Cloud Dance Festival: Parade

As the first of our annual "Best of Cloud Dance Festival" specials, we are delighted to introduce Cloud Dance Festival: Parade, welcoming back our festival (and audience) favourites Dam Van Huynh, Hagit Yakira (now changed see next post), Lila Dance, Pair Dance, Sol Dans, Nexus Dance and Diciembre Dance Group, and taking the opportunity to say a sad farewell to Ji Park of Flexa Dance Theatre, who will be returning to Korea shortly after this festival.

We are thrilled to present New Adventures star Sophia Hurdley's biopic of opera legend Maria Callas, and we would also like to welcome festival newcomers Slanjayvah Danza, J.H.L Dance Company and Leaf Dance, and welcome back Sezdrenah Dance Theatre (CDF: Dream On) and Petra Söör (CDF: Tabula Rasa).

Some quotes from freelance reviewers of past festival performances (full reviews can be read on our website):

Nexus Dance:
­ “Mesmerising and accomplished... a talent and understanding beyond their young years.” – Michelle Harris
­ “Nexus Dance is a company to watch out for.” - Catherine Hooper
­ “Nexus were amazing.” – audience feedback

Dam Van Huynh:
­ “Sensual yet almost animalistic, his style is fascinating to watch.” – Michelle Harris
­ “Complexity at its most enthralling.” – Catherine Hooper
­ “Van Huynh has found his own very stylised world, and has perfected the art of drawing an audience into it.” - Anna Crofts

Hagit Yakira (now changed see next post): “It’s a physical yet cheeky romp … that is notably happy to be just an enjoyable voyeuristic, study.” – Michelle Harris

Diciembre Dance Group: “The future work of this creative, collaborative group should prove startling.” - Rebecca Robinson

Lila Dance: “Nothing short of astonishing.” - Rebecca Robinson

Parade will be held in the intimate setting of People Show Studios in Bethnal Green on 5 & 6 December, and we are also offering a special Sunday matinée featuring the festival’s highlights.

The programme offers a handpicked selection of the best and most exciting new talent in contemporary dance, and presents a variety of pieces which promise to be provocative, humorous, contemplative and insightful.

Website: www.cloud-dance-festival.org.uk

Ends:

Venue: People Show Studios, Pollard Row, Bethnal Green, London E2 6NB
Dates: 5 – 6 December
Time: 7.30pm (also Sunday matinée 3pm)
Tickets: £10 (£7.50 concessions)
Box Office: www.cloud-dance-festival.org.uk or 0871 230 0010

Cloud Dance Festival: Parade

Hello,

We regret to announce that due to scheduling problems, Hagit Yakira is no longer able to perform in our evening show on Sunday 6 December. However, we are very excited to announce that she will be replaced by Ballet Black, performing Martin Lawrance's Pendulum.

Ballet Black is a neo-classical dance company with nine critically acclaimed sell-out seasons to its credit. Inspirational and innovative, it strives to honour the traditions of classical and modern ballet while breaking new ground with cutting edge choreography.

Recently nominated for two Critics' Circle National Dance Awards (for Outstanding Company and Best Classical Female for dancer Sarah Kundi) Ballet Black is an essential part of the ballet landscape, the perfect showcase for dancers of black and Asian descent, as well as a wonderful platform for choreographers, established and new.

Not surprisingly, Ballet Black attracts dancers, choreographers and designers from around the world. In recent years, the company has worked with Richard Alston, Liam Scarlett and Will Tuckett; for their forthcoming 2010 season, hip hop choreographer Robert Hylton makes a brand new pas de deux, the award winning classical choreographer Christopher Hampson creates a piece for the full company to the music of Hindemith and modern dance maker, Henri Oguike creates his first ballet.

"Ballet Black is a company absolutely everyone must see." Mike Dixon, Dance Europe, 2009

We apologise for the late change to our lineup, but we trust that the opportunity to see Ballet Black will make the experience of Cloud Dance Festival even more enthralling for our audiences.

Website: www.cloud-dance-festival.org.uk

Ends:

Venue: People Show Studios, Pollard Row, Bethnal Green, London E2 6NB
Dates: 5 – 6 December
Time: 7.30pm (also Sunday matinée 3pm)
Tickets: £10 (£7.50 concessions)
Box Office: www.cloud-dance-festival.org.uk or 0871 230 0010