Amazing Flamenco in London; you must see ¡VIVA!
With six bailaores (dancers) gracing the stage, ¡VIVA! pays homage to freedom while defying traditional gender norms of flamenco.
FOOD & DRINK, ARTS & CULTURE, LIFE & TRAVEL
Tag: Sadler’s Wells
Choreographers of Canada bring Frontier to Sadler’s Wells
Grab your tickets and get ready to witness a spectacular ballet extravaganza at Sadler’s Wells from Wednesday 2 – Sunday 6 October 2024! The National Ballet of Canada is pulling out all the stops for the UK premiere of Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada, featuring an incredible triple bill of works by three of Canada’s most visionary choreographers. Kick-start your evening with Crystal Pite’s Angels’ Atlas, a breathtaking ballet that originally premiered in Toronto. This award-winning piece transforms the stage into a hypnotic play of light and movement, paired with a transcendent soundtrack by Owen Belton, Tchaikovsky, and Morten Lauridsen. It’s like stepping into another world—a world that prompts you to ponder humanity’s place within the vast cosmos. Next, experience the groundbreaking creation of Emma Portner’s islands, a hypnotic duet that simultaneously mesmerizes and challenges conventional ballet norms. With an eclectic mix of contemporary tunes and an avant-garde soundscape by Forest Swords, this performance promises to be unlike anything you’ve seen before. You might recognize Portner from her collaborations with Justin Bieber and her groundbreaking work in theatre, and now she’s dazzling the ballet world with her vision. Rounding off the trio of masterpieces is James Kudelka’s Passion, a spellbinding abstract love story set to Beethoven’s sublime concerto. The chemistry between the classical and contemporary couples is electric, weaving an intricate narrative of passion and relationships that will leave you breathless. Having served as The National Ballet of Canada’s Artistic Director, Kudelka’s influence and distinctive choreographic style remain integral to the company’s legacy. Don’t miss this… Read More
Carmen but not like you know it – Carlos Acosta’s version at Sadler’s Wells
Get ready to immerse yourself in a theatrical extravaganza like no other as Sadler’s Wells International Associate Company, Acosta Danza, presents the much-awaited UK premiere of Carlos Acosta’s Carmen at Sadler’s Wells Theatre from Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 July 2024. In a performance that combines passion, drama, and undeniable talent, Carlos Acosta takes the stage in his rendition of Georges Bizet’s timeless opera, bringing a touch of magic to the theatre scene. Join Don José, Carmen, and the captivating Escamillo in a dance of fate, jealousy, and destiny that’ll transfix you. Unraveling the Tale: From Past to Present Step back in time as Acosta breathes life into the character of The Bull, a symbolic representation of destiny and master of ceremonies, blending classical finesse with a contemporary flair. Watch as the narrative unfolds, retaining its universal themes in a stripped-back, enchanting setting that transcends eras. Its haunting use of simple staging and a fate bearing avatar that is the Spanish bill who appears at pivotal moments that really reminds you you’re watching a reimagined classic. A Stellar Cast: Ballet Brilliance in Motion Witness the artistry of Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers—Yaoqian Shang, Javier Rojas, and Lachlan Monaghan—as they join forces with Acosta Danza Principal dancers Laura Rodriguez, Enrique Corrales, and Alejandro Silva. Together, they craft a tapestry of emotions, drawing inspiration from dance legends Marius Petipa, Roland Petit, and others who’ve been captivated by this tale of passion and tragedy. Melodic Marvels: Bizet’s Timeless Symphony Let the melodies of Carmen sweep you off your feet… Read More
Theatre review: Invocación at Sadler’s Wells
If ever you wanted to know what an eardrum throbbing 24+ sets of Spanish castanets sound like for an hour, then Rubén Olmo’s “Invocación” at Sadler’s Wells is for you. Performed by Ballet Nacional de España, is an ambitious blend of four distinct pieces that encapsulate the richness of Spanish dance. The evening unfolds with ‘Invocación Bolera’, which revives the 18th-century bolera dance, a fusion of traditional Andalusian folk and classical styles. The opening transports us to a 1920s MGM melodrama with its castanets-led performance and Goyesque costumes. It’s got Hollywood flair that showcases what it is to choreograph en masse. When second performance ‘Jauleña’ begins, there’s dramatic lighting design by Ginés Caballero and Felipe Ramos that highlights the dancers’ movements beautifully. It’s not a purely flamenco rendition and does an alright job of combining styles to a fairly contemporary backing track. ‘Eterna Iberia’ comprises five movements showcasing refined technique with castanets, Spanish capes, and Cordobes hats. The lighting design by Nicolás Fischtel evokes the essence of Degas’ ballerina paintings, while the music by Manuel Moreno-Buendía recalls Manuel de Falla’s El Amor Brujo. Although the costumes by Yaiza Pinillos are fitting and beautiful, the dancers again show their ability to command the stage with choreography that is more an exercise in ‘cape-ography’ and costuming generally. An intermission resets the narrative and in the second half of the show a band appears for ‘De lo Flamenco’, which is a triumph, featuring live music that breathes life into the production and invigorates the performers. Noelia Ruiz delivers… Read More
Latest in contemporary ballet at Sadler’s Wells
Sadler’s Wells, renowned for its year-round Ballet with attitude programme, is a hub for showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary ballet creations.
