Dance Around London: April 2011

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 156 months ago
Dance Around London: April 2011

Ballet in 3D, mesmerising contemporary dance, X Factor style audience votes, digital crossovers, Argentina's finest and a 20th century masterpiece: six 'must see' dance events for the month ahead.

giselle.jpg
Afterlight by Hugo Glendinning
Afterlight by Hugo Glendinning
Anna Finkel and Chris Evans in Place Prize finalist work It Needs Horses by Lost Dog
Anna Finkel and Chris Evans in Place Prize finalist work It Needs Horses by Lost Dog
Tango Fire by Lorenzo Di Nozzi
Tango Fire by Lorenzo Di Nozzi

Giselle in 3D
The first 3D ballet! How does a work change when it is taken from the stage to the screen and then from the screen to 3D? As digital technology progresses we will no doubt see a lot more 3D dance films so don’t miss the opportunity to experience this new format for dance. On Sunday 3 April at the Apollo Piccadilly, 2.30pm. £18 plus £1 for 3D glasses.

Afterlight, Russell Maliphant Company at Sadler's Wells
If you only see one piece of contemporary dance this month, (no, this year — no, in your life!) make sure it’s this one. Originally a solo and first performed in 2009, this full length version remains a tribute to
Diaghilev inspired by dancer Vaslav Nijinsky and his geometric drawings. You don't need to know anything about the roots of this piece - just go and enjoy it as one of the most mesmerising pieces of dance ever to grace the stage. Read our review from the end of 2010. 4-5 April, tickets £10-27.

The Place Prize
X Factor for the dance world. Judging an apparently subjective artform will always be a contentious thing. Each night the audience vote for a winner who receives £1000 and at the end of the run a panel of experts choose the ultimate Place Prize winner. Cold, hard cash is hard to come by in the arts nowadays so get yourself down to The Place to support your favourite. Watch video clips of all the finalists on The Place website. 6-16 April 2011, tickets £6-17.

Digital Stages Festival, East London
With dance and the digital world constantly colliding, this festival looks to examine how the relationship between the digital and live arts has developed. With events happening across East London, it looks like an interesting few days. Performance, workshops, talks, discussions all various prices and venues, 22-27 April.

Tango Fire: Flames of Desire at Peacock Theatre
If fancy footwork and smouldering Latino lovers are your thing grab a group of friends and head to Kingsway for Tango Fire. Argentina’s finest, including three world champion dancers, have been gracing the Peacock stage for a number of years, and return due to popular demand. Expect a journey through the history of Tango and a glimpse of its contemporary guise a la Strictly Come Dancing. 12-23 April, tickets £15-42.

Manon at Royal Opera House
If you can treat yourself to a trip to the Opera House this month, get decent tickets for the Royal Ballet's Manon. Harder hitting and sexier than your traditional tutu affair, Manon is a 20th century MacMillan masterpiece in 3 acts telling a tale of passion, lechery, violence, devotion and tragedy. You'll need a drink in the intervals and hankies out for the final scene. 21 and 28 April (further dates till June), tickets from £6-£112.

Many thanks to Hetty Blades, Libby Costello and Jen Teale for their recommendations.

Last Updated 25 March 2011