Candoco, Sadler's Wells: Beheld and Set & Reset/Reset

Candoco, the contemporary dance company of disabled and non-disabled dancers, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and remains committed to uniting diverse and dedicated artists.

Alexander Whitley, a classically-trained dancer and New Wave Associate at Sadler’s Wells, has choreographed in his strikingly physical style for companies including the Royal Ballet, Rambert, BalletBoyz and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

He created Beheld for Candoco Dance Company last year. Seven dancers explore the possibilities and limitations of space through a series of powerful duets and ensembles danced with huge swathes of fabric.

The evening’s second composition, Set and Reset/Reset, is a restaging of landmark contemporary dance production Set and Reset, by Trisha Brown.


Former Trisha Brown Dance Company member Abigail Yager taught Candoco Dance Company’s dancers exact sequences from the original 1983 choreography. She later guided them through an extensive improvisation process so they could make it their own.

Inspired by a desire for inclusivity and collaboration, Candoco Dance Company’s “can do” attitude results in performances that excite and move observers while encouraging them to question their preconceptions.

With Beheld & Set and Reset/Reset, dance fans should expect a rewarding programme but be prepared to have demands made of them.
So, anticipate a need to actively reassess the limitations we impose upon our understanding of dance as you watch. After all, how you see is partly based on how you look.

Candoco Dance Company has spent a quarter of a century daring to be different and defying expectations. Long may this continue!