Jan McNulty

That shouldn't be any sort of an issue - Yu and Lachlan every time!!

Hello @PerformingArtsMum and welcome to the Forum?

An earlier thread: If you search on Catalunya mentions come up on more general threads too.

Hello @ByfloBallet and welcome to the Forum!

Hello @Clarisse and welcome to the Forum!

Shops where you only option to not use self-checkout tills is to abandon your shopping. Boots - hang your head in shame! Needless to say I abandoned the items I wanted and got them elsewhere.

Hello @Nancyw728 and a belated welcome to the Forum!

From Northern Ballet's website: We are delighted to have been selected for the London Ballet Circle Choreographic Award 2024. This award will go towards supporting Sketches, our series that aims to nurture new choreographic talent. Devised by Northern Ballet's Artistic Director Federico Bonelli, Sketches gives choreographers at different stages of their career the opportunity to experiment with movement, ideas and storytelling whilst being provided mentorship and access to the skills, expertise and resources of a world-class ballet company. Each year the selected group of choreographers are supported to create a series of 'sketches' that are performed across two dates at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, this year taking place from 9 - 10 May. "Northern Ballet is delighted that our Sketches programme has been selected for the London Ballet Circle's 2024 Choreographic Award... The award supports our aim to contribute to a pipeline of new choreographers who have the skills and confidence to tell their stories, ensuring ballet remains an exciting, dynamic art form that entertains and inspires a wide audience. I would like to thank the London Ballet Circle and the award panel for recognising this important work." - Federico Bonelli The London Ballet Circle launched their Choreographic Award programme in 2021, which aims to support choreographic initiatives in the classical genre within ballet schools and companies. Founded in 1946, the London Ballet Circle aims to deepen appreciation for ballet and other forms of dance, as well as foster a spirit of fellowship between audiences and artists. They hold regular events throughout the year that are open to their members and the public, including talks with figures from the world of dance and visits to rehearsals and ballet schools. This year's award panel is led by former Director of The Royal Ballet, President Dame Monica Mason, alongside Choreographer and former Director of Central School of Ballet Christopher Marney, freelance dance writer and critic Deborah Weiss and former Lead Principal Dancer with English National Ballet and Director of Masters of Ballet Academy Elena Glurjidze. We are incredibly grateful to the London Ballet Circle and the panel for their decision and support for such an important initiative. Book your tickets for Sketches now.

Hello @Balletdancerenpointe and welcome to the Forum!

Judging from Sake's IG story she and Harris are making their debuts as Juliet and Romeo this evening. I so wish I could have been there.

It was only a 24hr prep for me when I had a colonoscopy last October drinking those awful sachets to clear you out. Fingers crossed for you Michelle. Jxx

For immediate release PRESS RELEASE Date: 12/03/24 Royal Academy of Dance to hold event in celebration of getting boys into dance Image by Amanda Clark. Next month from 6-7 April, leading dance training and education provider Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) will hold a range of exciting events celebrating boys in dance. Project B Celebration will be held at the RAD’s international HQ in London, as part of a wider weekend of celebratory events to recognise emerging young male and male-identifying dancers. Events will include participatory workshops, talks and a competition (judged by One Dance UK’s Andrew Hurst and British icon Sir Richard Alston), which will allow male and male-identifying participants to embrace choreography and performance. The RAD will open its doors and share further learning, talking and dancing together with inspiring teachers and professionals from the industry, to find and support talent and encourage emerging male dancers. The weekend of activities is part of the RAD’s Project B initiative, designed to widen access to dance for boys. The benefits of dance and movement patterns on young males, and those who identify as male, are numerous. Dance develops kinaesthetic memory, strength and endurance, creating a solid platform for physical development and level of fitness. Although there are clear benefits, there is still a lack of young male dancers. Over the years the RAD has been an advocate and champion of encouraging boys to take up different dance styles. Back in 2017 the RAD partnered with Marylebone Cricket Club on a new primary school project aimed at encouraging more boys to do ballet, and more girls to play cricket. Over a six-week period, the project – dubbed Dance Down the Wicket – used dance and sport to develop each groups’ balance, confidence and communication and teamwork skills. The RAD’s new Artistic Director and Royal Ballet Principal Alexander Campbell was ambassador for this project. Speaking of the importance of encouraging boys into dance, Alexander said: “Opportunities and events such as Project B Celebration are so important in raising awareness of and celebrating emerging male dancers. Being able to engage with other likeminded people who loved ballet and dance was a huge inspiration to me throughout my training and career. By providing this platform the hope is that these dancers will continue to support each other and become the dancers who inspire and educate the next generation.” Taking place from 6-7 April, the weekend of activities suitable for everyone will include: Project B Celebration: A dance competition on 7 April that enables emerging young male dancers to embrace choreography and performance Dance training events and CPDs on how to support male and male-identifying dancers A range of boys-only dance classes including: hip hop, body percussion (family sessions included), street dance and ballet in our stunning RAD studios delivered by leading male practitioners A session featuring a talk with Andrew Hurst, CEO of One Dance UK and former dancer with Rambert, alongside Project B Ambassador Iain Mackay and Project B Competition coach Josh Tuifua (plus other guests) as they discuss their personal dance journeys, their experiences with Project B and what the future holds A photo exhibition called Men and Dance, where participants submit photos to be displayed at the Royal Academy of Dance HQ during the month of April. Entry to the competition is still open until 15 March so if you are or know of an aspiring male dancer age 8-17 years’ old, head to the RAD’s website to apply: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/event/project-b-competition-2024/ TICKETS: To book your tickets for the workshops, watch the competition and other events visit: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/whats-on/ Notes to Editors About the Royal Academy of Dance Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the most influential dance education and training organisations in the world with a strong global membership in 85 countries. Established in 1920 to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training, the Academy helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes with the Academy and each year the examination syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with around a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take RAD exams.

