Jan McNulty

Wild Card Casson & Friends Lilian Baylis Studio, EC1R Wednesday 18 March Performance at 8pm (with pre-show activities from 7pm) Tickets: £17 Ticket office: 0844 412 4300 or www.sadlerswells.com Wild Card welcomes dance artist Tim Casson, best known for his record-breaking project The Dance WE Made, and his collaborators to the Lilian Baylis Studio on Wednesday 18 March for a playful evening of unexpected and unique collaborations between artists, machines and the audience. This is Sadler’s Wells’ fifth season of Wild Card evenings, the initiative which opens the stage to an exciting new generation of dance makers, giving rising artists the unique opportunity to curate their own evenings of dance. Tim Casson is a London-based performer and choreographer with an interest in interactivity, technology and playfulness. His Wild Card show invites audiences to join performers to explore the wonderful things that can happen when people work together. The evening consists of three pieces, including Casson’s own work and other pieces by his collaborators. The London premiere of Fiend, Tim Casson’s creation in partnership with video technician Tom Butterworth,uses innovative manipulation of live video to allow Casson to dance with multiple digital replicas of himself. The work uses Vaslav Nijinsky’s iconic ballet Afternoon of a Faun as a starting point, and is set to Claude Debussy’s original score along with new music by Jamie McCarthy. The projected video creates a magical world, where the multiplied performer questions the nature of solo performance. With its themes of connection and voyeurism, the audience watches this character search for a meaningful connection in his virtual reality, provoking questions about what it means to watch and be watched by others in the digital age. Sonata in Three Movements, choreographed by Cornelia Voglmayr, is a duet between a dancer and a violinist that challenges the preconceptions of which artist should occupy which role, and takes a playful look at the conventions of classical music performances. Copter, choreographed and performed by Nina Kov, explores ideas of surveillance through a dancer’s interaction with a remote controlled helicopter. The piece, which made the semifinals of the Place Prize in 2012,questions our relationship with machines, in a playful and sometimes unsettling way, and illustrates how an unlikely combination of disciplines can create compelling artistic work. Also presented is the latest incarnation of Casson’s dance project The Dance WE Made, this time using four performers who will create and perform a new dance piece using ideas and suggestions from the audience. Increasingly popular with audiences and artists alike, Wild Card evenings are unique experiences providing a rare glimpse of the rich variety of work that makes up the dance landscape today. Wild Card is part of Sadler’s Wells’ programme of support for young and emerging dance talent, alongside other initiatives including National Young Dance Company, the New Wave Associates and Sadler’s Wells Summer University programme. Wild Card is supported by The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and The Garrick Charitable Trust. Aside from his Wild Card evening, Tim Casson is also currently working as a course leader with the National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) on a newly commissioned piece choreographed by internationally renowned contemporary choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, to be premiered at Sadler’s Wells in April. Pre-show activities from 7pm Casson & Friends is BSL interpreted Notes to Editors: About Sadler’s Wells Sadler's Wells is a world leader in contemporary dance, committed to producing, commissioning and presenting new works and to bringing the very best international and UK dance to London and worldwide audiences. Under the Artistic Directorship of Alistair Spalding the theatre’s acclaimed year-round programme spans dance of every kind, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap. Since 2005 it has helped to bring over 90 new dance works to the stage and its international award-winning commissions and collaborative productions regularly tour the world. Sadler’s Wells supports 16 appointed world class Associate Artists and 3 Resident Companies and nurtures the next generation of talent through its National Youth Dance Company, Summer University programme, Wild Card initiative and its New Wave Associates. Located in Islington in north London, the current theatre is the sixth to have stood on the site since it was first built by Richard Sadler in 1683. The venue has played an illustrious role in the history of theatre ever since, with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Opera all having started at Sadler’s Wells. Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation and currently receives approximately 9% of its revenue from Arts Council England. About Wild Card Wild Card is a Sadler’s Wells initiative which opens up the theatre’s Lilian Baylis Studio to the next generation of choreographers and dance makers. The initiative aims to bring fresh perspectives to the stage and each time gives emerging artists from different spectrums of the dance landscape the opportunity to curate a mixed bill evening of cutting edge work. Wild Card is supported by The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and The Garrick Charitable Trust. About Tim Casson Tim Casson trained at The BRIT School and Bird College before completing an MA in Contemporary Dance at London Contemporary Dance School. He has performed extensively for Jasmin Vardimon Company as well as for Nigel Charnock and Katie Green among others. He has featured in various music videos, commercials, the movie 'World War Z' and covered the role of 'Puck' in Opera North's production of Benjamin Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' choreographed by Ben Wright. Tim works extensively in education, regularly leading projects for Sadler’s Wells, and other organisations. He is the founder of ‘JV2’ the Jasmin Vardimon Professional Development Certificate Course and is currently the course leader for The National Youth Dance Company. Tim choreographs for stage, television and opera, is currently a Catalyst Artist at dancedigital, Associate Artist at Pavilion Dance South West and created the World Record Breaking online performance project, ‘The Dance WE Made’. In 2013, Tim founded his company Casson & Friends to create contemporary dance performance with a focus on collaboration, find out more at www.cassonandfriends.com

