News
British Dance Edition
The correct email address for British Dance Edition’s call for sponsors is hannah.sharpe@dancexhange.org.uk. BDE is inviting sponsors to host receptions during its 2010 event, which runs from February 3 across Birmingham. There is a change to the programme. Due to technical difficulties, the Sadler’s Wells production of In the Spirit of Diaghilev will not be shown.
The correct email address for British Dance Edition’s call for sponsors is hannah.sharpe@dancexhange.org.uk. BDE is inviting sponsors to host receptions during its 2010 event, which runs from February 3 across Birmingham. There is a change to the programme. Due to technical difficulties, the Sadler’s Wells production of In the Spirit of Diaghilev will not be shown.
New Bayadère in Houston
Choreographer Stanton Welch will create a new production of La Bayadère for Houston Ballet’s 40th anniversary season. The production runs from February 25-March 7 at Wortham Theater Center, Houston. Welch plans “a big Bollywood-like production”, but will keep the Kingdom of the Shades scene intact and unchanged. Designs will be by Peter Farmer, with bright, romanticised costumes and scenery. Further details from houstonballet.org.
Choreographer Stanton Welch will create a new production of La Bayadère for Houston Ballet’s 40th anniversary season. The production runs from February 25-March 7 at Wortham Theater Center, Houston. Welch plans “a big Bollywood-like production”, but will keep the Kingdom of the Shades scene intact and unchanged. Designs will be by Peter Farmer, with bright, romanticised costumes and scenery. Further details from houstonballet.org.
New for Newcastle
BalletLORENT’s new work Blood, Sweat & Tears has its premiere at Northern Stage, Newcastle from January 29-30. Choreographed by Liv Lorent, the work shows a young couple changing as they learn to cope with a new baby. The choreography draws on wrestling, with coaching from Teeside-based former British Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Chris Kernaghan. Designs are by Paul Shriek, with lighting design by Malcolm Rippeth and music by Ben Ponton. Details from balletlorent.com.
BalletLORENT’s new work Blood, Sweat & Tears has its premiere at Northern Stage, Newcastle from January 29-30. Choreographed by Liv Lorent, the work shows a young couple changing as they learn to cope with a new baby. The choreography draws on wrestling, with coaching from Teeside-based former British Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Chris Kernaghan. Designs are by Paul Shriek, with lighting design by Malcolm Rippeth and music by Ben Ponton. Details from balletlorent.com.
New Year in New York
The Joyce Theatre, New York has announced its spring and summer season. Highlights include Savion Glover, the Martha Graham Dance Company in a restaging of the 1938 work American Documents, the Lyon Opera Ballet with the world premiere of Ralph Lemon’s Rescuing the Princess, plus works by Merce Cunningham, Maguy Marin and William Forsythe. MOMIX return with last year’s hit Botanica and highlights programme MOMIXreMIX, while the Stephen Petronio Company celebrates its 25th anniversary with a programme including a world premiere set to an award-winning score by Jonny Greenwood. Pilobolus celebrates its 40th anniversary with a four-week season including three new works. Details can be obtained from joyce.org. The Joyce Theater Foundation has announced the opening of new rehearsal space, with eleven studios offered at affordable rates. The Joyce has leased space at 304 West 38th Street in Manhattan, formerly the home of New Dance Group. The venue, now named Dance Art New York (DANY) Studios, is equipped with storage space, lounge areas and audio/video systems appropriate for rehearsal use. It will be available seven days a week, with rental fees beginning at US$5 per hour for some of the available hours. Linda Shelton, executive director of The Joyce Theater, said, “We are grateful to the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, along with Bloomberg, for their support of this project. Because of their generosity, it is not only possible for us to address the challenges that limited rehearsal space imposes on the dance community, but also to resuscitate this marvellous venue.”
