Category: LONDON

Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

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Posted: 24/04/2024

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LONDON

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Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

Eva Gonzalez painting art

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Updated: 24/04/2024

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled.  During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON

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7 top independent jewellery brands in London

Jewellery hands rings Bleue Burnham

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Updated: 16/06/2024

Journey into a world of quality metals to wear on your body, as we explore the realm of independent jewellery brands by various jewellers in the vibrant city of London.

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FEATURES, LONDON, MEN'S STYLE, RETAIL, STYLE, WOMEN'S STYLE

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For excellent Flamenco, look to Sadler’s Wells

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Updated: 20/04/2024

Step into a world where tradition meets innovation, where old blends seamlessly with new to create something entirely original and electrifying. At Sadler’s Wells, the iconic Paco Peña, accompanied by his talented Paco Peña Dance Company, presents Solera – a captivating production that breathes new life into the timeless art of flamenco. As the evening unfolds, prepare to be mesmerised by a fusion of exceptional music, dance, and passion that transcends boundaries and embodies the essence of human emotions in all their raw beauty. The show opens with a symphony of everyday sounds that seamlessly transform into a vibrant celebration of the human spirit. Take away the traditional red Flamenco dress and imagine you’re in a studio with friends who are just chilling and decide to have a dance. They chat in-between sets, sip water, play on their phones – all normal every day stuff – that plays an insightful and very real backdrop to the magic unfolding in the foreground. From the rhythmic beats of percussionist Julio Alcocer to the exquisite melodies woven by guitars and voices, every moment is a testament to the skill and artistry of the performers. Directed with precision by Jude Kelly CBE, Solera masterfully transitions from the mundane to the magical, immersing the audience in a world of colour, light, and drama that is nothing short of spellbinding. In the second act, the stage comes alive with a spectacle of performance, accentuated by striking costumes and evocative lighting that elevate the talents of the company to new heights. Dancers… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LONDON

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4 reasons to get excited for ‘Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada’s at Sadler’s Wells

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Updated: 14/04/2024

This exceptional triple bill showcases the extraordinary talents of three distinguished Canadian choreographers: Crystal Pite, Emma Portner, and James Kudelka, promising an unforgettable journey through the world of contemporary ballet.

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, FEATURES, LONDON

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Momentous moment in art at National Gallery London

Art National Gallery

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Posted: 05/04/2024

In 2025, the art world will witness a remarkable event at the National Gallery as “Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300?1350” opens its doors in spring, marking the 200th anniversary of the institution. This exhibition promises an unprecedented reunion of paintings by some of the most celebrated Italian artists of the 14th century, artworks that have been scattered across the globe for centuries. Highlighting this unique collection are masterpieces in gold ground, many originally part of larger compositions, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the innovative spirit of Western painting tradition from this era. The spotlight of the exhibition is the coming together of several panels from the revolutionary double-sided altarpiece, the Maestà, painted by Duccio di Buoninsegna for the cathedral in Siena. Recognized as the first double-sided altarpiece in Western art, this narrative shift in art will be showcased along with other significant pieces from the ensemble. Notably, the National Gallery’s panels from the Maestà will be reunited with works like “Christ and the Woman of Samaria” from the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid, and “The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew” from the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Another focal point is the reunion of the Orsini Polyptych by Simone Martini, a folding piece created for private devotion, likely for Cardinal Napoleone Orsini. Dispersed between prestigious institutions – the Louvre in Paris, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, and the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin – the exhibition will bring together all six panels for a rare presentation. Besides these reunifications, the exhibition… Read More

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

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Carmen is coming to Sadler’s Wells in London

Carlos Acostas Carmen Cristina Lanandez 5

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Updated: 04/04/2024

In an event that harmoniously blends tradition with contemporary flair, Sadler’s Wells Theatre unfolds its red carpet for Acosta Danza, as they present the UK premiere of Carlos Acosta’s version of Carmen from the 2nd to the 6th of July, 2024. This adaptation by the dance legend Carlos Acosta gives a new lease of life to Georges Bizet’s opera, stirring the soul nearly two centuries after Prosper Mérimée penned the original story. Carlos Acosta himself steps onto the stage, not just as a creator but as a performer, embodying ‘The Bull’ – a symbol of fate and destiny. This role, specially crafted by Acosta, emerges from his deep-seated desire to encapsulate the essence of the narrative while marking his departure from the Royal Ballet. His rendition of Carmen holds onto the timeless and universal appeal of the tale yet introduces a fresh perspective by minimising the setting to its core elements. Joining forces with Acosta Danza are Principal dancers Laura Rodriguez, Enrique Corrales, and Alejandro Silva, alongside guest stars from the Birmingham Royal Ballet – Yaoqian Shang, Javier Rojas, and Lachlan Monaghan, who will portray Carmen, Don José, and Escamillo, respectively. This cast embodies the spirit of the characters they portray, bringing to life the tragic tale of love, passion, and jealousy. Carmen’s story has always captivated the imagination of many, attracting a variety of choreographers such as Marius Petipa and Roland Petit to its fiery core. The opera’s enchanting melodies like the ‘Toreador Song’ and ‘Habanera’ continue to resonate, underscoring the opera’s enduring popularity… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, OPERA

