Try before you buy is a good maxim. Sampling dance shows however can be challenging. You either rely on YouTube clips or bite the bullet and get a ticket for something that might put you off dance for life without a friendly recommendation to help you.
Thankfully, :London's Dance House", Sadler's Wells is smart enough to put on a variety pack bill each year which offers tasters of different styles at an affordable price. For just £12, Sadler's Wells Sampled will introduce you to world class ballet, hip hop, contemporary dance and Flamenco performances, all in one night.
Previous years have had a party atmosphere complete with compere, mosh/prom pit and lots of appreciative woop woop noise at Sadler's Wells itself. This year, as the Pina Bausch bonanza is in residence on Rosebery Avenue, Sampled takes place in central London at the Peacock Theatre, Holborn.
Both Bausch and Sampled are part of the London 2012 Festival but Sampled, in partnership with the Big Dance, is definitely the fun and accessible end of the scale. This will be an exciting showcase with a pick n mix mentality — if you find there's something you don't like on the bill (we think this unlikely) it won't last long!
Sadler's Wells Sampled — Presented by Sadler's Wells and Big Dance takes place on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 June at 7.30pm. Tickets £12 online or call 0844 412 4322.