Second Hand Dance presents The Sticky Dance Second Hand Dance presents The Sticky Dance, an interactive performance installation for young children and their families involving colourful sticky tape. The show opens at The Place, London on 3 & 4 April, and tours to Brighton Festival (17 May) and Spark Arts Festival in Leicester (24 & 25 May). Further tour dates are to be announced. The Sticky Dance is co-created by Rosie Heafford, Co-Director of Second Hand Dance, and Associate Artist Takeshi Matsumoto. The idea for the production came from a desire to explore autonomy within performances for young audiences, asking how children can contribute to a performance in a space curated by adults. In the engaging and colourful production, three dancers shimmy through the audience weaving a tapestry of sticky tape. Audiences are encouraged to explore freely, choosing how they engage and turning the rules upside down. Rosie Heafford and Takeshi Matsumoto said: “We know that children develop and thrive when they are able to discover, explore, move and play at their own pace. In their own time and space. We wanted to explore how this ideology or approach can work within a performative context; A place that typically involves being still, watching and listening. Our greatest hope for an adult experiencing the work is that they see the child(ren) they came with, in a new light. We invite you to witness what is revealed. Our greatest hope for the child is that they feel the permission from the space, the people, the lights and the sound, to be how they want to be in that moment.” Rosie Heafford is a performance maker and choreographer, graduating with a BA (HONS) from Laban in 2009 and an MA from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2010. Alongside her work with Second Hand Dance she facilitates, teaches, mentors, choreographs and performs on a range of projects in collaboration with artists and communities. She is interested in the celebratory aspect of performance. Something that is full of joy. Where dance is reclaimed from awkwardness into a gift; an exchange between viewer and performer. A shared experience of movement. Takeshi Matsumoto is a Japanese inclusive dance artist, dance movement psychotherapist and choreographer. After obtaining his BA in Dance and Drama in Japan, he moved to London where he completed further studies in Contemporary Dance at Laban and an MA in Dance Movement Psychotherapy at Roehampton University. He has a passionate vision to create dance performances both for and with children and young people to develop their voice and creative opportunities. As a performer, he has worked with Darren Johnston, Beatrice Allegranti and SLiDE. His production Club Origami commissioned by Little Big Dance has toured extensively across the UK and internationally. Established in 2013, Second Hand Dance has an adaptive leadership model, run by disabled Co-Director Rosie Heafford and non-disabled Co-Director Claire Summerfield. Creating joyful, inspirational performances and digital dance films for children and adults, the company has presented work across three continents. The company collaborates with dancers, film-makers, animators, musicians and audiences in a co-creation process that is accessible, welcoming to all bodies, and places the audience experience at its centre. The Sticky Dance is Co-commissioned by Southbank Centre and The Place, and South East Dance, with support by Stanley Arts. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England. Second Hand Dance became an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation in 2024. www.secondhanddance.co.uk. Notes to editors: Listing information Second Hand Dance – The Sticky Dance Venue: The Place, London
 Dates: Wednesday 3 April Performances for ages 3-5: 10am -12pm & 2pm - 4pm (entry slots available at 15 minute intervals, last entry at 11.15am / 3.15pm) Thursday 4 April Sensory adapted performances for ages 3-7: 10am and 11am for ages 3-5: 2pm - 4pm (entry slots available at 15 minute intervals, last entry at 3.15pm) Tickets: www.theplace.org.uk / 0207 121 1200 Venue: Brighton Festival at The Dance Space
 Dates: Friday 17 May
Performances for ages 3-5: 10am - 12pm (entry slots available at 15 minute intervals, last entry at 11.15am).Sensory adapted performances for ages 3–7: 2pm and 3.15pm Tickets: www.brightonfestival.org / 0127 369 6844 Venue: Spark Arts Festival – Attenborough Arts Centre, Leicester
 Dates: Friday 24 & Saturday 25 May
 Performance Times: 10am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm (entry slots available at 15 minute intervals, last entry at 11.15am / 3.15pm) Tickets: www.attenborougharts.com / 0116 252 2455

