Press Release: Candoco Dance Company, Lilian Baylis Studio, 16-17 November

[Jan McNulty]

Lilian Baylis Studio

Part of Sadler's Wells series

=dance
Candoco Dance Company 
Close Encounters and Curious Encounters 
Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells
Sunday 16 November 2014 (3pm) and Monday 17 November 2014(7pm)

Tickets: £6 - £12
Ticket Office 0844 412 4300 or www.sadlerswells.com
Minicom Number: 020 7863 8015  

Sadler’s Wells welcomes Candoco Dance Company, the UK’s leading contemporary dance company of disabled and non-disabled dancers, to the Lilian Baylis Studio to present two unique events, Close Encounterson Sunday 16 and Curious Encounters on Monday 17 November 2014. 

Candoco works with acclaimed choreographers to create work that challenges perceptions of what dance is and who can dance. These shows are part of Sadler’s Wells’ =dance season and feature extracts of work by renowned choreographers Javier de Frutos  and Thomas Hauert, and Sadler’s Wells New Wave Associate Artist Hetain Patel. The events will offer audiences the opportunity to learn more about the company through interactive extract performances, workshops and conversations. 

Curious Encounters, on Sunday 16 November, is an interactive matinee, tailored to young people, that offers an opportunity to get up close to Candoco’s work, learn more about themes that inspire the choreographers and how the work is made. The show will include extracts from Notturnino by Thomas Hauert and Two for C by Javier de Frutos. Notturnino, created earlier this year, takes inspiration from the documentary Tosca’s Kiss, a touching film that follows the lives of retired opera singers living in a nursing home in Milan. Two for C by Javier de Frutos explores the turmoil of a couple trapped in a longstanding relationship, characterised by struggle and power games.  There is a post-show contemporary dance workshop that further explore themes from the matinee, led by Candoco dancers.

Close Encounters, Monday 17 November, 7pm is an intimate opportunity to see an extract from Let’s Talk About Dis, Candoco’s new piece created by Sadler’s Wells’ New Wave Associate Artist Hetain Patel, and Two for C by Javier de Frutos. Audiences will discover more about the choreographers’ creative processes and experiences of working with Candoco, engaging in discussion with the choreographers themselves.  Let’s Talk About Dis is humorous and intimate piece that builds on an exploration of the dancers’ personalities and distinctive physicalities. The work is a playful interrogation of identity that probes the audience to think beyond surface appearances. There will be a free pre-show open rehearsal for performance ticket holders to attend at6pm.

Stine Nilsen, Artistic Co-Director at Candoco Dance Company, says: "Candoco is thrilled to be a part of Sadler's Wells' =dance season. For over twenty years Candoco has been committed to changing perceptions about dance and disability and through working inclusively we hope to inspire emerging dance artists and audiences. =dance is a wonderful platform which showcases work from some of the most innovative dance companies working in the UK. It's exciting to be able to share the background and creative inspiration behind our work and we hope that it will be an opportunity for young people and dance professionals to get to know more about our practice. " 

Jane Hackett, Artistic Programmer and Producer of Creative Learning at Sadler’s Wells, says “Some of the most interesting dance work being made today is created and performed by deaf and disabled artists. Sadler’s Wells aims to highlight the profile and impact that these artists have within the dance sector through the work commissioned and programmed as part of the =dance initiative. Besides the diversity of performances offered, the accompanying programme of workshops and discussions provide inspiration and knowledge to emerging performers and an opportunity for audiences and performers to interact.”


Notes to Editors: 

The inaugural =dance series continues with further productions, workshops, debates and discussions until March 2015, with further details to be announced shortly. 


=dance listings information:

Candoco Dance Company 
Curious Encounters 
Sunday 16 November 2014 
Performance at 3pm 
Tickets: £6
Workshop on Sunday 16 November from 4.30pm – 6pm; Tickets £10 (including ticket for the performance); suitable for disabled and non-disabled dancers aged 13+
BSL Interpreted 

Candoco Dance Company 
Close Encounters 
Monday 17 November 2014
Performance at 7pm 
Tickets: £12 (£6 conc)
Free pre-show dress rehearsal and discussion for ticket holders
BSL Interpreted 

=dance Statement Pieces 
Thursday 11 December 2014 
Performance at 7.45pm 
Tickets: £12 (£6 conc)
Free BSL interpreted post-show discussion for ticket holders 

Magpie Dance 
Flying High
Friday 16 January 2015 
Performance at 7.15pm 
Tickets: £12 (£6 conc) 
Workshop on Friday 16 January from 3.45pm - 5.45pm; tickets £4 suitable for aspiring dancers with learning disabilities aged 18 - 30 

Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells
Ticket Office 0844 412 4300 or www.sadlerswells.com
Minicom number: 020 7863 8015  


About Sadler’s Wells Access Scheme 

Sadler’s Wells runs an Access for All Register for people with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities. Patrons can apply to the scheme, which enables them to use our new online disabled booking service and free access to the theatre car park.  They may also be entitled to concessionary tickets if they are in receipt of disability-related state benefits. The scheme entitles a reduction in the cost of their ticket and a companions ticket, limited to one per production and a reduced booking fee. 

For more information on the Access Scheme and to apply please visit the Sadler’s Wells website:http://www.sadlerswells.com/page/access-scheme


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 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 80 new dance works to the stage and its international award-winning commissions and collaborative productions regularly tour the world, including Sutra, zero degrees, and PUSH. 

Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation and currently receives approximately 9% of its revenue from Arts Council England.