Ballet & Dance Podcast

Sadler’s Wells is not your typical dance house, it is not a theatre, or a dance company, but it’s an institution that curates, commissions and showcases the most outstanding dance from the UK, Europe and across the world. Sadler’s Wells pushes the boundaries of dance, nurtures new choreographic talent, educates and engages audiences. As part of their mission to reach out to new audiences, they take dance out of the theatre and to the English countryside at the ever popular Latitude Festival. The incredible woman responsible for creating the wildly successful dance programme at Sadler’s Wells is Katy Arnander. Katy is the Director of Artistic Programme that ranges from classical ballet by the English National Ballet to contemporary dance from a talented group of associate artists through to flamenco, hiphop and experimental dance plus more.  Katy shares her hot hits for this year’s Latitude dance line-up, including Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Sisters Grimm, BBC Young Dancer 2017 finalists, hip hop Boy Blue Entertainment and the National Youth Dance Company. Listen to Katy talking about how she creates intriguing and inspired dance programmes that keep audiences coming back for more. Katy also shares her thoughts on the future of dance, the positive impact of technology on dance, and how Sadler’s Wells is helping give a voice and a stage to more female choreographers. PRESS PLAY. https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/Katy_Arnander_Sadlers_Wells_Podcast_11.mp3

Sadler’s Wells is not your typical dance house, it is not a theatre, or a dance company, but it’s an institution that curates, commissions and showcases the most outstanding dance from the UK, Europe and across the world. Sadler’s Wells pushes the boundaries of dance, nurtures new choreographic talent, educates and engages audiences. As part of their mission to reach out to new audiences, they take dance out of the theatre and to the English countryside at the ever popular Latitude Festival. The incredible woman responsible for creating the wildly successful dance programme at Sadler’s Wells is Katy Arnander. Katy is the Director of Artistic Programme that ranges from classical ballet by the English National Ballet to contemporary dance from a talented group of associate artists through to flamenco, hiphop and experimental dance plus more.  Katy shares her hot hits for this year’s Latitude dance line-up, including Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Sisters Grimm, BBC Young Dancer 2017 finalists, hip hop Boy Blue Entertainment and the National Youth Dance Company. Listen to Katy talking about how she creates intriguing and inspired dance programmes that keep audiences coming back for more. Katy also shares her thoughts on the future of dance, the positive impact of technology on dance, and how Sadler’s Wells is helping give a voice and a stage to more female choreographers. PRESS PLAY. https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/Katy_Arnander_Sadlers_Wells_Podcast_11.mp3

Acclaimed Tamsin Fitzgerald, Artistic Director and choreographer of the award winning and physically adventurous 2Faced Dance Company is a trail blazer and a strong advocate of female choreographers. Not only has Tamsin created an exciting and successful dance company, she is actively tackling the serious concerns about the lack of equality faced by female choreographers within the dance sector today. In response to these concerns, Tamsin created The BENCH a programme that aims to influence change and current behaviours within the UK dance industry. The BENCH is the first of its kind in the UK and is fast becoming a launchpad for exciting works by female choreographers across the country. Works by Tamsin and The BENCH choreographers are hitting the stage at The Place in London with the hot new triple bill RUN on 4 & 5 April. Before you see the show, listen to Tamsin talk about her experience of launching 2Faced, her vision for The BENCH and her approach to choreographing her spectacular work. PRESS PLAY. https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/Tamsin_Fitzgerald_The_Wonderful_World_of_Dance_Podcast_10.mp3

Acclaimed Tamsin Fitzgerald, Artistic Director and choreographer of the award winning and physically adventurous 2Faced Dance Company is a trail blazer and a strong advocate of female choreographers. Not only has Tamsin created an exciting and successful dance company, she is actively tackling the serious concerns about the lack of equality faced by female choreographers within the dance sector today. In response to these concerns, Tamsin created The BENCH a programme that aims to influence change and current behaviours within the UK dance industry. The BENCH is the first of its kind in the UK and is fast becoming a launchpad for exciting works by female choreographers across the country. Works by Tamsin and The BENCH choreographers are hitting the stage at The Place in London with the hot new triple bill RUN on 4 & 5 April. Before you see the show, listen to Tamsin talk about her experience of launching 2Faced, her vision for The BENCH and her approach to choreographing her spectacular work. PRESS PLAY. https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/Tamsin_Fitzgerald_The_Wonderful_World_of_Dance_Podcast_10.mp3