Yllana The Opera Locos Peacock Theatre, WC2 Wednesday 8 – Saturday 11 May Tickets: £18 - £45 Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com Following a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in summer 2023, award-winning Spanish theatre company Yllana brings the London premiere of The Opera Locos to the Peacock Theatre, Sadler’s Wells’ home in the West End, this May. The Opera Locos is a comic opera show where five lyrical singers combine well-known opera classics including La Traviata and Madama Butterfly with rock and pop hits from Whitney Houston to Mika. The show integrates these musical genres with Yllana’s physical comedy style to create a show for audiences of all ages. The show, which won Spain’s prestigious Max Award for Best Musical Show, has brought opera to a new audience around the world, while still maintaining high standards in technique with performances in 16 of countries. The cast is made up of renowned singers hailing from Spain and Africa including Enrique Sánchez-Ramos, Jesús Álvarez, María Rey-Joly, Mayca Teba and Michaël Koné. In the show, a troupe of eccentric opera singers embark on a performance of repertoire from the greatest operatic composers, throughout the show they each reveal their hidden passions that will bring unpredictable and comedic consequences. The group is made up of five colourful characters including Alfredo, a worn-out tenor with a glorious past, wild mezzo soprano Carmen, Enrique, the macho baritone, pop-loving counter-tenor Franelli and Maria, a naive soprano. The Opera Locos features music from classic operas including Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte Verdi’s La Traviata, Puccini’s La Boèhme and Madama Butterfly Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia and Bizet’s Carmen among others alongside pop and rock hits such as Mika’s ‘Grace Kelly’, Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’, Whitney Houston’s ‘I will always love you’, Bob Marley’s ‘No woman no cry’ Céline Dion's ‘My Heart Will Go On’ Elton John’s ‘Can you feel the love tonight’ and U2’s ‘With or without you’. Founded in 1991, Yllana specialises in comedy and physical theatre. The Opera Locos is created and co-directed by Joseph O’Curneen and David Ottone with musical direction by Marc Alvarez & Manuel Coves, costumes and set design by Tatiana de Sarabia and Lighting design by Pedro Pablo Melendo. Joseph O’Curneen said, “We are really excited to be taking The Opera Locos to the Peacock Theatre. Performing in the heart of London has always been a life long aspiration. By uniquely combining opera, pop and physical comedy this show guarantees a truly emotional and enjoyable experience, no matter where you're from." David Fry, Peacock Programmer said, “For anyone who might be intimidated by seeing a full-scale opera or indeed anyone who’s a regular operagoer then this is definitely the show for you. It’s like opera’s greatest hits performed by seasoned singers with comedy and a few surprises. One of the best shows I’ve seen in Edinburgh for a long time.” NOTES TO EDITORS Listings Information Yllana The Opera Locos Peacock Theatre, WC2 Wednesday 8 – Saturday 11 May Tickets: £18 - £45 Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com About Sadler’s Wells     Sadler's Wells is a world-leading dance organisation. We strive to make and share dance that inspires us all. Our acclaimed year-round programme spans dance of every kind, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap.   We commission, produce and present more dance than any other organisation in the world. Since 2005, we have helped to bring more than 200 new dance works to the stage, embracing both the popular and the unknown. Our acclaimed productions tour the world. Since 2005 we’ve produced 64 new full-length works and performed to audiences of more than two million, touring to 51 countries.   Each year, over half a million people visit our three London theatres - Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Lilian Baylis Studio and Peacock Theatre. Millions more attend our touring productions nationally and internationally or explore our digital platforms, including Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage. Sadler’s Wells East In 2024 we’re opening a fourth London venue in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Sadler’s Wells East will house a 550-seat mid-scale theatre, as well as facilities for the new Rose Choreographic School and the hip hop theatre training centre, Academy Breakin’ Convention. Sadler’s Wells East joins the rich cultural heritage of Stratford, opening in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as part of the East Bank development alongside the BBC, UAL’s London College of Fashion, UCL and the V&A. Sadler’s Wells East will support artist development and training, and the creation of new work. It will build the infrastructure for dance and make it accessible to more people. Sadler’s Wells East will house a flexible theatre presenting a wide variety of dance performances. Community will be at the heart of Sadler’s Wells East with a large open foyer that can be used by everyone as a meeting or performance space. There will also be dance studios and world-class dance facilities for dancemakers to train, create and rehearse productions. Supporting artists Supporting artists is at the heart of our work. We have associate artists and companies, which nurture some of the most exciting talent working in dance today. We host the National Youth Dance Company, which draws together some of the brightest young dancers from across the country. Sadler’s Wells Breakin' Convention runs professional development programmes to champion and develop the world’s best hip hop artists, as well as producing, programming and touring groundbreaking hip hop performances.   Learning and community links Around 30,000 people take part in our learning and engagement programmes every year. We support schools local to our theatres in Islington and Stratford, designing experiences for children and young people to watch, explore and critically engage with the arts. We also run Company of Elders, a resident performance company of dancers aged over 60 who rehearse with renowned artists to make new work for public performances locally, nationally and internationally.   Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.   www.sadlerswells.com   Stay up to date with everything Sadler’s Wells on social media    Facebook: @SadlersWells    Twitter: @Sadlers_Wells    Instagram: @sadlers_wells    YouTube: Sadler’s Wells Theatre    About Yllana Yllana was founded in 1991 as a comedy and physical theatre company, it has since then diversified its activity, offering a number of services in the world of audiovisual and performing arts. It is mainly dedicated to the creation, production and distribution of theatrical shows, but it has expanded its expertise to include corporate events, audiovisual formats, management of theatres, drama schools, and a wide range of diverse projects in the cultural sphere. Yllana’s founding members are Juan Francisco Ramos, Marcos Ottone, David Ottone, Joseph O’Curneen and Fidel Fernández.

