Contemporary Dance at the The Grand Theatre

 

This autumn sees some rather special contemporary dance companies visit the Grand Theatre. Celine Wyatt, Engagement and Learning Manager at The Grand Theatre, says “This season, dance is contemporary and fresh.  It offers interesting mixes of art forms, so it’s not just about dance, but dance combined with film or live music. The Grand Theatre is bringing new, dynamic work to Blackpool: new work, new ideas and young dancers who are coming with innovative and refreshing ideas.”

I asked Celine why it is important to bring contemporary dance to Blackpool. “We really want to support our local cultural community and we have been travelling and viewing work nationally and internationally. We feel it adds another dimension to The Grand Theatre’s artistic programme.”

Sarah Hall, Dance Development Officer for Blackpool and Wyre, said “It is fantastic to see contemporary dance companies of such high quality visiting Blackpool. There is a huge dance sector in this area for the commercial styles such as Jazz and Street but very little has been seen in terms of Contemporary Dance on the main stage until now. This programme is extremely exciting and will hopefully pave the way for local dancers of all ages and abilities to be inspired to keep dancing and to broaden their experience of dance!”

 

October sees David Hughes‘ The Chinaski Sessions. Trapped in a rock-band’s studio as they try to finish their new album, this live concert / show collides Belgian ‘math rock’ duo I Love Sarah with the five Scottish performers from David Hughes Dance amongst copious amounts of bravaderie and chaos.

Tickets: Adults £10.00, Student / Concession £7.00. Monday 22^nd October 8.00pm

 

The 12° North Dance Company stars alongside the North West Graduate Dance Company in November to show 3 new contemporary dance works by Alesandra Seutin, Gary Clarke and Antonia Grove. This engaging programme includes Article 1, a new work by Alesandra Seutin for 12 dancers, a fusion of African traditional dance with contemporary dance and urban forms.  Gary Clarke’s Bitter Suite is a fast, furious and highly charged yet incredibly touching portrayal of human relationships. Antonia Grove creates a piece which could stand, walk or run… in any direction.

Workshops with the dancers are available.  To register expressions of interest please contact [email protected]

Tickets: Adults £7.00, Child / Concessions £5.00. Wednesday 7^th November 8.00pm

 

White Caps, performed by Bristol group Champloo, represents Wilkie Branson’s first major live work. Integrating lyrical film with explosive break-dance, White Caps is set to a soundtrack by Bristol band Type Sun who are known for working with root traditional drums and have collaborated with a variety of artists including Phil King, Eleanor Rusbridge and DJ Rouge to create a unique score.

Tickets: Adults £10.00, Child / Concessions £7.00. Sunday 18^th November

 

The Grand Theatre is offering a special promotion: See any two dance shows for just £15.00.

Call in person at the Box Office, ring 01253 290190 or visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.ukfor more information and tickets.