Dance

Johann Sebastian Bach’s music has influenced so much of Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker’s choreography. Following the performances of Mitten wir im Leben sind/Bach6Cellosuiten at Sadler’s Wells in 2019, De Keersmaeker turns to him once more, this time with a large ensemble of 16 dancers, drawn from multiple generations of Rosas dancers.  Twenty-three musicians from the B’Rock Orchestra, conducted by the violinist Amandine Beyer, play the six Brandenburg Concertos live and unabridged, with De Keersmaeker approaching the music as a ready-made score to be danced to. 

In his follow-up to the sumptuously sexy Casanova, choreographer and former Northern Ballet dancer Kenneth Tindall turns to another remarkable true story for his brand new full-length ballet.  Two young women, bound by vows of friendship, find themselves in the midst of a collision between east and west. As their lives are torn painfully apart, a promise from beyond the grave offers the only chance for redemption.  The visually stunning Geisha sees Tindall reunite with Casanova set and costume designer Christopher Oram, and is set to a newly commissioned score from award-winning composer Alexandra Harwood.

Since forming in 1994, Richard Alston Dance Company has been extolled for their musicality and lyricism. Over 25 years later, their final ever performances will take place at Sadler’s Wells. Their farewell programme exemplifies Richard Alston’s commitment to new work and extraordinary music. 

Nico Muhly’s pioneering music, played live by Britten Sinfonia, is the subject of this new triple bill from Julie Cunningham, Michael Keegan-Dolan and Justin Peck.  Inspired by murder ballad The Two Sisters, Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Keegan-Dolan interprets dark folk-song arrangement The Only Tune, sung live by Sam Amidon. Cunningham selects Drones, a reflection on the subtle and constant noise in most dwelling places. Peck’s work is accompanied by a new composition and performed by New York City Ballet in their first London performance since 2008.  Sadler’s Wells’ Composer Series partners contemporary composer’s music with exceptional contemporary choreographers to create new works.

When Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Michael Keegan-Dolan covered the stage with a flurry of white feathers for his re-imagining of Swan Lake, it earned him a flock of five star reviews and award wins. 

In 1782, the owners of the Zong ship claimed insurance on the lives of the 130 slaves thrown overboard. Over a hundred years later, the Kala Pani prison (“Black Waters” in Hindi) was used by the British to contain Indian independence activists in horrendous conditions.

In 2017 New Wave Associate Artist Alexander Whitley combined film and dance for 8 Minutes, a breath-taking journey to the sun. Known for his groundbreaking use of technology, Whitley’s new work delves into what it means to be human in the era of big data.  Overflow features a dazzling kinetic light sculpture by Children of the Light with creative technologists Fenyce, costumes by fashion artist Ana Rajcevic and a new score by composer Rival Consoles, who has created music, experimenting with “ambient soundscapes, industrial textures, and high-octane club energy” (Pitchfork), for the Netflix series Black Mirror. 

Alina Cojocaru, lead principal dancer with Sadler’s Wells Associate Company English National Ballet and resident guest artist with Hamburg Ballet, curates and performs in a new programme of classical and contemporary works. 

Disney On Ice at Wembley in London is always spectacular, and worth a visit if you are in London. Tickets for Disney On Ice in London can be booked here!

The annual Ballet Icons Gala in London will again become a highlight in the ballet lovers’ calendar featuring captivating classical masterpieces and exploring contemporary repertoire created by today’s leading choreographers world-wide.

At the heart of Carlos Acosta’s first programme as artistic director is a mixed bill of electrifying works that showcase the astounding versatility of the company, and in which Acosta himself is joined on stage by a very special guest. Acosta also gives a unique insight into his cultural influences and the future of the company, with a specially curated festival. 

As Lin Hwai-Min, founder of the world-renowned Taiwanese company, steps down in 2020, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre brings works from the current and new artistic directors. 

balletLORENT returns as part of Family Weekend, Sadler’s Wells’ annual throwing-open of doors with free activities taking place alongside the performance.  Based on an original story by former poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, our National Partner Company’s new production takes us deep into the forest to meet Jub, a fearless girl with six fingers on each hand, who has been tasked with guarding all the happy endings.  Narrated by Joanna Lumley, and featuring 19 famous fairy-tale characters including Snow White, Pinocchio, Cinderella and Goldilocks, this is the perfect Easter treat for the long weekend.