Press Release: Le Patin Libre bring acclaimed contemporary ice-dance performance 'Vertical' to Somerset House's ice rink: 12 - 16 Jan

[Jan McNulty]

Somerset House and Dance Umbrella present 

Vertical by Le Patin Libre

12 – 16 January 2016

£15, £12.50 concessions 

Tickets available from: www.somersethouse.org.uk/vertical-le-patin-libre     

 

Canadian quintet Le Patin Libre to bring ground-breaking, contemporary ice-dance performance ‘Vertical’ to Somerset House’s ice rink

Somerset House is delighted to announce that Canadian ice-dance quintet Le Patin Libre will bring  Vertical – one of the pieces from their acclaimed, award-winning 2014 double-bill Dance Umbrella hit, to Somerset House’s ice rink for 5 nights only following the end of Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason in January.

 

Founded by Alexandre Hamel in 2005, Le Patin Libre is a five-strong troupe of professional, prize-winning skaters who have continued to blaze a unique trail on the ice with their innovative, high-octane style of ice-dancing. From humble beginnings creating routines on the frozen ponds and canals of their hometown of Montréal just ten years ago, their witty, inspired and creative performances have since gone on to win critical acclaim around the world.

 

Le Patin Libre break the mould by challenging the conventions of traditional figure-skating through an experimental type of ice-rink performance art which places emphasis on a liberated approach to ice-skating virtuosity and draws influence from theatre, urban dance, tap and circus skills. Through Vertical, the 5 artists of Le Patin Libre celebrate the harmony of their little skating family,

all the while pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible on the ice. 

 

Accompanied by a soundtrack specially created by cello virtuoso and electronic composer Jasmin Boivin and imaginative lighting by respected lighting designer Lucy Carter, the performers slash and slice the ice at top speed, with visitors seated just inches away. For five nights only, the troupe will bring their unique blend of technical skating skill and renegade signature style for an unforgettable event on Somerset House’s celebrated ice rink. 

 

Commissioned by Dance Umbrella, National Arts Centre, Canada & Theatre de la Ville, Paris  

 

 

Notes to Editors  

 

Dates: 12 – 16 January 2016 

Times: 6.30pm & 8.00pm 

 

Address: Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

Admission: £15, £12.50 concessions

Tickets: http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/vertical-le-patin-libre

 

Transport:  Temple, Embankment, Covent Garden   Charing Cross, Waterloo, Blackfriars

 

Somerset House public enquiries: 020 7845 4600 | www.somersethouse.org.uk

Somerset House Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SomersetHouse

Somerset House Twitter: @SomersetHouse

Somerset House Instagram: @SomersetHouseLondon

Hashtag: #VerticalIceDance

 

A Dance Umbrella Commission in partnership with National Arts Centre, Canada and Theatre de la Ville, Paris. Research supported by Jerwood Studio at Sadler’s Wells and Dance Umbrella

 

About Somerset House

A unique part of the London cultural scene, Somerset House is an historic building where surprising and original work comes to life. From its 18^th century origins, Somerset House has been a centre for debate and discussion – an intellectual powerhouse for the nation. Somerset House is today a key cultural destination in London in which to experience a broad range of artistic activity, engage with artists, designers and makers and be a part of a major creative forum – an environment that is relaxed, welcoming to all and inspirational to visit while providing a stimulating workplace for the cultural and creative industries.  Since its opening in 2000, Somerset House has built up a distinctive outdoor public programme including Skate, concerts, an open-air film season and a diverse range of temporary exhibitions throughout the site focusing on contemporary culture, with an extensive learning programme attached. It is probably the biggest community of creative organisations in London including The Courtauld Gallery and Institute of Art, King’s College London Cultural Institute and over 100 other creative businesses. It currently attracts approximately 2.5 million visitors every year. 

www.somersethouse.org.uk. 

 

 

About Le Patin Libre

Le Patin Libre is a Canadian contemporary ice-dance company, founded in Montreal in 2005. The company is composed of a five-strong collective of former professional figure skaters who break the mould through their innovative and novel styles of ice-dance. They place emphasis on the unique choreographic potential of gliding, and draw influence from theatre, urban dance, tap and circus skills. 

 

 

About Dance Umbrella 

Since 1978, Dance Umbrella has been bringing outstanding contemporary dance to London, presenting over 700 artists from 31 countries to over one million people. The first to present Mark Morris, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, Michael Clark and many more in the UK, DU has commissioned over 50 new works and presented at 55 venues. 

 

Dance Umbrella’s mission is to celebrate 21^st century choreography. We do so enthusiastically and collaboratively through an annual, London-based international festival mixing styles, locations and cultures; through year-round creative learning opportunities for children, young people and adults; and by developing choreographic talent. Our aim is to nurture artists, entice audiences, innovate practice, and stimulate interest in the power of the body in motion.

www.danceumbrella.co.uk