Press Release Monday 11 March 2024 Icon Theatre, ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company and Amina Khayyam Dance Company present Ghost Ships at The Historic Dockyard Chatham New large-scale production featuring over 150 performers commemorates 40 years since Chatham Dockyard’s closure. Ghost Ships will take an unflinching look at the Dockyard’s role in the British Empire and the impact this has had on people around the world. Inspired by newly uncovered research and oral histories from the local community. This autumn, award-winning Medway-based Icon Theatre presents its latest production, Ghost Ships at The Historic Dockyard Chatham from Wednesday 25 - Saturday 28 September 2024, commemorating 40 years since the former Royal Dockyard’s closure. This new large-scale immersive dance-theatre work is a co-production with acclaimed Hip Hop dance company ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company, best known for their full-length dance works, including the West End show Message In A Bottle and Sylvia at The Old Vic starring Beverly Knight, and award-winning South Asian dance company, Amina Khayyam Dance Company. Ghost Ships will combine Hip Hop and Kathak dance with spectacular set pieces, projections, spoken word, and an original new score. The work will feature a company of over 150 people including professional dancers, community performers and young people, and will be performed in No. 5 Covered Slip, a monumental structure where ships for the Royal Navy were made and launched for over 100 years. Chatham Dockyard is one of the most historically significant Dockyards in the world. Operating from 1567 to 1984, its ships took part in early naval battles for territories including Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada and Bermuda and famous encounters such as the Battle of Trafalgar. Its ships brought munitions, supplies, and soldiers to territories across the British Empire including India and Bengal. Through powerful athletic high-energy dance, Ghost Ships will take an unflinching look at the impact Chatham Dockyard and its ships have had on people’s lives, from local workers employed at the Dockyard to those living in communities around the world. Ghost Ships will expose lesser-known stories and characters from the Dockyard’s history. These include Britain’s involvement in slavery and theleading figures who passed through the Dockyard - Olaudah Equiano and John Newton – who played a significant role in Abolition; the 20 women in the 1700s and 1800s who assumed men’s clothing to work at the Dockyard and in the Navy, including the first Black female sailor to serve in the Navy, and the impact the Dockyard’s ships have had on local immigration. Ghost Ships has been inspired by and will include newly uncovered research and local oral histories from older members of Medway’s South Asian communities, Medway African and Caribbean Association, and from those working at the former Royal Dockyard during its final days. Ghost Ships is being created by a collaborative creative team led by Icon Theatre’s Artistic Director Nancy Hirst with choreography from ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company led by its Associate Artistic Director Dannielle 'Rhimes' Lecointe, and Associate Choreography by Amina Khayyam, Artistic Director of Amina Khayyam Dance Company. Nancy Hirst, Artistic Director at Icon Theatre said: “Icon creates theatre that tells unheard local stories with national significance; 2024 marks 40 years since the closure of Chatham’s former Royal Dockyard and it therefore seemed the right time for us to honour and commemorate the site’s past, one that has shaped both local and national identity through its shipbuilding past and links to the British Empire. Much celebrated for its historical significance and the cultural heritage beacon it has become, it’s important not to forget the Dockyard’s shipbuilding and colonial legacy that still impacts communities in Medway and across the world today. Through the power of theatre, Hip Hop, Kathak and music we will explore and celebrate different cultures and the diverse communities that make our society what it is today.” Dannielle 'Rhimes' Lecointe, Associate Artistic Director at ZooNation: The Kate Prince Compay said: “We’ll be bringing ZooNation’s signature style of storytelling theatre, which is hugely influenced by Hip Hop music and dance, a genre originating as an artistic response to oppression and discrimination. So it feels very fitting to be acknowledging Hip Hop and art forms from Black Culture to explore themes of colonialism and migration and to commemorate the impact the British Empire has had. From the choreography, you should expect all the usual tricks, flips and athleticism of a ZooNation show alongside mass-movement and more detailed sections that will reflect more poignant moments.” Amina Khayyam, Artistic Director of Amina Khayyam Dance Company said: "Ghost Ships provides a huge opportunity to look, explore and examine closer into one of the deepest and darkest moments of our colonial history. This saw the mistreatment of fellow humans on an industrial scale, while amassing fortune and wealth for a few. The legacy of which still haunts and impacts us daily. From exploring African slavery to the famines of Bengal, I want to use Kathak's storytelling to contribute to the making of this work with integrity and sensitivity. Only when we know our history, can we make sense of the world around us today." Richard Morsley, Chief Executive at Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said: “We feel honoured that this production is part of our Dockyard40 programme, a year-long programme commemorating 40 years since the Dockyard closure and celebrating its subsequent transformation. The Dockyard has always been central to Medway’s story and this collaboration provides an opportunity to tell this story differently and to engage audiences through a compelling new production”. Ghost Ships is part of Medway Culture Fest 2024, a year-long programme of cultural activity celebrating Medway’s creativity and rich history. The programme marks the 40th anniversary of the Dockyard’s closure - a moment of national significance which sparked four decades of culture-led regeneration, positioning Medway as one of the most culturally ambitious areas in the country today. Medway Culture Fest 2024 will see national and local creatives, companies and heritage sites produce work which tells Medway’s story. Ghostships is an Icon Theatre, ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company and Amina Khayyam Dance Company co-production, supported by The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Icon Theatre is supported by Medway Council and using public funding from Arts Council England. Notes to Editors Creative Team and Cast Director Nancy Hirst Choreography ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company led by Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe Associate Choreographer Amina Khayyam Composer and Sound Designer Serge Sainte Rose Music Director Tania Holland Williams Set and Costume Designer Sarah Jane Booth Dramaturg Hardial Rai Assistant Choreographer Will Pascua Historian Suchitra Chatterjee Dramatherapist Wabriya King Further creative team and cast to be announced. Company of Dancers: Jane Chan (R&D dancer), Robert Dunkley-Gyimah, Abirami Eswar, Jackie Kibuka, Rab McColl, D'jon McTernan, Shaq Shadare, Mohika Shankar, Kyle Ralph-Walker Jalpa Vala Cast Performed by our Community Cast, Community Choir, Icon Young Company, Participating Schools and Company of Dancers. Ghost Ships was developed through a collaborative process with local Medway-based communities and groups including Sahara Foundation and Medway African and Caribbean Association. Ticket Booking Details Wednesday 25 - Saturday 28 September, 7.30pm £15 – Full Price £12 – Child (15 and under) £12 - Student Concession (with valid student ID) £9 – Education Group Rate (Groups of 8+, 1 free with every 10 booked) £11 – Standard Group Rate (Groups of 8+, 1 free ticket with every 10 booked) thedockyard.co.uk 01634 823800 Running time: 80 mins (approx.) Post Show Discussion – Friday 27 September Learn more about the production, its history and how it was made in this 20-minute discussion straight after the show, with the company’s cast and creative team. Free to ticket holders.

Casting was announced about a week in advance but (as recently with BRB) was changing by the day. I believe there have been some bugs flying around and there may be a couple of injuries.

Do take a look at today's links. There is a review for NYCB from Bruce Marriott who founded Ballet.Co in the late 1990s and its successor - this forum as well as the much-missed DanceTabs. It's so good to see Bruce back on the reviewing scene!

Please tell us about it afterwards!

The drought is ending this year with BRB reviving Fille and they are doing a couple of performances at Sadler's Wells!

Hello @Simone Whyte and a belated welcome to the Forum!

Yes, at other venues I’ve got another 9 performances booked so I do hope to catch the other casts. I’m looking forward to London too.

Compagnie Maguy Marin presents Beckett-inspired May B at Sadler’s Wells in May Compagnie Maguy Marin presents May B by acclaimed French choreographer Maguy Marin, inspired by the works of Samuel Beckett, at Sadler’s Wells on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 May. May B was created in 1981 and is based on the writings of celebrated Irish playwright Samuel Beckett, who unexpectedly offered his blessing to the then largely unknown choreographer to adapt his work. Marin’s arresting and powerfully theatrical production echoes the relentlessness of Beckettian characters. The 10 performers appear barely human – an ensemble of lost souls, their faces plastered in clay. Moving together and alone, their gestures are distilled to repetitive shuffles and their words garbled and replaced with rhythmic sighs and grunts. This haunting work features one single line from Beckett’s play Endgame: “Finished, it’s finished, nearly finished, it must be nearly finished” which Marin uses to give a pulse to her choreography. May B is set to the romantic music of Franz Schubert and Gavin Bryars’ contemporary musical genius. The sparse choreography in Marin’s intuitively potent and timeless work is mesmerising – the dancers journeying in stoic defiance of uncertainty towards a destination that will, quite possibly, always elude them. Maguy Marin said: “When Beckett’s characters yearn for stillness, they cannot help moving; be it a little or a lot, they move. In this essentially theatrical work, the point, for us, was less to develop words and speech than a blown-up form of movement, thus seeking the meeting point between movement applied to theatre on the one hand, and dance and choreographic language on the other.” Sadler’s Wells Artistic Director and Co-Chief Executive Sir Alistair Spalding CBE said: “We’re delighted to introduce Sadler’s Wells audiences to the extraordinary work of French choreographer Maguy Marin. Created over 40 years ago, this is a rare opportunity to catch Maguy’s masterpiece. Based on the writings of Samuel Beckett, it’s an exploration of tenderness and humanity that emerges from a bleak and unsettling setting. It’s a remarkable piece of dance theatre, full of recognisable Beckettian characters and choreographic parades, that delves into the depths of our existence.” Notes to editors: Company: Compagnie Maguy Marin Production: May B Dates: Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22 May 2024 Performance Time: 7:30pm Tickets: www.sadlerswells.com / 020 7863 8000 About Compagnie Maguy Marin Born in Toulouse, dancer and choreographer Maguy Marin studied classical ballet at the Toulouse dance academy. She joined the Strasbourg Dance Company, then Mudra, Maurice Béjart’s multi-disciplinary school in Brussels. In 1978, with Daniel Ambash, she founded the Ballet-Théâtre de l’Arche, which become the Compagnie Maguy Marin in 1984. Compagnie Maguy Marin is based in the suburbs of Lyon, France. About Sadler’s Wells Sadler's Wells is a world-leading dance organisation. We strive to make and share dance that inspires us all. Our acclaimed year-round programme spans dance of every kind, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap. We commission, produce and present more dance than any other organisation in the world. Since 2005, we have helped to bring more than 200 new dance works to the stage, embracing both the popular and the unknown. Our acclaimed productions tour the world. Since 2005 we’ve produced 64 new full-length works and performed to audiences of more than two million, touring to 51 countries. Each year, over half a million people visit our three London theatres - Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Lilian Baylis Studio and Peacock Theatre. Millions more attend our touring productions nationally and internationally or explore our digital platforms, including Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage. Sadler’s Wells East In 2024 we’re opening a fourth London venue in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Sadler’s Wells East will house a 550-seat mid-scale theatre, as well as facilities for the new Rose Choreographic School and the hip hop theatre training centre, Academy Breakin’ Convention. Sadler’s Wells East joins the rich cultural heritage of Stratford, opening in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as part of the East Bank development alongside the BBC, UAL’s London College of Fashion, UCL and the V&A. Sadler’s Wells East will support artist development and training, and the creation of new work. It will build the infrastructure for dance and make it accessible to more people. Sadler’s Wells East will house a flexible theatre presenting a wide variety of dance performances. Community will be at the heart of Sadler’s Wells East with a large open foyer that can be used by everyone as a meeting or performance space. There will also be dance studios and world-class dance facilities for dancemakers to train, create and rehearse productions. Supporting artists Supporting artists is at the heart of our work. We have associate artists and companies, which nurture some of the most exciting talent working in dance today. We host the National Youth Dance Company, which draws together some of the brightest young dancers from across the country. Sadler’s Wells Breakin' Convention runs professional development programmes to champion and develop the world’s best hip hop artists, as well as producing, programming and touring groundbreaking hip hop performances. Learning and community links Around 30,000 people take part in our learning and engagement programmes every year. We support schools local to our theatres in Islington and Stratford, designing experiences for children and young people to watch, explore and critically engage with the arts. We also run Company of Elders, a resident performance company of dancers aged over 60 who rehearse with renowned artists to make new work for public performances locally, nationally and internationally. Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. www.sadlerswells.com Stay up to date with everything Sadler’s Wells on social media Facebook: @SadlersWells Twitter: @Sadlers_Wells Instagram: @sadlers_wells YouTube: Sadler’s Wells Theatre

More detail about the residency: https://www.mcnicolballetcollective.co.uk/articles/creative-residency-artists-announced

Meet the artists Announcing the succesful candidates for Compositions & Configurations We are delighted to announce that we have selected six artists to take part in our creative residency which will take place at DanceEast this July. The three choreographers are Nandita Shankardass, Otis Carr and Christopher Thomas, and the composers are Kerrin Tatman, David Westcott and Beatrice Ferreira. We had over 200 applications to take part in the residency, and the successful candidates will be supported by a dramaturg as well as hearing from guest speakers who are leaders in their field. We will be posting regular updates on the creative process on our website and social media channels in the coming months. With thanks to our generous supporters Charles Holloway, The Linbury Trust, Idlewild Trust, DanceEast, Leche Trust, The Britwell Trust, McNicol Ballet Collective and those who wish to remain anonymous. READ MORE An update from our Artistic Director, Andrew McNicol The start of 2024 has been a busy one for Andrew. In February, his vibrant choreography Yonder Bluewas performed by the Joffrey Balletin Chicago. Described as "enthralling" by the Chicago Tribune, the work was featured alongside pieces by Liam Scarlett and Stina Quagebeur. The performances in Chicago were swiftly followed by the Dance for Ukraine gala in which Andrew premiered a new solo for Royal Ballet Principal Will Bracewell. Later this month, Andrew will premiere, Upstream, his first piece for Companhia Nacional de Bailadoin Lisbon, in a programme that also includes works by George Balanchine and William Forsythe. Join our family of supporters and be part of our future Your support will enable us to keep creating exciting new work for the stage and screen, and delivering vital outreach programmes that will inspire the next generation of dance makers. If you can, please consider donating to the collective. Thank you DONATE

Thursday 7 March 2024 Sadler’s Wells announces Boy Blue as next Guest Artistic Director for National Youth Dance Company in 2024/25 Olivier Award-winning hip hop dance theatre company Boy Blue has been appointed as the next Guest Artistic Director ofNational Youth Dance Company (NYDC) for 2024/25. Boy Blue was founded in East London in 2001 by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante and Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy and is a radical force that has defined the potential and power of hip hop dance theatre across the UK. National Youth Dance Company, run by Sadler’s Wells is the country’s flagship company for young dancers. Since its inception 336 dancers have joined the company, working intensively with renowned dance artists as Guest Artistic Directors including Oona Doherty, Wayne McGregor, Alesandra Seutin, Russell Maliphant, Botis Seva, Sharon Eyal, Damien Jalet, Michael Keegan Dolan, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Akram Khan & Jasmin Vardimon. Boy Blue’s dedication to creating world class dance productions is inextricable with their commitment to empowering young people to make space for themselves and tell their own stories. Thousands of young people have been educated at Boy Blue, with the aim of nurturing their ambition and raw talent. The spirit in which Boy Blue was formed came from the 3 E’s - ‘Education, Enlightenment and Entertainment’. Emancipation of Expressionism forms part of the current GCSE dance syllabus, another way in which their work has helped to educate young people. Boy Blue are known for their acclaimed productions including Olivier Award-winning Pied Piper and Blak Whyte Gray. They recently collaborated with director Danny Boyle, as part of the Creative Team of Free Your Mind, a reimagining of the classic sci-fi film The Matrix which opened as the inaugural show at Aviva Studios, Manchester last year. Sandy choreographed for part of the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony. Boy Blue are a Barbican Artistic Associate and this year return to the Barbican theatre with the world premiere of Cycles (30 Apr – 4 May) their first new show as a company since REDD in 2019. Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy of Boy Blue said, “I feel very honoured to be given this opportunity to continue to nurture young artists, by providing a space to support and mentor. Enabling me to share my knowledge, theories and application. This gives us a larger platform to bring our craft to the wider dance community.” Hannah Kirkpatrick, Head of National Youth Dance Company, said, “We are really excited that Boy Blue will be leading the company for the next year. Their experience as world leading hip hop dance theatre makers alongside their belief in supporting and nurturing the next generation of artists meant that they were a perfect fit for us. We can’t wait to start creating the piece and for the Boy Blue and NYDC worlds to collide!” In April NYDC will begin its search for the next intake of young dancers to join the company and work with Boy Blue to create a new commission from autumn 2024 which will premiere in April 2025. To find these young dancers, NYDC Workshops will be taking place across England from April to July in the following cities: Salford, Leeds, Brighton, Birmingham, Medway, Derby, Newcastle, Wakefield, Falmouth, London and Ipswich. The final audition will be held in London at Sadler's Wells on Sunday 28th July 2024. This year’s NYDC cohort premiere current Guest Artistic Director Oona Doherty’s new work Wall at Leeds Playhouse on Saturday 13 April and then embark on a nationwide tour with a performance at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on Saturday 13 July. Sign up for the workshops on the NYDC website here: National Youth Dance Company » How to Join NYDC NYDC workshops 2024 Date Town/City Venue 3 April Salford Salford Uni 13 April Leeds Leeds Playhouse 20 April Brighton BHASVIC 18 May Birmingham ACE Dance and music 29 May Medway MidKent College 1 June Derby Deda 22 June Newcastle DanceCity 30 June Wakefield CAPA College 7 July Falmouth AMATA 13 July London Sadler's Wells LBS 20 July Ipswich Dance East NYDC is jointly funded by Arts Council England from Lottery and Grant in Aid Resources, and the Department for Education Barclays is the Associate Partner of National Youth Dance Company NOTES TO EDITORS Image credit: Rebecca Lupton Listings information National Youth Dance Company, Wall Tour Dates 2023 Leeds Leeds Playhouse Saturday 13 April at 7:30 pm Wakefield CAPA College Sunday 30 June at 7 pm Falmouth AMATA Arts Centre, Falmouth University Sunday 7 July at 7:30 pm London Sadler’s Wells Saturday 13 July at 7:30 pm Ipswich DanceEast Saturday 20 July at 7:30 pm London Bold Tendencies Thursday 25 July at 8 pm Suffolk Latitude Festival Saturday 27 July Leicester The Curve Monday 29 July at 7:30 pm About NYDC Founded in 2012, and hosted at Sadler’s Wells, NYDC is an exciting young company that creates and performs innovative and influential dance, drawing together some of the brightest young talent from across the country. NYDC is jointly funded by Arts Council England and the Department for Education. Since NYDC’s inception in 2012:  336 dancers have joined the company, working intensively with renowned dance artists including Guest Artistic Directors: Jasmin Vardimon (2012-13), Akram Khan (2013-14), Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (2014-15), Michael Keegan Dolan (2015-16), Damien Jalet (2016-17), Sharon Eyal (2017-18) Botis Seva (2018-19), Russell Maliphant (2019-20) and Alesandra Seutin (2020-2022). These 310 dancers come from over 80 different towns and cities in England. Over 7000 young people have worked with the company NYDC has reached an audience of over 50,000 people   NYDC has featured in 94 performances, visiting 26 different venues across the UK, including some leading theatres in the country About Sadler’s Wells     Sadler's Wells is a world-leading dance organisation. We strive to make and share dance that inspires us all. Our acclaimed year-round programme spans dance of every kind, from contemporary to flamenco, Bollywood to ballet, salsa to street dance and tango to tap.   We commission, produce and present more dance than any other organisation in the world. Since 2005, we have helped to bring more than 200 new dance works to the stage, embracing both the popular and the unknown. Our acclaimed productions tour the world. Since 2005 we’ve produced 64 new full-length works and performed to audiences of more than two million, touring to 51 countries.   Each year, over half a million people visit our three London theatres - Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Lilian Baylis Studio and Peacock Theatre. Millions more attend our touring productions nationally and internationally or explore our digital platforms, including Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage. Sadler’s Wells East In 2024 we’re opening a fourth London venue in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Sadler’s Wells East will house a 550-seat mid-scale theatre, as well as facilities for the new Rose Choreographic School and the hip hop theatre training centre, Academy Breakin’ Convention. Sadler’s Wells East joins the rich cultural heritage of Stratford, opening in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as part of the East Bank development alongside the BBC, UAL’s London College of Fashion, UCL and the V&A. Sadler’s Wells East will support artist development and training, and the creation of new work. It will build the infrastructure for dance and make it accessible to more people. Sadler’s Wells East will house a flexible theatre presenting a wide variety of dance performances. Community will be at the heart of Sadler’s Wells East with a large open foyer that can be used by everyone as a meeting or performance space. There will also be dance studios and world-class dance facilities for dancemakers to train, create and rehearse productions. Supporting artists Supporting artists is at the heart of our work. We have associate artists and companies, which nurture some of the most exciting talent working in dance today. We host the National Youth Dance Company, which draws together some of the brightest young dancers from across the country. Sadler’s Wells Breakin' Convention runs professional development programmes to champion and develop the world’s best hip hop artists, as well as producing, programming and touring groundbreaking hip hop performances.   Learning and community links Around 30,000 people take part in our learning and engagement programmes every year. We support schools local to our theatres in Islington and Stratford, designing experiences for children and young people to watch, explore and critically engage with the arts. We also run Company of Elders, a resident performance company of dancers aged over 60 who rehearse with renowned artists to make new work for public performances locally, nationally and internationally.   Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.   www.sadlerswells.com   Stay up to date with everything Sadler’s Wells on social media    Facebook: @SadlersWells    Twitter: @Sadlers_Wells    Instagram: @sadlers_wells    YouTube: Sadler’s Wells Theatre About Boy Blue Boy Blue was founded in East London in 2001 by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante and Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy. Boy Blue is a radical force that has defined the potential and power of hip hop dance theatre across the UK. The spirit in which Boy Blue was formed came from the 3 E’s - ‘Education, Enlightenment and Entertainment’ and the company’s achievements and accolades are as far reaching as the community it has fostered and the hip hop culture it has elevated. For many, Boy Blue is also a family, with many UK-based hip hop dancers having called it home during their careers. Boy Blue’s dedication to creating world class dance productions is inextricable with their commitment to empowering young people to make space for themselves and tell their own stories. Thousands of young people have been educated at Boy Blue, with the aim of nurturing their ambition and raw talent and harnessing it into craft, enabling transformative access and opportunities, both professionally and personally. In 2024 Boy Blue return to Barbican Theatre with the world premiere of Cycles (30 Apr – 4 May) their first new show as a company since the astonishing REDD in 2019. Led by choreographer Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy and composer Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante, the cast of nine powerful dancers explore the rhythms and tenacity of our natural world in perpetual motion. Boy Blue are Artistic Associates of Barbican, London and part of the Arts Council, England’s National Portfolio. Boy Blue: Cycles Tue 30 Apr – Sat 4 May 2024 World premiere, Barbican co-commission Barbican Theatre barbican.org.uk/cycles @boyblueent https://www.boyblue.co.uk/