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British Museum gets a new leader

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Updated: 31/03/2024

Dr. Nicholas Cullinan OBE has been appointed as the new Director of the British Museum, following the unanimous approval of the Board of Trustees and the agreement of the Prime Minister. With a wealth of experience and a track record of transformative leadership in the art world, Nicholas is set to spearhead a new era for one of the UK’s most prestigious cultural institutions. A Visionary Leader in the Making Nicholas Cullinan is renowned as one of the UK’s most esteemed museum directors, having steered the National Portrait Gallery to new heights since April 2015. His tenure at the Gallery marked a period of significant change, characterized by a complete re-presentation of the Collection and a substantial redevelopment of the building that expanded public space by a fifth. Prior to his role at the National Portrait Gallery, Nicholas curated exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Tate Modern in London, showcasing his international perspective and innovative approach to curation. Embracing a New Chapter at the British Museum Taking the helm from Interim Director Sir Mark Jones, Nicholas Cullinan steps into the role with a clear mandate for progress and innovation. George Osborne, Chair of the British Museum, expressed utmost confidence in Nicholas’s ability to lead the institution into a transformative phase. Osborne remarked, “Nicholas Cullinan brings proven leadership today and great potential for tomorrow. His remarkable achievements at the National Portrait Gallery have earned him universal acclaim, and we believe he will continue this legacy at the… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LONDON

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East London Shakespeare Festival announces Much Ado

SIX Musical women theatre singing

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Posted: 31/03/2024

The East London Shakespeare Festival (ELSF), under the imaginative steersmanship of Ursula Early and Rosie Ward, co-artistic directors and the creative force behind the company, is poised to bring a fresh breeze of dramatic art to the parks and open spaces of East London this summer. Their adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing not only promises to be a visual delight set against a modern, summery Messina backdrop but also aims to strike a chord with audiences through its contemporary approach to Shakespeare’s work. The choice of the play speaks volumes about ELSF’s commitment to delivering performances that resonate with love, laughter, and the complexities of human relationships, drawing a direct line to the comedic heart of Shakespeare’s timeless narratives. This summer’s production is not just a retelling but a reimagining, infused with modern romantic comedy elements, promising an engaging blend of Shakespeare’s classic wit with the allure of contemporary romance narratives. The decision to integrate the character of Margaret as Messina’s resident lounge singer, thereby incorporating the Balthasar role, is a testament to ELSF’s innovative approach to adapting Shakespeare for modern audiences. This inventive twist not only adds a unique flavour to the production but also sets the stage for a truly immersive experience, underscored by music and the Mediterranean ambiance. Furthermore, ELSF’s ambition to make Shakespeare accessible and enjoyable to a wider audience, particularly to the residents of East London, reflects in their extensive community engagement program designed to run alongside the tour. By offering a plethora of activities and engaging directly with… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON, THEATRE

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The World Press Photo Exhibition returns to London

Beekeepers

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Updated: 24/03/2024

After a notable absence of seven years, the acclaimed World Press Photo Exhibition is making its much-anticipated return to London. This prestigious event is set to unfold at Borough Yards, Dirty Lane, London, SE1 9AD, from Friday, 3rd May, to Monday, 27th May 2024. Renowned for its role in highlighting the apex of photojournalism and documentary photography globally, the World Press Photo Contest is at the heart of this exhibition, showcasing a captivating array of powerful images. Tickets for this must-see exhibition are now available for purchase, offering attendees an extraordinary opportunity to engage with compelling stories and perspectives from around the globe. The World Press Photo Foundation’s core mission is to foster a deeper connection between individuals and the significant narratives shaping our world. Visitors are encouraged to transcend the everyday news cycle and critically reflect on diverse issues, facilitated by an extensive collection of high-quality visual stories aimed at enriching and enlightening viewers. The foundation, established in 1955, has a long history of celebrating outstanding photojournalism and documentary photography. Annually, the competition highlights the previous year’s most impactful works, bringing them to the attention of millions worldwide. With the exhibition travelling to over 60 cities across more than 40 countries, its influence and reach are truly remarkable. London Exhibition Director, Woody Anderson, spoke of the event’s unique position within the realm of visual storytelling, emphasizing the dedication and often hazardous efforts photographers undertake to capture these poignant moments. He remarked on the exhibition’s remarkable capacity to evoke a shared consciousness and bring critical… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

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