It's not TP, it's another chum who passed away last January.

Hello Janeyshell and welcome to the Forum. I've moved your topic to the more appropriate "Doing Dance" Forum, where you are more likely to get responses. There are already lots of topics about summer schools. I used the search tool at the top of the forum page and these are the results: http://www.balletcoforum.com/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=search&fromMainBar=1 I hope you will continue to join in and share your and your DD's experiences.

Well I just went on line and booked for Northern Ballet at the Linbury with no problems. Not so with the Illa Masqua sale however! (Couldn't book earlier as was out for the day)

Uchenna Dance Company presents Our Mighty Groove Our Mighty Groove is an immersive and interactive piece set within a New York underground nightclub. The audience is both spectator and participant as they observe and experience the individual attributes of five club goers. Let the music take over you as you experience a blend of House, Vogue and Waacking, combined with African and Contemporary dance fused together for what is, Uchenna Dance’s signatory aesthetic. Following a sell out show at the Lilian Baylis, Sadlers Wells in 2013, Our Mighty Groove has been developed into a full-length production. The piece is inspired by choreographer Vicki Igbokwe’s baptism of fire at a New York underground club as she recreates an authentic setting and characters that are based on those she encountered. Vicki Igbokwe, Creative Director of Uchenna Dance said: “Dancing in New York was a life changing experience for me. I was literally baptised on the dance floor of this underground club; I came in as this shy and nervous individual who felt out of her comfort zone and left a confident woman embraced by a loving community of dancers. I wanted to return to London and share this experience with everyone! Our Mighty Groove is for the PEOPLE irrespective of your gender, sexual orientation, age, race, class, education or economic status. Just enjoy the story unfold as you create your own memories.” Dancers: Shanelle Clemenson, Diana Igbokwe, Habibat Ajayi and Sheila Attah. Running Time: 50 minutes Ends Notes to Editors Tour dates Venue Theatre Royal Stratford East, E15 1BN Date Friday 27 March at 7:30pm and Saturday 28 March at 8:30pm Tickets: £15 / £12 Concessions Ticket Office 020 8534 0310 or http://www.eastlondance.org) Venue Greenwich Dance, The Borough Halls, SE10 8RE Date Saturday 11 April 2015 at 7pm & 9pm Tickets: £12 / £9 Concessions Ticket Office 020 8293 9741 or http://greenwichdance.org.uk (Presented by Greenwich Dance in collaboration with Dance UK) Please note performance details and castings are subject to change. Uchenna Dance Formed in 2009 under the vision and leadership of artist Victoria Igbokwe, Uchenna Dance operates under three strands: Performance Company, Participation & Training and Events. The Uchenna dance style is unique and cannot be replicated. Igbokwe fuses together a blend of club dance styles such as Waacking, Vogue and House with traditional and powerful styles such as African and Contemporary, creating a signatory aesthetic that simply is, Uchenna. Uchenna Dance successfully delivers a range of participation & training opportunities including an established Summer School and weekly evening classes at WAC Arts, where Uchenna Dance became an Artist in Residence in 2014. Vicki Igbokwe Vicki is an Independent Artist and works as a Choreographer, Teacher, Lecturer, Curator and Producer. Igbokwe’s career as a dance professional started in 2001 with Impact Dance. In 2004 Vicki was appointed Youth Dance Practitioner for East London Dance and was then promoted to the Creative Projects Manager in 2007. At the same time (2005 – 2010), Vicki was a sponsored Nike Dance Athlete and Master Trainer for the Nike Rockstar Workout. Igbokwe’s most recent credits include: Mass Movement coordinator of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (London 2012). Mass Movement Choreographer of the opening ceremonies for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Sochi 2014), Choreography Coordinator for Opening Ceremony of Commonwealth Games (Glasgow 2014), Sadler’s Wells Wild Card Curator and Artist (Between The Lines, 2013), Association of Dance of the African Diaspora (ADAD) Trailblazer (2007-2008) and Trailblazer CHAMPION (2012-2013). Credits Our Mighty Groove is supported by Arts Council England. Original research and development of piece was supported by Arts Council England, The Association of Dance of the African Diaspora (ADAD) and Sadler’s Wells. The piece was presented as part of Sadler’s Wells event Wild Card, Between the Lines, curated by Victoria Igbokwe at the Lilian Baylis Theatre (2013).

