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.
- Vlaemsch (chez moi): Premiering at Sadler’s Wells Theatre from Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 September, this piece is a heartfelt exploration of Cherkaoui’s Flemish roots and the complexities of national identity. Featuring a diverse cast from his Antwerp-based company Eastman, the production embodies Cherkaoui’s signature blend of East-West and North-South influences, honed over a career spanning 50 choreographic works and two Olivier Awards.
- An Accident / a Life: Co-created with leading Disabled dance artist Marc Brew, this Sadler’s Wells co-commission will be presented at Sadler’s Wells East from Thursday 25 – Saturday 27 September. This visually stunning piece delves into life’s pivotal moments, blending humor, storytelling, film, music, and dance. Inspired by Brew’s personal journey from ballet dancer to paraplegic, it’s a testament to resilience and transformation.
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, love, and defiance. Drawing from Keegan-Dolan’s personal history, it’s a poignant and powerful work.
The Peacock Theatre: Circus and Synchronization
The West End’s Peacock Theatre hosts two dynamic productions this September:
- The Genesis: From Wednesday 3 – Saturday 6 September, this high-energy contemporary circus experience features 17 world-class acrobats performing to a unique soundscape blending classical and acoustic instruments with song and recitation.
- Murmuration Level 2: Following a sold-out tour in France, Sadeck Berrabah’s hypnotic fusion of hip-hop, martial arts, ballet, and contemporary dance premieres in the UK from Wednesday 10 – Saturday 20 September. With its mesmerizing synchronization, this production is a visual feast.
The Rite of Spring: A Landmark Co-Production
Sadler’s Wells’ co-production of Pina Bausch’s iconic The Rite of Spring, created with the Pina Bausch Foundation and Senegal’s École des Sables, returns to the international stage. Marking the fiftieth anniversary of Bausch’s masterpiece, the production will be performed at Paris’ Théâtre des Champs-Élysées from Wednesday 24 – Saturday 28 September, before its final outing in Geneva on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
Digital Stage: Making Moves 2025
For those unable to attend in person, Sadler’s Wells’ Digital Stage offers a free ten-minute documentary, Making Moves 2025, directed by Paul Burt. This behind-the-scenes film celebrates the next generation of dancers, showcasing their creative journeys with virtual toolkits from top choreographers. Stream it now at Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage.