Sadler’s Wells Sampled 2018: showcasing world class dance


Sadler’s Wells’ taster festival Sampled returns in February with a showcase of the world-class dance and workshop series.

On February 2-3, audiences will have a chance to experience the wide range of movement Sadler’s Wells has on offer in the space of two days and at reduced prices.

On the extensive programme is the Birmingham Royal Ballet, a former principal dancer from the Royal Ballet Zenaid Yanowsky, Candoco Dance Company, contemporary company Humanhood, hip-hop crew Yeah Yellow and finalists from BBC Young Dancer 2017.

Young Dancer contemporary category and overall winner Nafisah Baba presents her piece Inescapable, while Jodelle Douglas, winner of the street dance category, and category finalist Harry Barnes, perform Douglas’s choreographed piece Mass Effect.

Yeah Yellow, a French award-winning multidisciplinary dance group, bring their piece Yeah Yellow Sunshine, showing their creativity and originality as a “collective of dancing Jedi Knights”.

Candoco Dance Company are on the contemporary roster, with a piece that reveals the bonds we make through our lives in a portrayal of female strength, support and friendship. The renowned company made up of disabled and non-disabled performers show how friendships adapt and shape who we are.

On the ballet side of things, Birmingham Royal Ballet brings a duet, Kin, created by former BRB dancer Alexander Whitley. His piece celebrates the potential for movement to bring people together in different ways.

Sadler’s Wells artistic director Alistair Spalding says: “It is a chance for new audiences and dance fans who are no are not so familiar with all the different styles we present to discover how rich and varied the art form is. This year’s line-up includes flamenco dancer Jesús Carmona and Candoco Dance Company, who will give an exciting taster of the work they’ll present at Sadler’s Wells over the coming season.”

In addition to the performances, activities are held in the foyer spaces, based on Brazilian dance and music on Friday and hip-hop on Saturday. A class with Yeah Yellow and various other workshops throughout the day, including flamenco and contemporary, are on offer.

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