I'm thrilled to see that Max Westwell has been nominated - for me he hasn't put a foot wrong in the last couple of years and indeed has lit up the stage at every performance I have seen him in.

Press Release from ENB: Emerging Dancer Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre Monday 23 March 2015, 7.30pm Tickets: £10 - £20 Box office: 0844 875 0073 or www.ballet.org.uk/emergingdancer “This competition is like no other” londondance.com English National Ballet’s 2015 Emerging Dancer competition will be held at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on Monday 23 March 2015. This year’s finalists are: · Isabelle Brouwers · Anjuli Hudson · Jeanette Kakareka · Katja Khaniukova · Vitor Menezes · James Streeter · Max Westwell · Jinhao Zhang Now in its sixth year, the annual competition allows English National Ballet to recognise and nurture talent and encourage excellence in the Company. The eight emerging dancers will perform in front of a panel of eminent judges. The Emerging Dancer Award winner is announced at the end of the evening together with the recipient of the People’s Choice Award, which is voted for by members of the public. Last year’s winner of the Emerging Dancer Award and People’s Choice Award, Junor Souza, has since been promoted to First Soloist and performed Principal roles in Swan Lake and Nutcracker. Junor now receives sponsorship from XL Group, supporting him in his development as a dancer while raising his profile on both a UK and international stage. Alison McWhinney, joint winner of the Emerging Dancer Award, has since been promoted to First Artist. The Independent said of her recent performance in Swan Lake: “Alison McWhinney shone in her first act solo, bright and confident.” First Soloist at English National Ballet, Junor Souza said: “Winning Emerging Dancer was great as it meant all the hard work I had done over the past year came together. As a dancer I like to challenge myself, and become stronger all the time and it was recognition of that. Since winning I have been given so many amazing opportunities, and performed with incredible dancers like Tamara (Rojo) and Begoña (Cao) which has been fantastic.” Artistic Director of English National Ballet, Tamara Rojo, said: “Our annual Emerging Dancer competition is a fantastic platform for the younger dancers in the Company. It is a key part to English National Ballet’s commitment to developing and nurturing young talent, creating the stars of the future. I can’t wait to see what the eight finalists present on the night.” The Emerging Dancer competition is generously supported by Talbot Hughes McKillop, the restructuring experts. Matt Hinds, Managing Partner of Talbot Hughes McKillop, said: “Our sponsorship of the Emerging Dancer Competition began in 2010, and we have since enjoyed outstanding performances by many young talented dancers. We are proud that the competition has provided a fantastic opportunity for these remarkable dancers to gain greater profile, not only for each winner, but all of the nominees. We are delighted to be able to continue supporting English National Ballet.” Winner of Outstanding Company at Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards 2014 For further information about English National Ballet and to book tickets visit www.ballet.org.uk Please note performance details are subject to change. Ends Notes to Editors Emerging Dancer Emerging Dancer is English National Ballet’s annual event for up-and-coming dancers, now in its sixth year. It isartistically directed by Associate Artist, George Williamson. The eight emerging dancers, as voted for by English National Ballet’s dancers, Artistic team, orchestra and administrative staff, perform in front of a panel of eminent judges. The Emerging Dancer Award winner is announced at the end of the evening together with the recipient of the People’s Choice Award, which is voted for by members of the public. Talbot Hughes McKillop (THM) Talbot Hughes McKillop (THM) provides experienced leadership to corporates, creditors and shareholders in distressed and other event-driven special situations. The firm provides hands-on, practical support, typically using small, partner led teams to deal with both the financial and operational aspects of a restructuring situation. The role may involve partners from THM taking executive roles (for example as Chief Restructuring Officer) and/or other Board of Director appointments. Founded in 2001, THM has handled some of the highest profile pan- European restructuring projects. THM believes that the arts have a critical role to play in enriching the life of communities throughout the country, as well as in fostering emerging young talent. Business has a clear responsibility to engage constructively with arts organizations in providing finance and other forms of help and support. This is even more critical at a time when the state has had to reduce its financial support for the arts, creating a funding gap that needs to be bridged. For more details, please see the THM websitewww.thmpartners.com

Sadly I can't go but I can't wait to read your report B3...

Probably. She was a huge fan of the company.

http://brb.org.uk/2015-opening-ceremony.html http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/regional-affairs/darcey-bussell-raises-curtain-27m-8484185 I was at a Friends event on Friday. The studios are wonderful, although when the seats are in place in the theatre/studio the performance space is quite limited. It is a fabulous new facility for BRB. On a personal note, I was very moved to see that one of the new studios has been named in honour of a friend who passed away a year ago.

I've amended the title to show the name of the company that is appearing in Oxford and elsewhere - they are billed as the Russian State Ballet. Edited to say that there was already a thread about this company so I have merged them together.

Press Release from ENB: English National Ballet’s success at The Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards 2014 We are delighted to announce that English National Ballet and Akram Khan as a collaborating choreographer have won a total of two awards across two categories at the prestigious National Dance Awards 2014. Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director of English National Ballet, says; “I am absolutely thrilled with our success at this year’s National Dance Awards. It is core to my artistic vision for English National Ballet to continue to honour the classics, and create the classics of the future with productions such as Lest We Forget. Receiving these awards means so much to the entire Company, and is a testament to how hard working everyone at English National Ballet is.” English National Ballet won in the following categories: OUTSTANDING COMPANY English National Ballet BEST MODERN CHOREOGRAPHY Akram Khan’s Dust for English National Ballet

Congratulations to all the winners.