The Joyce Theatre, New York has announced its spring and summer season. Highlights include Savion Glover, the Martha Graham Dance Company in a restaging of the 1938 work American Documents, the Lyon Opera Ballet with the world premiere of Ralph Lemon’s Rescuing the Princess, plus works by Merce Cunningham, Maguy Marin and William Forsythe. MOMIX return with last year’s hit Botanica and highlights programme MOMIXreMIX, while the Stephen Petronio Company celebrates its 25th anniversary with a programme including a world premiere set to an award-winning score by Jonny Greenwood. Pilobolus celebrates its 40th anniversary with a four-week season including three new works. Details can be obtained from joyce.org. The Joyce Theater Foundation has announced the opening of new rehearsal space, with eleven studios offered at affordable rates. The Joyce has leased space at 304 West 38th Street in Manhattan, formerly the home of New Dance Group. The venue, now named Dance Art New York (DANY) Studios, is equipped with storage space, lounge areas and audio/video systems appropriate for rehearsal use. It will be available seven days a week, with rental fees beginning at US$5 per hour for some of the available hours. Linda Shelton, executive director of The Joyce Theater, said, “We are grateful to the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, along with Bloomberg, for their support of this project. Because of their generosity, it is not only possible for us to address the challenges that limited rehearsal space imposes on the dance community, but also to resuscitate this marvellous venue.”
Seriously Street
Kymberlee Jay hosts Serious about Street Dance at IndigO2 at the O2, London on January 22. This celebration of street dance includes performances from Boy Blue Entertainment, Plague, Nike D-Clash and many more. Details and tickets from funkphysics.com.
Kymberlee Jay hosts Serious about Street Dance at IndigO2 at the O2, London on January 22. This celebration of street dance includes performances from Boy Blue Entertainment, Plague, Nike D-Clash and many more. Details and tickets from funkphysics.com.
Spring Dance at the Coliseum
The full line-up for Spring Dance at the London Coliseum 2010 has been now announced. Askonas Holt, Raymond Gubbay and Sadler’s Wells will present Ballet Nacional de España from April 27-May 2, in a double bill of Dualia and La Leyenda. Dualia, choreographed by flamenco stars Rojas and Rodriguez, explores the sensuality of looks and caresses. La Leyenda (The Legend) is a tribute to the flamenco star Carmen Amaya, who died in 1963. Choreographed by the company’s artistic director, José Antonio, the piece shows images from her life, from the slums of Barcelona to the glamorous performances of the 1930s and 1940s. Ballet Nacional de España will be the fourth company in the Spring Dance season, joining the Mark Morris Dance Group, Ballet Nacional de Cuba and Birmingham Royal Ballet.
The full line-up for Spring Dance at the London Coliseum 2010 has been now announced. Askonas Holt, Raymond Gubbay and Sadler’s Wells will present Ballet Nacional de España from April 27-May 2, in a double bill of Dualia and La Leyenda. Dualia, choreographed by flamenco stars Rojas and Rodriguez, explores the sensuality of looks and caresses. La Leyenda (The Legend) is a tribute to the flamenco star Carmen Amaya, who died in 1963. Choreographed by the company’s artistic director, José Antonio, the piece shows images from her life, from the slums of Barcelona to the glamorous performances of the 1930s and 1940s. Ballet Nacional de España will be the fourth company in the Spring Dance season, joining the Mark Morris Dance Group, Ballet Nacional de Cuba and Birmingham Royal Ballet.
State of Emergency
Desert Crossings is a new collaborative project between UK producers State of Emergency and South African choreographer Gregory Maqoma of Vuyani Dance Theatre. Inspired by the similarities between the UK south west Jurassic coast and the Skeleton Coast of Namibia, the piece is also a response to Maqoma’s recent Skeleton Dry. Once a single continent called Pangea, the world was torn apart through 250 million years of history. Desert Crossings reunites the deserts of Africa and the UK through a journey of dance, film and music, examining common themes of landscape, location and shared memory. In 2010, State of Emergency will also launch a nationwide research initiative to examine what black dancers and choreographers want in terms of development and training opportunities. Please contact postmaster@stateofemergencyltd.com if you would like to participate.