Illuminati – according to conspiracy theorists – is a secret society of wealthy people hell bent on world domination. The Illuminati are said to brainwash celebrities to spread their mind control to the masses using symbols like the pyramid, eye and skulls. Rosie Kay, Artistic Director & Choreographer of her award-winning contemporary dance company – Rosie Kay Dance Company – has studied the secret society and turned it into the hot new show ‘MK Ultra‘. Listen to Rosie Kay talk about the Illuminati, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber and how she choreographed MK Ultra. Rosie is also an advocate of women in the arts. She shares her experience as a female artistic director and choreographer in the dance world today and the importance of the female voice in dance and choreography. MK Ultra is touring the UK from 17 March, you can get your tickets to this pop-inspired show at www.mkultra.dance/buy-tickets/ Read more about Rosie Kay Dance Company at rosiekay.co.uk   PRESS PLAY! https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/Rosie_Kay.mp3

Illuminati – according to conspiracy theorists – is a secret society of wealthy people hell bent on world domination. The Illuminati are said to brainwash celebrities to spread their mind control to the masses using symbols like the pyramid, eye and skulls. Rosie Kay, Artistic Director & Choreographer of her award-winning contemporary dance company – Rosie Kay Dance Company – has studied the secret society and turned it into the hot new show ‘MK Ultra‘. Listen to Rosie Kay talk about the Illuminati, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber and how she choreographed MK Ultra. Rosie is also an advocate of women in the arts. She shares her experience as a female artistic director and choreographer in the dance world today and the importance of the female voice in dance and choreography. MK Ultra is touring the UK from 17 March, you can get your tickets to this pop-inspired show at www.mkultra.dance/buy-tickets/ Read more about Rosie Kay Dance Company at rosiekay.co.uk   PRESS PLAY! https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/Rosie_Kay.mp3

Dance4Humanity is the brainchild of principal guest artist and social entrepreneur Aaron Smyth. Dance4Humanity a global collective of artists giving back to humanity one movement at a time that raises money for charity. Aaron Smyth is truly one of the next generation of dancers, who at 25 yrs old travels the world as a guest principal artist and, in addition to Dance4Humanity, he is the co-founder of The Smyth Collective – a wellbeing brand and is also about to launch a boutique wellness sanctuary in the heart of London. Originally from Queensland, Australia, Aaron left home to dance with the prestigious Royal Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theater II. He’s travelled the world as a guest principal artist which included performing for Michelle Obama plus working on TV  shows and commercials. Listen to Aaron talk about his journey from Australia to dancing on the world stages, his experiences that inspired him to create Dance4Humanity and his plans for the future of the The Smyth Collective. You can also see Aaron perform in the hit show An American In Paris, hitting London’s West End stage. PRESS PLAY https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/Interview_Aaron_Smyth_24feb17.mp3

Dance4Humanity is the brainchild of principal guest artist and social entrepreneur Aaron Smyth. Dance4Humanity a global collective of artists giving back to humanity one movement at a time that raises money for charity. Aaron Smyth is truly one of the next generation of dancers, who at 25 yrs old travels the world as a guest principal artist and, in addition to Dance4Humanity, he is the co-founder of The Smyth Collective – a wellbeing brand and is also about to launch a boutique wellness sanctuary in the heart of London. Originally from Queensland, Australia, Aaron left home to dance with the prestigious Royal Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theater II. He’s travelled the world as a guest principal artist which included performing for Michelle Obama plus working on TV  shows and commercials. Listen to Aaron talk about his journey from Australia to dancing on the world stages, his experiences that inspired him to create Dance4Humanity and his plans for the future of the The Smyth Collective. You can also see Aaron perform in the hit show An American In Paris, hitting London’s West End stage. PRESS PLAY https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/Interview_Aaron_Smyth_24feb17.mp3

Listen to Kevin Finnan, choreographer and artistic director of the UK’s leading dance theatre company, Motionhouse, talk about this exciting dance form. Motionhouse is a groundbreaking company of just 8 incredible dancers. It pushes the boundaries of dance, taking dance out onto the streets, projects onto buildings and swings dancers from construction cranes to create a high energy experience that everyone can enjoy. Motionhouse is showcasing their acclaimed dance theatre piece SCATTERED at London’s Peacock Theatre. Imagine dancers, acrobatics, digital waterfalls, waves & glaciers inspired by water and movement. LISTEN to Kevin talk about what he looks for in dancers to join his company and the courage and openness they need to go beyond their own expectations of dance. Book your tickets to see Motionhouse’s exciting show SCATTERED running from 26 – 29 April, go to sadlerswells.co.uk for tickets. Check out Motionhouse on their website: motionhouse.co.uk PRESS PLAY. https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/Kevin_Finnan.mp3

