Tag: Sadlers wells

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

Boy Blue leads National Youth Dance Company

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Get ready to witness a thrilling fusion of talent, creativity, and innovation as Boy Blue, the Olivier Award-winning hip hop dance theatre company, steps into the spotlight as the next Guest Artistic Director of National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) for 2024/25. This electrifying partnership promises to redefine the boundaries of hip hop dance theatre and nurture the next generation of young artists, setting the stage for an exhilarating journey into the world of dance. Founded in East London in 2001 by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante and Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy, Boy Blue has been a trailblazing force, shaping the landscape of hip hop dance theatre across the UK. Their unwavering commitment to empowering young individuals to carve out their own narratives and express themselves through dance has left an indelible mark, with thousands of aspiring talents benefitting from their educational initiatives. The ethos of Boy Blue, encapsulated by the 3 E’s – ‘Education, Enlightenment, and Entertainment’, resonates deeply within their work. Emancipation of Expressionism, a creation by Boy Blue, is now integrated into the GCSE dance syllabus, exemplifying their dedication to educating and inspiring young minds through the art of dance. Renowned for their acclaimed productions such as the Olivier Award-winning Pied Piper and Blak Whyte Gray, Boy Blue’s influence extends beyond the stage. Their collaboration with director Danny Boyle on Free Your Mind, a reimagining of The Matrix, and Sandy’s choreography for the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony underscore their prowess as visionary creators. Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy expressed his honor in nurturing young artists, emphasizing… Read More

Sadler’s Wells new national youth initiative

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It’s time to celebrate the extraordinary talent of young dancers across England as Sadler’s Wells unveils the next cohort of the National Youth Dance Company (NYDC). With 32 dancers aged between 16 and 24, hailing from 21 different towns, cities, and villages, this truly nationwide company is set to take the dance world by storm. Led by Guest Artistic Director Oona Doherty, they will be working on an exciting new piece called Wall, which is set to premiere at Leeds Playhouse on Saturday, April 13th, before embarking on a national tour. Wall is an exploration of Britain through the eyes and voices of young people from around the country. It delves into their thoughts, highlighting both the good and the bad, the old and the new. Through repetitive movements of resistance, stamina, and will, the dancers showcase their strength and beauty, embodying the greatness of Britain. The production promises to be a visual and auditory feast, with music by Turner Prize-winning artist Mark Leckey, lighting design by John Gunning of Malaprop Theatre, and costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight, who has an extensive background in theater and dance. Award-winning photographer and video maker Luca Truffarelli adds his talents as the audio, photo, and video collaborator, while NYDC alumna Nya Bardouille serves as Assistant to the choreographer. After its premiere at Leeds Playhouse, Wall will embark on a captivating journey to Wakefield, Falmouth, Ipswich, Latitude Festival, Leicester, and London, with a highly anticipated performance at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on Saturday, July 13th. This is an unmissable… Read More