Desert Crossings is a new collaborative project between UK producers State of Emergency and South African choreographer Gregory Maqoma of Vuyani Dance Theatre. Inspired by the similarities between the UK south west Jurassic coast and the Skeleton Coast of Namibia, the piece is also a response to Maqoma’s recent Skeleton Dry. Once a single continent called Pangea, the world was torn apart through 250 million years of history. Desert Crossings reunites the deserts of Africa and the UK through a journey of dance, film and music, examining common themes of landscape, location and shared memory. In 2010, State of Emergency will also launch a nationwide research initiative to examine what black dancers and choreographers want in terms of development and training opportunities. Please contact postmaster@stateofemergencyltd.com if you would like to participate.
A new STOMP
STOMP has been revamped. The award-winning show has new music and choreography, with more everyday objects turned into percussion instruments. Inspired by the large-scale Las Vegas version of the show, STOMP OUT LOUD, the revamped show includes a new routine with paint cans tossed between the performers, and a second using inflated monster truck inner tubes. The show runs at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from January 12-17.
STOMP has been revamped. The award-winning show has new music and choreography, with more everyday objects turned into percussion instruments. Inspired by the large-scale Las Vegas version of the show, STOMP OUT LOUD, the revamped show includes a new routine with paint cans tossed between the performers, and a second using inflated monster truck inner tubes. The show runs at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from January 12-17.
Siobhan Davies season
Siobhan Davies Dance has announced its arts programme highlights for 2010. Rambert Dance Company will perform Davies’ Olivier-winning The Art of Touch during its spring tour, with the first performance at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen on February 25, and the last at Sadler’s Wells, London on May 29. Parallel Voices 2010: Missing Link will be curated by multi-disciplinary artist Carsten Nicolai (also known as Alva Noto). Running from March 18-20, this will be a weekend of talks, performances and installations, drawing on the worlds of visual art, poetry, theatre, dance and science. It will also feature Nicolai’s new large-scale light installation for Siobhan Davies Studios. Big Dance, the cross-London celebration of dance diversity, returns in May 2010, with performances from July 3-11. Siobhan Davies Dance is the south London lead organisation for the celebration, and will work with partners in seven London boroughs to present performances, workshops and other events, with a focus on experiencing dance and responding to new choreography. In November 2010, Siobhan Davies Dance will present a new dance installation work, with commissioned pieces by a playwright and composer, as well as works by a poet, an engineer and artists installed throughout the building.
Siobhan Davies Dance has announced its arts programme highlights for 2010. Rambert Dance Company will perform Davies’ Olivier-winning The Art of Touch during its spring tour, with the first performance at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen on February 25, and the last at Sadler’s Wells, London on May 29. Parallel Voices 2010: Missing Link will be curated by multi-disciplinary artist Carsten Nicolai (also known as Alva Noto). Running from March 18-20, this will be a weekend of talks, performances and installations, drawing on the worlds of visual art, poetry, theatre, dance and science. It will also feature Nicolai’s new large-scale light installation for Siobhan Davies Studios. Big Dance, the cross-London celebration of dance diversity, returns in May 2010, with performances from July 3-11. Siobhan Davies Dance is the south London lead organisation for the celebration, and will work with partners in seven London boroughs to present performances, workshops and other events, with a focus on experiencing dance and responding to new choreography. In November 2010, Siobhan Davies Dance will present a new dance installation work, with commissioned pieces by a playwright and composer, as well as works by a poet, an engineer and artists installed throughout the building.
Performing Arts international conference
“Performing Arts Training Today”, an international conference to be held at Leitring bei Liebnitz, Austria from April 28-May 1, has issued a call for proposals. A professional conference open to performers, performing arts educators and teachers from all over the world, it is open to a range of art genres, techniques and forms: theatre, dance, music, circus, visual and multimedia art. The working language of the conference will be English. For submission guidelines, registration and general information, see the “Projects” section of iugte.com.
