40 students across the two-year course. Graduates will leave with a UAL Level 3 Diploma, equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the creative industries. Led by Acting Head Sam Francis, alongside Senior Lead Cyrus Armstrong and Co-Course Leaders Jean Saliah and Sarah Taylor, ABC boasts a faculty of world-class artists and educators with decades of industry experience. Specialists include: Students will train intensively in both performance and production elements, developing foundational skills in Year 1 and producing a… Read More

Ballet and circus come to Melbourne’s Princess Theatre

Get ready, Melbourne! Circa’s genre-defying production, Duck Pond, is set to dazzle audiences at the Princess Theatre from 14 to 25 January 2026. Following a sold-out season at London’s Royal Festival Hall and an upcoming run at the Sydney Opera House, this breathtaking reimagining of Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling promises to be a theatrical experience like no other. Sydney Dance Co comes to Melbourne occasionally, too. Read about the last time here. Duck Pond is a bold and mesmerizing fusion of classical ballet and contemporary circus, created by Circa’s Artistic Director and CEO, Yaron Lifschitz, the 2025 recipient of the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) Distinguished Artist Award. With soaring aerial artistry, masterful acrobatics, and cheeky humor, the production reimagines two beloved stories in a way that’s equal parts romance, exhilaration, and pure theatrical brilliance. Picture this: champagne in hand, the lights dim, and suddenly you’re swept into a glittering spectacle that’s built for sharing. Duck Pond takes the familiar and transforms it into something unforgettable, blending the beauty of ballet with the daring spectacle of circus. As Australia’s most globally active performing arts company, Circa has captivated over two million people across 45 countries and six continents. Based in Brisbane, the company has earned a reputation for its elite and emotive performances, pushing the boundaries of what circus can be. With Duck Pond, Circa continues to redefine expectations, delivering a production that’s as moving as it is awe-inspiring. Duck Pond will play at the Sydney Opera House from 9 January… Read More

September at Sadler’s Wells: a celebration of world-class dance

This September, Sadler’s Wells is the epicentre of dance innovation, hosting a dazzling array of UK premieres and world-class productions across its venues. From groundbreaking choreographers to iconic dance companies, the month promises an unforgettable celebration of movement, culture, and creativity. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui: A Double Bill of Innovation Flemish-Moroccan choreographer and Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, brings two remarkable works to the stage. Carlos Acosta’s Acosta Danza: A Decade in Motion Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Carlos Acosta’s company, Acosta Danza, presents A Decade in Motion at Sadler’s Wells Theatre from Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 September. This mixed bill, featuring two UK premieres, showcases the company’s unique fusion of classical and contemporary dance, rooted in Cuban history and culture. It’s a celebration of a decade spent pushing the boundaries of dance. London City Ballet: Momentum Returning to its former home, London City Ballet graces Sadler’s Wells Theatre from Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 September with Momentum. This brand-new repertoire features rarely seen works, including a piece by George Balanchine, and stars celebrated ballerina Alina Cojocaru as Guest Artist. Fresh from a global tour, the company promises a weekend of exceptional artistry. Michael Keegan-Dolan: How to be a Dancer in Seventy-two Thousand Easy Lessons Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Michael Keegan-Dolan and his company Tea? Da?sa make their Stratford debut at Sadler’s Wells East from Wednesday 17 – Saturday 20 September. This dance theatre production, created during the 2020 lockdown, weaves spoken word, physical comedy, and contemporary movement to explore themes of identity, xenophobia,… Read More

New dance PRISM at Sadler’s Wells East

This October, Breakin’ Convention presents the UK premiere of PRISM, a hypnotic dance production by Montreal-based company Tentacle Tribe. Running from Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 October 2025 at Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford, PRISM promises to be a mesmerizing exploration of perception, illusion, and the invisible. A Dreamlike Journey Through Reflection and Movement Choreographed by Tentacle Tribe co-founders Emmanuelle “Cleopatra” Lê Phan and Elon “Wandering Spirit” Höglund, PRISM blends hip hop and contemporary dance in a visually stunning performance. The production features a quintet of dancers navigating a reflective floor and movable mirrors, creating a kaleidoscope of distorted perspectives and endless possibilities. The set design, which inspired the creation of the piece, transforms the stage into a dreamlike space where dancers are reflected up to seven times, immersing the audience in a hypnotic journey. “The creation of PRISM started from a set design idea where two walls and a reflective floor create a corner of reflections,” said Lê Phan and Höglund. “Working with this set design was a new challenge for us, and that’s why it took us almost four years to finally bring PRISM into the world. We are absolutely thrilled to be back at Breakin’ Convention with this production, really showcasing the evolution of our work.” Originally premiering during the Danse Danse season in Montreal in March 2023, PRISM has been hailed as a captivating exploration of what lies hidden from words and the gaze. Tentacle Tribe: Pioneers of Conceptual Hip Hop Founded in 2012 by Lê Phan and Höglund, Tentacle Tribe… Read More