The official Press Release detailing the winners: MONDAY, 26TH JANUARY 2015 The 15th National Dance Awards The Place, London: 26th January 2015 New records were set at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards for 2014, which took place today in London at a ceremony hosted by Arlene Phillips CBE. The choreographer and dancer, Akram Khan MBE, became the first person to win a sixth NDA, picking up this year’s award for Best Modern Choreography for Dust, his work for English National Ballet that was part of their Lest We Forget commemoration of the centenary of the outbreak of WW1 and was subsequently featured at Glastonbury. This was Khan’s third choreographic award to add to three awards as a performer. Christopher Wheeldon became the first person to win five awards in the same category, winning the Best Classical Choreography Award for The Winter’s Tale for The Royal Ballet. He had previously won for work in 2001, 2004, 2008 and 2013. Natalia Osipova and Jonathan Goddard became the first dancers to pick up two awards at the same ceremony. Osipova won in the category of Outstanding Female Performance (Classical) for her performance in the title role as Giselle for The Royal Ballet; and Goddard won the Outstanding Male Performance (Modern) for his portrayal as Dracula for Mark Bruce Company (which won the award for Best Independent Company). Both Osipova and Goddard went on to be named as the Best Dancers of 2014. This was Goddard’s second naming as The Dancing Times Best Male Dancer (he had previously won in 2007) and it was a record-breaking fourth time as Grishko Best Female Dancer for Osipova (following her awards in 2007, 2010 and 2013). The Outstanding Company of 2014 was English National Ballet and the award was received by the company’s artistic director and principal ballerina, Tamara Rojo. The De Valois Award for Outstanding Achievement was presented by Darcey Bussell CBE to Carlos Acosta CBE in recognition of his outstanding career as a dancer and as a producer of new work. The Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle introduced a new award for 2014 to recognise Emerging Artists and this was won by the Royal Ballet soloist, Francesca Hayward, who has impressed and delighted critics over the past year in a number of new roles, notably in her performances of the Ashton repertoire. The Outstanding Male Performance (Classical) was won by Xander Parish, a dancer from Hull who left The Royal Ballet in 2010 to join the Mariinsky Ballet of St Petersburg. He won the award for his performances of George Balanchine’s Apollo during the Mariinsky’s season at the Royal Opera House in August 2014. The Outstanding Female Performance (Modern) went to Wendy Houstoun, a performer now in her 50s, for her extraordinary one-woman show, Pact with Pointlessness, inspired by the death of choreographer, Nigel Charnock. And the Dance UK Industry Award, determined by a separate panel of judges chosen by Dance UK, went to parliamentarian Frank Doran MP, who steps down at the forthcoming General Election, for his many years’ service as Secretary to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Dance. With the exception of the Dance UK award, the National Dance Awards are decided by the 60 members of the Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle after an extensive round of nominations and voting. To be eligible, performances had to be given in the UK between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014. The full list of winners is given below: CRITICS’ CIRCLE NATIONAL DANCE AWARDS WINNERS 2014 OUTSTANDING MALE PERFORMANCE (MODERN) Jonathan Goddard in the title role as Dracula for Mark Bruce Company OUTSTANDING FEMALE PERFORMANCE (CLASSICAL) Natalia Osipova in the title role as Giselle for The Royal Ballet BEST MODERN CHOREOGRAPHY Akram Khan for Dust by English National Ballet OUTSTANDING MALE PERFORMANCE (CLASSICAL) Xander Parish in the title role as Apollo for the Mariinsky Ballet OUTSTANDING FEMALE PERFORMANCE (MODERN) Wendy Houstoun for Pact with Pointlessness BEST CLASSICAL CHOREOGRAPHY Christopher Wheeldon for The Winter’s Tale by The Royal Ballet JANE ATTENBOROUGH DANCE UK INDUSTRY AWARD Frank Doran MP, Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Dance GRISHKO AWARD FOR EMERGING ARTIST Francesca Hayward BEST INDEPENDENT COMPANY Mark Bruce Company STEF STEFANOU AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING COMPANY English National Ballet THE DANCING TIMES AWARD FOR BEST MALE DANCER Jonathan Goddard GRISHKO AWARD FOR BEST FEMALE DANCER Natalia Osipova DE VALOIS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT Carlos Acosta CBE Speaking at the event, Arlene Phillips CBE said: “I am thrilled to be invited to present the National Dance Awards for 2014. Dance, dancers and choreography were outstanding in every category and I would like to congratulate all nominees and the winners”. The Chairman of the Awards committee, Graham Watts OBE, said: ‘These awards are a celebration of brilliance amongst the rich diversity of dance forms we enjoy in the UK, both from home-based companies and the many touring ensembles from overseas, several of whom have been recognised in this year’s nominations. The 383 recommendations from British dance critics for companies, choreographers and performers seen in 2014 easily represented a new record, which must say something about the ever-increasing spread of excellence in dance.’ The dance section of the Critics’ Circle is delighted and honoured to thank the 2014 National Dance Awards Sponsors: Grishko, Dancing Times, Stef Stefanou, The Critics’ Circle, The Ballet Association, Lee McLernon, The Office of Architectural Culture and Dance UK for the Jane Attenborough Dance UK Industry Award. Dance UK announced that Sprizzato will sponsor the Industry Award in 2015. The next National Dance Awards are scheduled to be held in London on 25th January 2016.

