Contemporary Dance at The Place: London’s boldest dance theatre
From up and coming choreographers to fresh new dance shows, London’s The Place is the innovating hub of contemporary dance in London. Sponsored Post
It may come as a surprise to some that Sadler’s Wells is not the only bastion of Dance in North London. Tucked quietly into the environs of Euston station and The Wellcome Collection, The Place dance theatre has been pumping energy and creativity into London contemporary dance for almost 50 years.
Carrying out a closely guarded mission to nurture talent and innovation on the UK and London dance scene, this is where you’ll spot the reviewers on the hunt for the next big thing, where more established names test out new ideas, and where up and coming dance companies get their big break. Game-changing artists like Wayne McGregor, Hofesh Shechter and Jasmin Vardimon performed here at the start of their careers.
We’ve picked our highlights of 2016, and the people you should have your eye on:
Story-tellers: Gecko, Institute
Fearless dancemakers Gecko bring back the show that got the Edinburgh Festival and the Royal Opera House talking with a new run at The Place. In the dystopian Institute, the past leaks out of filing cabinets and memories repeat themselves as the dancers explore what it means to care and be cared for. Their acting antics and slouching Broadway moves make this show deliver an emotional gut-punch not quickly forgotten.
National Dance Company Wales: FOLK / triple bill
Photo by Rhys Couzens and Fairyodd, courtesy of NDCW
This small but ambitious company have a habit of discernment in their choice of choreography and this pan-European triple bill is no exception. We're most excited about the world premiere of FOLK, the primal new work from Artistic Director Caroline Finn.
Protein, May Contain Food
Protein, May Contain Food, Photo by Alicia Clarke
Choreographer Luca Silvestrini serves up more than a few surprises in this mischievous collaboration with composer Orlando Gough. The show takes the form of a sit-down meal, where the audience are guests at a performance that may contain food as well as opera and dance. Offerings from four dancers and four singers are on the menu, so take your seat at the table and let dinner unfold around you.
Avant Garde Dance: Fagin's Twist
The Place Fagin's Twist, Photo Eric Richmond, design Jamie Currey
Tony Adigun created Avant Garde Dance as an outlet for his creative energies, when choreographing for the likes of Whitney Houston and Cheryl Cole didn't satisfy his wide interests. A new take on Oliver Twist, Fagin's Twist explores the upbringing of one of literature's most infamous villains. Experimenters in visuals and sound as well as dance, AGD are smooth operators and you should expect a slick, stylish show as well as wit and top hip hop moves.
FOR THE KIDS
Doodle Dance and Peut-Être Theatre
When at a loss for an activity that will use up some extra holiday energy, look no further than The Place. The Doodle Dance Show grabs pens and kicks off shoes to sketch out imaginary worlds for both performers and participants to dance through. And
Peut-Être Theatre's Shh..Bang! mixes whooshes, boings and silence in a cacophony of fun that will have everyone's ears pricked.
The Place: Get your tickets
At The Place, contemporary dance is all about exploring. Ticket prices from £12 encourage that spirit, and the Spectator School, billed as ‘for the curious’, offers talks, workshops and unexpected ways into the London dance performances on show.
Offering cheap dance tickets, better sightlines than you’ll ever get at the Opera House and an invigorating sense of risk, a night at The Place will be one to remember.
Brought to you by The Place