What to expect from Australian dance’s New Breed in Sydney this 2025

Sydney Dance Company is once again pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance with its renowned New Breed program. Presented in collaboration with Carriageworks and supported by Principal Partner The Balnaves Foundation, the 2025 season promises innovation, artistry, and fresh perspectives. Set to run from 3–13 December 2025, this year’s New Breed features four bold world premieres by emerging choreographers Emma Fishwick, Ngaere Jenkins, Ryan Pearson, and Harrison Ritchie-Jones. With their unique approaches and inspired creativity, these rising stars are set to make an unforgettable impact. A Platform for Emerging Talent Now in its twelfth year, New Breed is a vital platform in Australia’s dance landscape, dedicated to championing early-career choreographers and their unique voices. More than just performances, the program provides a collaborative environment where emerging talent can create new works alongside Sydney Dance Company’s internationally acclaimed dancers. With 45 world premieres to its name, New Breed has cemented itself as a space for bold ideas to flourish, making powerful connections between movement and meaning. Sydney Dance Company’s Artistic Director, Rafael Bonachela, expressed his excitement for the 2025 choreographers, stating, “New Breed is about bold creative strides, and this platform invites choreographers to explore new work with the full support of Sydney Dance Company’s Ensemble.” His vision highlights the program’s significance in nurturing experimentation and creativity, sustaining the growth of the dance industry as a whole. Meet the Choreographers This year’s New Breed celebrates the diversity of contemporary dance, with four choreographers who bring deeply personal perspectives to their artistry. Each voice is distinct, promising… Read More

Latest dance to see in London by chareographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

This September, Sadler’s Wells Theatre will set the stage for the UK premiere of Vlaemsch (chez moi), a mesmerising new work by acclaimed choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Running from Thursday 18 September to Saturday 20 September, this emotionally rich piece weaves together themes of heritage, identity, and artistic exploration through Cherkaoui’s trademark fusion of movement, music, and visual storytelling. Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated premiere, Cherkaoui’s illustrious career, and the deep cultural layers woven into Vlaemsch (chez moi). A Personal Ode to Flemish Roots At its heart, Vlaemsch (chez moi) is a love letter to Cherkaoui’s Flemish heritage. Born to a Flemish mother and Moroccan father in Antwerp, Cherkaoui grew up navigating the complex interplay of cultures, languages, and identities. The piece’s name intentionally reflects this duality—“Vlaemsch,” an archaic spelling of the word for “Flemish,” nods to the traditions and folklore of Flanders, while the French subtitle “chez moi” translates as “at mine,” capturing the personal lens through which the choreographer views this heritage. Cherkaoui describes the work as a space where contrasting influences—Dutch/Flemish, French, and even Arabic—coexist. Through dance, he invites audiences to explore the vibrant and sometimes paradoxical cultural tapestry of Flemish identity. Flanders in Movement Drawing inspiration from 15th-century Flemish art and folklore, Vlaemsch (chez moi) is a visual and auditory feast. Cherkaoui collaborated with contemporary Flemish artists to create a production brimming with authenticity and depth. This multidimensional team ensures that Vlaemsch (chez moi) resonates not just as a celebration of Flanders but as a global… Read More

Dance in London at Sadler’s Wells this August: blockbuster season awaits

Sadler’s Wells continues its spectacular summer season this August with a trio of unmissable productions across its venues, showcasing the best in dance, theatre, and community storytelling. Following a diverse lineup in July, the excitement ramps up with Rambert’s Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, the enchanting The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and a fresh, local take on Romeo & Juliet. Here’s what’s in store: Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby Dates: 5 – 16 AugustVenue: Sadler’s Wells TheatreAge Suitability: 15+ Kicking off the month is Rambert’s electrifying stage adaptation of the hit television series Peaky Blinders. Created by the show’s mastermind Steven Knight and choreographed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, this production dives deep into the world of Thomas Shelby and his infamous gang. Performed by Rambert’s exceptional dancers and accompanied by a live on-stage band, the show features specially commissioned music by Roman GianArthur alongside iconic tracks from artists like Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Radiohead, and Anna Calvi. This gritty, high-energy production promises to captivate fans of the series and newcomers alike. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Dates: 20 August – 7 SeptemberVenue: Sadler’s Wells TheatreAge Suitability: All ages As summer holidays reach their peak, families can step into the magical world of Narnia with The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. This theatrical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s beloved novel combines puppetry, music, and dramatic storytelling to bring the icy landscapes and mythical creatures of Narnia to life. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of… Read More