In addition to working with Birmingham Hippodrome to produce International Dance Festival Birmingham, DanceXchange also presents fantastic dance at The Patrick Centre. This DanceXchange Autumn season is no exception, and with the return of a classic and a brand new work by one of the UK’s leading contemporary dance companies, outrageous dance comedy, explosive African dance and an absorbing solo work performed on a running machine, this season is short but very sweet. Here’s a round-up of what’s in store for everyone.
Kicking off the season is Edits (Thursday 30 Sept), a highly anticipated new work by choreographer Lea Anderson and her six-strong male dance company, The Featherstonehaughs (pronounced Fan-shaws). The showstylishly draws on the peculiar elasticity of filmic time, the dramatic rhythm of film editing, and the ability to heighten effect through extreme close up.
Then on Friday 1 October, The Featherstonehaughs will be performing a classic piece (originally created in 1998) The Featherstonehaughs draw on the sketchbooks of Egon Schiele, bringing to life the artistic vision of Austrian expressionist artist Egon Schiele. Both The Featherstonehaughs’ shows are an opportunity to see the all-male company perform without The Cholmondeleys for the first time in 12 years. If you book for both shows in advance you get one half price- a great excuse to treat yourself to two nights of outstanding contemporary dance!
In October, things get a little silly, when Britain’s funniest dance duo New Art Club perform This is Now (Thursday 14 October).Watch them deconstruct the first ever Now That’s What I Call Music album and get all nostalgic as Tom and Pete wrestle with classic hits from Duran Duran and Bonnie Tyler (to name a few!)…
Moving on to Saturday 6 November, Tavaziva Dance’s critically acclaimed Wild Dog features high-octane performers capturing the beauty and elegance of one of Africa’s most endangered species. There is also a brilliant soundtrack to enjoy, cut and arranged by award-winning Zimbabwean-born choreographer/composer Bawren Tavaziva.
The season closes with Eddie Ladd’s Ras Goffa Bobby Sands/The Bobby Sands Memorial Race (Thursday 11 November). This solo dance piece will be performed on a 12ft x 6ft running machine and follows the life of Bobby Sands, who died on hunger strike in the H Blocks in Belfast in 1981. Moving and compelling, this is a piece of dance unlike any other.
DanceXchange Programme Manager Paul Burns said: “This Autumn season we’re continuing to present fantastic dance with a varied programme showcasing some of the best work currently being made in the UK. From the iconic Featherstonehaughs to the hilarious New Art Club we think there is something for every dance lover to enjoy.”
I’m certainly very much looking forward to all of these shows, which are going to be at The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome.
All shows start at 8pm – please check the website for age suitability and running times.
Tickets:
In advance: £10/£7 concession
On the day: £12/£9 concession
For ticket sales call 0844 338 5000 or to book online and for more information visit www.dancexchange.org.uk.
