Do make time to watch Square Dances - a new Dance Umbrella commission - performed al fresco and free to watch in four London squares: Brunswick, Woburn, Queen and Gordon the weekend of 8-9 October.
Browse the full Dance Umbrella programme. There are many gems in there. And there's still much more besides to see this month, like...
Akram Khan Company - Desh
The innovative choreographer, performer and audacious collaborator is back with a one-man show about Bangladesh. Luke Jennings already declared it "a masterpiece, the best thing that he has ever done" and he knows his onions. At Sadler's Wells 4-8 October. Tickets £10-36.
Royal Ballet - Triple Bill
If you're curious about the Royal Ballet and/or the Royal Opera House experience, triple bills are a relatively economical way to try them out and this one is an eclectic programme. Limen is a contemporary ballet work by red hot resident choreographer, Wayne McGregor; Marguerite and Armand - a romantic ballet made for Margot Fonteyn and Rudolph Nureyev- gets a rare revival; with Kenneth MacMillan's sublime and abstract, Requiem. On 8, 12, 14, 17 and 20 October, tickets from £4+.
Venezuela Viva, The Dance Fusion Spectacular
A celebration in music and dance of Venezuela's rich melding of cultures in the beauty of Flamenco, belly dancing, African percussion, Joropo, Caribbean Calypso and modern Salsa. Proceeds raised from the event will support the work of the International Fundraising Committee of the British Red Cross. Monday 10 October at the London Palladium, tickets from £27.50.
Rambert Dance Company - New Choreography
Continuing a strong tradition of nurturing new choreographic talent emerging from the ranks of their incredible dancers, Rambert showcase new work by Kirill Burlov, Otis-Cameron Carr, Malgorzata Dzierzon (who's done a piece inspired by London Underground), Jonathan Goddard and Gemma Nixon at The Place on 11-12 October, tickets £15/12.
Want to go dancing yourself?
- Swingland's 2 O'Clock Jump swing party on 14 October at The Bedford, Balham is open to everyone. If you haven't swung before, there's a taster class at 8.30pm. Entry is just £5 on the door.
- Make your heels sizzle with Salsa at the Cuban Day of Culture party at Conway Hall, Red Lion Square on 22 October, tickets £10/8.
- Swirl across the floor in a Viennese Waltz at the Austrian Ball on 29 October 2011. Get your posh frock or black tie on - this is a proper do. Tickets (dance only) £45 or (the whole shebang) £95.