“Performing Arts Training Today”, an international conference to be held at Leitring bei Liebnitz, Austria from April 28-May 1, has issued a call for proposals. A professional conference open to performers, performing arts educators and teachers from all over the world, it is open to a range of art genres, techniques and forms: theatre, dance, music, circus, visual and multimedia art. The working language of the conference will be English. For submission guidelines, registration and general information, see the “Projects” section of iugte.com.
Laban works with BBC Children in Need
Laban has received £24,000 from BBC Children in Need for its work with disabled children. The Deptford-based dance centre has received the grant to support its Dance Ability class over the next three years. Laban dance specialists work with disabled children from 5-12 years, and their families. The programme welcomes any child with learning difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders and/or physical disabilities, hearing impaired children and wheelchair users. During the classes, children are encouraged to explore their movement through guided exercises and imaginative play. Dance Ability project manager Louise Jardine says, “Dance Ability classes are fun, lively and practical, and offer activities for children at a level that suits their needs. Participation in a regular group activity gives children the chance to form relationships, learn to trust and build self-confidence, helping them to achieve at school and in life. Thanks to BBC Children in Need, we can continue to provide free, quality after-school activities which may counter some of the disadvantages facing families with disabled children.” The funding will also allow Laban dance specialists to evaluate the programme more formally – widening industry knowledge of this field, helping teachers, learning support assistants and community practicioners working with those with disabilities. Laban’s Education and Community programme also runs Dance Venture, a progression route for young disabled and non-disabled dancers aged 12-19 years. For more information, see laban.org/home/education_community.phtml.
Laban has received £24,000 from BBC Children in Need for its work with disabled children. The Deptford-based dance centre has received the grant to support its Dance Ability class over the next three years. Laban dance specialists work with disabled children from 5-12 years, and their families. The programme welcomes any child with learning difficulties, autistic spectrum disorders and/or physical disabilities, hearing impaired children and wheelchair users. During the classes, children are encouraged to explore their movement through guided exercises and imaginative play. Dance Ability project manager Louise Jardine says, “Dance Ability classes are fun, lively and practical, and offer activities for children at a level that suits their needs. Participation in a regular group activity gives children the chance to form relationships, learn to trust and build self-confidence, helping them to achieve at school and in life. Thanks to BBC Children in Need, we can continue to provide free, quality after-school activities which may counter some of the disadvantages facing families with disabled children.” The funding will also allow Laban dance specialists to evaluate the programme more formally – widening industry knowledge of this field, helping teachers, learning support assistants and community practicioners working with those with disabilities. Laban’s Education and Community programme also runs Dance Venture, a progression route for young disabled and non-disabled dancers aged 12-19 years. For more information, see laban.org/home/education_community.phtml.
Saltimbanco UK tour
Cirque du Soleil returns to the UK with an arena tour of its production Saltimbanco. Created by Franco Dragone in 1992, this is Cirque du Soleil’s longest-running show, which has been performed to over 11 million people. The new tour opens at Sheffield Arena from May 20-23, visiting Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Dublin and Nottingham before ending at London’s Wembley Arena from July 28-August 1. Details from cirquedusoleil.com.
Cirque du Soleil returns to the UK with an arena tour of its production Saltimbanco. Created by Franco Dragone in 1992, this is Cirque du Soleil’s longest-running show, which has been performed to over 11 million people. The new tour opens at Sheffield Arena from May 20-23, visiting Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Dublin and Nottingham before ending at London’s Wembley Arena from July 28-August 1. Details from cirquedusoleil.com.
