featured image – photo credit Alicia Clarke
Wednesday 6th June – Richard Chappell Dance – At The End We Begin – 7:30pm
Location: Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre
Tickets: £12.50, available through the Northern Ballet website.
“Questioning the effect of time’s circular nature, At the end we begin takes four individuals from a place of being lost to a state of empowerment and acceptance, where they have found their own voice by journeying through Eliot’s text.
With Chappell’s blend of classical ballet, martial arts, improvisation and contact work, this production highlights each performer’s unique and diverse skills, such as Vogueing and Breaking.
Accompanied by a freshly composed score of cello, piano and electronics, At the end we begin is Richard Chappell Dance’s most thrilling and collaborative work to date.”
Saturday 9th June – Verve Finale – 7:30pm
Location: The Riley Theatre
Tickets: £5-£8, available on the NSCD website
“VERVE return to their home venue at Riley Theatre for one final performance, following their tour across the UK and Europe. This is the last chance to catch this ensemble of brilliant dancers perform works by internationally-acclaimed choreographers Hannes Langolf(Germany), Sita Ostheimer (Germany), Lenka Vagnerová (Czech Republic) and VERVE Artistic Director Matthew Robinson (UK).
VERVE is the postgraduate performance company of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, made up of 14 international dancers who have trained at some of the most prestigious dance schools in the world.”
Wednesday 3rd June – Saturday 7th July – Wicked The Musical – 2:30pm/7:30pm
Location: The Grand Theatre
Tickets: £30-£70, available on The Grand Theatre website
Although not a dance show per say, this one I can 100% recommend myself. I saw Wicked a few years ago at The Grand Theatre and it is without a doubt the best musical that I have seen out of London!
“Winner of over 100 international awards, Wicked has been casting its magical spell across the world for over a decade and continues to break records at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it is already the 15th longest running show in West End theatre history.
An ingenious and witty reimagining of the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women who first meet as sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The cast will be headed by Amy Ross (Kinky Boots, Sunny Afternoon) as Elphaba, Helen Woolf (Wicked in the West End and on Tour) as Glinda and Aaron Sidwell (best known as Steven Beale in EastEnders) as Fiyero.
This multi record-breaking production, acclaimed as “the ultimate Broadway experience for theatre audiences all over the UK” (Northern Echo), flies back for a return engagement complete with all the spectacle and magic that make this spellbinding show an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.”
Sunday 24th June – National Youth Dance Company – Used To Be Blonde – 7:30pm
Location: The Riley Theatre
Tickets: £8-£12, available on the NSCD website
“Now in its sixth year, National Youth Dance Company has established a reputation for producing high quality performances with a range of dancers who are expressive, brave and shaping the future of dance in this country. NYDC returns to the Riley Theatre to present a new work created by the 2017-18 Guest Artistic Director Sharon Eyal.
One of the most exciting female choreographers working today, this new commission will contain Eyal’s signature style, conveying extreme emotions through movement. This unique choreographic approach combined with the young dancers’ energy and talent is set to produce a mesmerising experience that pushes the dancers to their limits.”
Wednesday 11th & Thursday 12th July – Expressions 2018 – 1:00pm/7:00pm
Location: Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre
Tickets: £3, available on the Northern Ballet website
“Expressions showcases the work of community and professional inclusive dance groups from across the Yorkshire region and beyond. As the only event of its kind in Leeds, Expressions gives talented disabled dancers the chance to perform on a professional stage.
This year, Expressions welcomes Casson & Friends, a record-breaking dance theatre company that create engaging performance with a focus on collaboration, interaction and joy. They will be performing Night at the Theatre, a fun, family adventure that celebrates the creativity in all of us.
Alongside Casson & Friends, we will be showcasing exciting work from across the UK and beyond, including Opening Doors from Malta, TIN Arts and Northern Ballet’s very own Ability.
Expressions is part of the BEYOND Festival, celebrating the work of artists with learning disabilities in Leeds.”
Thursdays 19th July – Karen & Kevin Dance – The Live Tour 2018 – 7:30pm
Location: Alhambra Theatre
Tickets: £38-£42.50, available on the Alhambra Theatre website
“Expect a sultry, hip-swinging journey through the Waltz, Cha Cha, Fox Trot, Tango and Salsa. It’s a high-energy performance filled with sassy tunes, heart-pounding choreography and sparkling costumes.
Kevin and Karen will dazzle audiences as they weave their own spellbinding style of ballroom magic. Backed by a supporting cast of dancers and a live 12-piece show band, Kevin and Karen’s most famous, edge-of-your-seat routines are brought to the stage propelled by passion.”
So what are you waiting for? Get booking your tickets now before it’s too late!