I think the play is ragingly misogynistic full stop! I thought the Cranko version merely reflected that, although the 2 performances I saw did have slightly different interpretations.

Here is the Coliseum link: http://www.eno.org/whats-on/other/romeo-and-juliette Yes NB are doing it in Edinburgh and Leeds. I am seeing the first night in Edinburgh as well as some performances in Leeds. Although they are currently the only 2 venues scheduled, it was supposed to be touring so it may be in the Autumn or even next year.

Hello Snowflake and welcome to the Forum. I do hope you will continue to contribute.

Meeting you is a treat too Sim!

I've no idea Lindsay as I don't follow ABT. I just read the comments on an American ballet forum.

I think I said earlier in this thread or the thread on the previous run that ABT were having Italian fouette issues in their run last Spring. I've seen many dancers I've admired over the years coming a cropper with them!

Links - Friday, January 23, 2015 Reviews – Mariinsky Ballet, Cinderella, New York: Michael Popkin, Danceview Times Andrew Blackmore-Dobbyn, Bachtrack Review – New York City Ballet, Symphonic Dances, Andantino, The Cage, Cortege Hongrois, New York: Gia Kourlas, NY Times Interview – Thiago Soares, Royal Ballet on Onegin: Siobhan Murphy, DanceTabs Reviews – Resolution! 2015, London: Fuora Dance Project/CieMulator Dance/Konstantina Skalionta, The Last Maiden, Risk Forward, In the likeness of…: Judith Mackrell, Guardian Lyndsey Winship & Lilia Prier Tisdall, The Place Review – Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The Handmaid’s Tale, Ottawa: Natasha Gauthier, Ottawa Citizen Feature – Dam Van Huynh, choreographer: Donald Hutera, London Dance Feature – Melissa Hamilton (Royal Ballet): Amanda Ferguson, Belfast Telegraph Feature – Dance finds a home in museums: Hilarie M Sheets, NY Times Review – Intermezzo Dance Company, mixed programme, New York: Elizabeth Portnoy, Broadway World Preview – Louisville Ballet, Director’s Choice mixed programme, Louisville: Elizabeth Kramer, Courier-Journal News – Edgar Degas Scene de Ballet to be sold: Artlyst

Not quite sure what you intended but you've caused a lively and valid debate that has given people plenty to think about.

Links - Thursday, January 22, 2015 Review – Mariinsky Ballet, Cinderella, New York: Marina Harss, DanceTabs Review – Mariinsky Ballet, Swan Lake, Cinderella, New York: Robert Greskovic, Wall Street Journal Reviews – New York City Ballet, Serenade, Agon, Symphony in C, New York: Alastair Macaulay, NY Times Apollinaire Scherr, FT Reviews – Royal Danish Ballet, Bournonville Celebration, New York: Robert Gottlieb, NY Observer Wesley Doucette, Broadway World Season Reviewlette – Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, New York (scroll down beyond Danish review): Robert Gottlieb, NY Observer Feature – Tory Dobrin (AD Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo): Janet Smith, Straight.com Feature – Richard Alston, Seeing the music: Carmel Smith, London Dance Reviews – Resolution! 2015, London: Exim Dance Company/Jack Stinton Dance Company/Lea Tirabasso, Desiderium, Theory, Love Me Tender: Francesca Mcloughlin & Graham Watts, The Place Feature – Lil Buck: Jordan Levin, Miami Herald Previews – Force Majeure, Nothing to lose, Sydney: Michael Koziol, Sydney Morning Herald Video, Guardian Review – Tanya Chianese, Cookie Cutter, Berkeley: Nirmala Nataraj, SF Chronicle

I was very sad to hear the news that Anne Kirkbride had passed away. Granada Reports last night was a tribute to her. There was a long interview with a clearly emotional William Roache that was very moving. RIP Anne Kirkbride.