New Sustain awards announced
The Sustainfund, Arts Council England’s £40 million Sustain fund for organisations under pressure as a result of the recession, has made a sixth round of awards. Announced on December 8, the latest awards are worth around £4.7 million over two years. Dance Umbrella, London, has received £183,190, with £187,250 going to DanceEast, Ipswich. £32.9 million has already been invested, and there are a remaining 47 applications requesting a further £20 million, still under consideration. The Arts Council has also announced a commitment of additional Lottery funds for the Sustain programme, so that all remaining applications can be assessed fairly against criteria and not budget. Alan Davey, chief executive of Arts Council England, said, “As the Sustain programme draws to a close, it is clear how much the vital injection of funds has benefited arts organisations across all artforms and of all sizes. We are determined that we will find the funds to meet the remaining eligible applications, and we must now look ahead to the kinds of support the sector needs in the longer term. We want arts organisations to be as fit as possible for the future – pushing artistic boundaries, producing world class art and running as efficient, effective businesses. We will still need to equip organisations so they are best placed to respond to a rapidly changing arts landscape, providing them with the support, time, expertise and targeted funds that they need.” For more information on Arts Council England’s action on the recession, go to artscouncil.org.uk/actiononrecession.
The Sustainfund, Arts Council England’s £40 million Sustain fund for organisations under pressure as a result of the recession, has made a sixth round of awards. Announced on December 8, the latest awards are worth around £4.7 million over two years. Dance Umbrella, London, has received £183,190, with £187,250 going to DanceEast, Ipswich. £32.9 million has already been invested, and there are a remaining 47 applications requesting a further £20 million, still under consideration. The Arts Council has also announced a commitment of additional Lottery funds for the Sustain programme, so that all remaining applications can be assessed fairly against criteria and not budget. Alan Davey, chief executive of Arts Council England, said, “As the Sustain programme draws to a close, it is clear how much the vital injection of funds has benefited arts organisations across all artforms and of all sizes. We are determined that we will find the funds to meet the remaining eligible applications, and we must now look ahead to the kinds of support the sector needs in the longer term. We want arts organisations to be as fit as possible for the future – pushing artistic boundaries, producing world class art and running as efficient, effective businesses. We will still need to equip organisations so they are best placed to respond to a rapidly changing arts landscape, providing them with the support, time, expertise and targeted funds that they need.” For more information on Arts Council England’s action on the recession, go to artscouncil.org.uk/actiononrecession.
Dance on iTunes U
The Royal Opera House will make opera, music, ballet and dance content available on iTunes U, a dedicated area within the iTunes store. iTunes U offers free educational content, available for download. Content on the Royal Opera House’s site will include a specially commissioned series of films aimed at dance students, entitled In Rehearsal, shot by the Balletboyz. The first film, Romeo and Juliet In Rehearsal, shows Lesley Collier coaching Royal Ballet artist Leanne Cope in Juliet’s potion scene. The six films explore key works from The Royal Ballet’s repertory, including Mayerling, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Giselle. The new films sit alongside a variety of existing multi-media content on opera and ballet from the Royal Opera House archives. These include film, audio and written resources on specific productions, or from the ROH Education’s Insight events programme, such as master classes, interviews with artists and backstage staff and sessions focusing on specific repertory. Almost 300 items will be made available, with the aim of releasing about 1000 items within the first year. The Royal Opera house is the first performing arts organisation in Europe to launch its own iTunes U site, and the third in the world (following American Theatre Wing and Washington National Opera).
The Royal Opera House will make opera, music, ballet and dance content available on iTunes U, a dedicated area within the iTunes store. iTunes U offers free educational content, available for download. Content on the Royal Opera House’s site will include a specially commissioned series of films aimed at dance students, entitled In Rehearsal, shot by the Balletboyz. The first film, Romeo and Juliet In Rehearsal, shows Lesley Collier coaching Royal Ballet artist Leanne Cope in Juliet’s potion scene. The six films explore key works from The Royal Ballet’s repertory, including Mayerling, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Giselle. The new films sit alongside a variety of existing multi-media content on opera and ballet from the Royal Opera House archives. These include film, audio and written resources on specific productions, or from the ROH Education’s Insight events programme, such as master classes, interviews with artists and backstage staff and sessions focusing on specific repertory. Almost 300 items will be made available, with the aim of releasing about 1000 items within the first year. The Royal Opera house is the first performing arts organisation in Europe to launch its own iTunes U site, and the third in the world (following American Theatre Wing and Washington National Opera).