Listen to Kevin Finnan, choreographer and artistic director of the UK’s leading dance theatre company, Motionhouse, talk about this exciting dance form. Motionhouse is a groundbreaking company of just 8 incredible dancers. It pushes the boundaries of dance, taking dance out onto the streets, projects onto buildings and swings dancers from construction cranes to create a high energy experience that everyone can enjoy. Motionhouse is showcasing their acclaimed dance theatre piece SCATTERED at London’s Peacock Theatre. Imagine dancers, acrobatics, digital waterfalls, waves & glaciers inspired by water and movement. LISTEN to Kevin talk about what he looks for in dancers to join his company and the courage and openness they need to go beyond their own expectations of dance. Book your tickets to see Motionhouse’s exciting show SCATTERED running from 26 – 29 April, go to sadlerswells.co.uk for tickets. Check out Motionhouse on their website: motionhouse.co.uk PRESS PLAY. https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/Kevin_Finnan.mp3

Going inside the mind of a choreographer is a fascinating experience! My discussion with British choreographer Theo Clinkard reveals a deeply considered, intelligent and thoroughly relevant approach to creating contemporary work. Theo’s latest piece ‘The Listening Room’ – created for Danza Contemporanea de Cuba (Contemporary Dance of Cuba) – is an inspired example of his unique creativity. The dancers listen to one piece of music, while the audience listens to another – intriguing! Theo has challenged and thrilled audiences in Cuba who responded to The Listening Room with rave reviews. Danza Contemporanea de Cuba is showcasing this piece as part of their UK Tour throughout Feb & March 2017. Listen to Theo talk about his experience in Cuba and working with dancers from the company that combines traditional Cuban and contemporary dance. And for the very first time Theo also shares his thinking on a new dance project that could span 100 years! Book tickets to see Danza Contemporanea de Cuba perform ‘The Listening Room’ here. Check out: www.theoclinkard.com LISTEN NOW. https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/theo_clinkard_feb12_2017.mp3

Going inside the mind of a choreographer is a fascinating experience! My discussion with British choreographer Theo Clinkard reveals a deeply considered, intelligent and thoroughly relevant approach to creating contemporary work. Theo’s latest piece ‘The Listening Room’ – created for Danza Contemporanea de Cuba (Contemporary Dance of Cuba) – is an inspired example of his unique creativity. The dancers listen to one piece of music, while the audience listens to another – intriguing! Theo has challenged and thrilled audiences in Cuba who responded to The Listening Room with rave reviews. Danza Contemporanea de Cuba is showcasing this piece as part of their UK Tour throughout Feb & March 2017. Listen to Theo talk about his experience in Cuba and working with dancers from the company that combines traditional Cuban and contemporary dance. And for the very first time Theo also shares his thinking on a new dance project that could span 100 years! Book tickets to see Danza Contemporanea de Cuba perform ‘The Listening Room’ here. Check out: www.theoclinkard.com LISTEN NOW. https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/theo_clinkard_feb12_2017.mp3

Casanova is the hotly anticipated new ballet from the Northern Ballet. The story of the infamous womanising lover Casanova is being brought to life by choreographer Kenneth Tindall. Casanova is a decadent, spine-tingling spectacle of 18th century excess with gorgeous costumes, sumptuous staging created for the stunning dancers. Before becoming an award winning choreographer, Kenneth Tindall was a principal dancer with the Northern Ballet, having danced all the leading roles in ballet classics. Kenneth grew up in London, studied at the acclaimed Central School of Ballet and danced in Japan and Israel before returning home to the Northern Ballet, the company in his heart. Northern Ballet tour details can be found here and you can catch the show in London Sadler’s Wells in May 2017. Listen to Kenneth talk about choreographing Casanova and his life as a principal dancer. PRESS PLAY. https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/KennethTindall.mp3

Casanova is the hotly anticipated new ballet from the Northern Ballet. The story of the infamous womanising lover Casanova is being brought to life by choreographer Kenneth Tindall. Casanova is a decadent, spine-tingling spectacle of 18th century excess with gorgeous costumes, sumptuous staging created for the stunning dancers. Before becoming an award winning choreographer, Kenneth Tindall was a principal dancer with the Northern Ballet, having danced all the leading roles in ballet classics. Kenneth grew up in London, studied at the acclaimed Central School of Ballet and danced in Japan and Israel before returning home to the Northern Ballet, the company in his heart. Northern Ballet tour details can be found here and you can catch the show in London Sadler’s Wells in May 2017. Listen to Kenneth talk about choreographing Casanova and his life as a principal dancer. PRESS PLAY. https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/KennethTindall.mp3

The sensational show Mother Africa is currently on stage in New York, receiving rave reviews from the New York Times. In our latest DANCETALKS podcast interview we talk to the show’s dancer & choreographer Nolly (Noluyanda) Mqulwana. Nolly has an inspiring story having grown up and started dancing in South Africa, joined the Lion King in Singapore and then in Germany where she now lives and works as a dancer & choreographer.  Mother Africa is coming to London’s Peacock Theatre in 2017. PRESS PLAY https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/djwpodcasts/1wwwod/NoluyandaMqulwana.mp3