UK PREMIERE François Chaignaud & Cecilia Bengolea altered natives’ Say Yes To Another Excess – TWERK Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells Thursday 5 & Friday 6 March Performances: Thur & Fri at 8pm Tickets: £17 Ticket Office: 0844 412 4300 or www.sadlerswells.com On Thursday 5 & Friday 6 March 2015 Sadler’s Wells’ Lilian Baylis Studio hosts the UK Premiere ofFrançois Chaignaud and Cecilia Bengolea’s brand new work Say Yes To Another Excess – TWERK. The two artists have been provoking audiences from Paris to Tokyo with their fresh perspective on dance. Their trademark sexually-charged work springs from a wide outlook on what constitutes dance, and a desire to challenge how dance history is written. In their new work, they delve into their personal history of clubbing with an unusual anthropological take, physically examining free styles such as Jamaican dancehall, 1970s voguing and today’s twerking. Together with New York voguer Alex Mugler, contemporary performers Ana Pi and Elisa Yvelin, Chaignaud and Bengolea have set themselves the challenge to trust dance and its poetic, expressive powers to create something immediate and visceral. The piece is also an exploration of grime music. An electro music form born in East London in the early 2000s, the genre combines sounds from dancehall, hip hop and UK garage, bringing the urgency of its MCs to an abstract yet ferocious synthetic sound. Leaders of the new grime wave DJs Elijah and Skilliam mix live on stage in this energising performance. Born in Rennes, Chaignaud graduated from Paris Dance Conservatory and has danced with numerous choreographers including Boris Chamartz, Emmanuelle Huynh, Gilles Jobin, Tiago Guedes and Alain Buffard. He has collaborated with San Francisco legendary drag queen Rumi Missabu, performer Benhamin Dukhan and cabaret artist Jérôme Marin. In 2012 he was involved in the creation of Sacre #197 by Dominique Brun. He is also a published historian. Buenos Aires born Bengolea was trained as a jazz and urban dancer and studied Engenio Barba’s ancestral dances, also called anthropological dances. She studied Philosophy and Art History at Buenos Aires University before moving to Paris to focus on writing, choreography and performing. In 2008 Chaignaud and Bengolea co-founded Vlovajob Pru Dance Company and have since created a range of critically acclaimed bold contemporary works. A free post-show talk with François Chaignaud and Cecilia Bengolea will take place on Thursday 5 March, on stage. Contains strong language and nudity Notes to Editors: Listings information François Chaignaud & Cecilia Bengolea altered natives’ Say Yes To Another Excess - TWERK Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells Thursday 5 & Friday 6 March 2015 Free post-show talk with François Chaignaud and Cecilia Bengolea: Thursday 5 March, on stage. Contains strong language and nudity Performances: Thurs & Fri at 8pm Tickets: £17 Ticket office: 0844 412 4300 / www.sadlerswells.com About Sadler’s Wells Sadler's Wells is a world leader in contemporary dance, committed to producing, commissioning and presenting new works and to bringing the very best international and UK dance to London and worldwide audiences. Under the Artistic Directorship of Alistair Spalding the theatre’s acclaimed year-round programme spans dance of every kind, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap. Since 2005 it has helped to bring over 90 new dance works to the stage and its international award-winning commissions and collaborative productions regularly tour the world. Sadler’s Wells supports 16 appointed world class Associate Artists and 3 Resident Companies and nurtures the next generation of talent through its National Youth Dance Company, Summer University programme, Wild Card initiative and its New Wave Associates. Located in Islington in north London, the current theatre is the sixth to have stood on the site since it was first built by Richard Sadler in 1683. The venue has played an illustrious role in the history of theatre ever since, with The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and English National Opera all having started at Sadler’s Wells. Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation and currently receives approximately 9% of its revenue from Arts Council England.