Dance celebrated in Birmingham
“2010 is all about dance for the city of Birmingham,” said Stuart Griffiths, chief executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, as the theatre announced its programme for the year. 2010 is the 20th anniversary of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s move to the city, with celebration performances on March 9 and 10, including excerpts from the company’s varied repertory. BRB will also dance The Sleeping Beauty (March 3-6 and 11-13), Swan Lake (June 23-26) and the triple bill On Their Toes! (June 16-19) in its home theatre. In April, DanceXchange presents the International Dance Festival Birmingham 2010, running from April 19-May 16, with styles from hip hop to ballroom and ballet. The festival opens with the Mark Morris Dance Group in L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, perhaps Morris’ most admired work (April 22-24). Ballet Nacional de Cuba follows from April 27-May 1, with guest appearances by Carlos Acosta. Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker brings the acrobatic new work Cruel from May 14-15. Matthew Bourne’s award-winning Swan Lake returns to the Hippodrome from February 8-13. Full season details can be obtained from birminghamhippodrome.com.
“2010 is all about dance for the city of Birmingham,” said Stuart Griffiths, chief executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, as the theatre announced its programme for the year. 2010 is the 20th anniversary of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s move to the city, with celebration performances on March 9 and 10, including excerpts from the company’s varied repertory. BRB will also dance The Sleeping Beauty (March 3-6 and 11-13), Swan Lake (June 23-26) and the triple bill On Their Toes! (June 16-19) in its home theatre. In April, DanceXchange presents the International Dance Festival Birmingham 2010, running from April 19-May 16, with styles from hip hop to ballroom and ballet. The festival opens with the Mark Morris Dance Group in L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, perhaps Morris’ most admired work (April 22-24). Ballet Nacional de Cuba follows from April 27-May 1, with guest appearances by Carlos Acosta. Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker brings the acrobatic new work Cruel from May 14-15. Matthew Bourne’s award-winning Swan Lake returns to the Hippodrome from February 8-13. Full season details can be obtained from birminghamhippodrome.com.
Cinderella seasons
Birmingham Royal Ballet has announced a new production of Cinderella for the winter season of 2010. Danced to Serge Prokofiev’s score, the new production will have choreography by David Bintley, designs by John McFarlane and lighting by David Finn. McFarlane was the designer of BRB’s much-loved Nutcracker. The Imperial Ice Stars bring Cinderella on Ice to the Royal Albert Hall from February 24-28, 2010. This will be only the second time the arena floor of the Royal Albert Hall has ever been frozen with ice. Cinderella on Ice was choreographed by ice director Tony Mercer, together with Evgeny Platov (dual Olympic gold medallist and four-time world champion) and Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski, the 2006 and 2007 ice dancing world champions. The production has been specially redesigned, with a cast of world, European and national championship skaters. Details from royalalberthall.com
Birmingham Royal Ballet has announced a new production of Cinderella for the winter season of 2010. Danced to Serge Prokofiev’s score, the new production will have choreography by David Bintley, designs by John McFarlane and lighting by David Finn. McFarlane was the designer of BRB’s much-loved Nutcracker. The Imperial Ice Stars bring Cinderella on Ice to the Royal Albert Hall from February 24-28, 2010. This will be only the second time the arena floor of the Royal Albert Hall has ever been frozen with ice. Cinderella on Ice was choreographed by ice director Tony Mercer, together with Evgeny Platov (dual Olympic gold medallist and four-time world champion) and Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski, the 2006 and 2007 ice dancing world champions. The production has been specially redesigned, with a cast of world, European and national championship skaters. Details from royalalberthall.com