Experience break dancing like never before this MAy
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
For excellent Flamenco, look to Sadler’s Wells
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
Carmen is coming to Sadler’s Wells in London
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
Hear from New York City Ballet soloist Sara Adams
The celebrated New York City Ballet (NYCB) is set to make its highly anticipated debut at Sadler’s Wells in March 2024, showcasing an array of works that signal both a nod to its storied past and a leap into the future. Among the slated UK premieres are pieces by the creative minds of Kyle Abraham, Justin Peck, and Pam Tanowitz, alongside a revered classic from the company’s co-founder George Balanchine. This marks a historic moment, as it will be the first time the company has graced a London stage since 2008, during its landmark 75th anniversary celebrations. NYCB stands as a beacon of contemporary ballet, distinguished by its remarkable speed, musicality, and avant-garde style. Founded in 1948 by the legendary George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein, the company has tirelessly pushed the boundaries of ballet into new realms, maintaining its reputation as one of the premiere institutions in the world of dance. Justin Peck’s Rotunda, with its dynamic commissioned score by Nico Muhly and a vibrant ensemble of 12 dancers, embodies the innovative spirit at the heart of NYCB. Peck, who has amassed an impressive portfolio of over 20 works for the company alongside notable external projects, continues to solidify his role as a pivotal figure in modern choreography. Balanchine’s Duo Concertant, a striking duet accompanied by two onstage musicians, revisits the thematic and musical brilliance of Igor Stravinsky, a highlight from the legendary Stravinsky Festival of 1972. Balanchine, a towering figure in 20th-century ballet, leaves an indelible mark on NYCB, ensuring his foundational… Read More
Elixir Festival is on at Sadler’s Wells
This April, Sadler’s Wells becomes the beating heart of a unique celebration with the return of its much-anticipated Elixir Festival. Over two transformative weeks, the festival will dismantle the preconceptions surrounding dance and age, featuring a blend of performances, workshops, artist talks, and films. With its bold programme, Elixir poses a potent question to the public and the dance community alike: how do we articulate the evolution of our bodies and minds through the art of movement? The festival commences with a triple bill in the esteemed Sadler’s Wells Theatre, including the London premiere of the co-produced common ground[s], a profound duet by Germaine Acogny—often hailed as the ‘mother of contemporary African dance’—and Pina Bausch’s acclaimed associate, Malou Airaudo. This opening act sets the festival’s tone, promising a series of captivating narratives that speak to the essence of our shared human experience. Moreover, the roster features the world premiere of Ben Duke’s whimsically titled a trio for two dancers and a tortoise and concludes with Louise Lecavalier’s Blue, distilling the essence of her acclaimed piece, So Blue, into a striking solo performance. Adjacent to the main stage, the intimate Lilian Baylis Studio will host an exchange of talent and tales between Sadler’s Wells Company of Elders and ZooNation Youth Company. The studio will reverberate with the timeless rhythms of Merce Cunningham’s Story, reflecting the festival’s overarching theme of generational dialogue, while intergenerational duets and intimate explorations into the perspectives on ageing bodies will inject personal narratives into the festival’s artistic discourse. A vibrant contrast to… Read More