With performances from the main company alongside open rehearsals, training sessions and family workshops, this February half-term brings Candoco’s 25th Anniversary to an exciting close, demonstrating every strand of the leading inclusive dance company’s work in action.
A highlight of the London programme will be an Evening In Conversation with Candoco’s co-founder Celeste Dandeker-Arnold and Siobhan Davies. This discussion is a free event chaired by Luke Pell, reflecting on their respective and shared histories in contemporary dance and choreography and how these fields have changed over time in the UK (15 Feb). Other free events during the week include a Cando2 Taster Workshop (18 Feb), a family workshop at Royal Festival Hall (19 Feb), Open Rehearsals and Open Classes (15-16 Feb), and an Open Day at Candoco’s offices in Islington that will provide a glimpse behind the scenes of a dance company (14 Feb).
For dancers and teachers there are full day training events, and Candoco performances in both Brighton and London will be accompanied by workshops. Auditions for two new main company members will also be taking place 10-11 Feb.
At Brighton Dome on 17 Feb, Candoco presents CounterActs, the work that kicked off its 25th birthday year, choreographed by Hetain Patel and Alexander Whitley. A double bill combining mischievous questions and virtuosic performance, CounterActs uses text to create unique and visceral experiences for audiences, moving fluidly between English, French and BSL. The following day, the company will offer a special workshop suitable for all levels of dance experience exploring some of the themes that emerge from CounterActs (CounterActs Workshop, 18 Feb)
Executive Director Jo Towler said, “We are celebrating the end of our 25th birthday year by providing many opportunities to join in with Candoco life, rather than hosting a party for invited guests, in keeping with our belief that anyone can be involved in dance. From taking part in class and workshops to hearing from our co-founder and watching us perform, there’s something for everyone so we can all celebrate together #whatdancecanbe”
Since 1991, Candoco Dance Company has created stimulating and challenging work with an inclusive company of disabled and non-disabled dancers. Working with world-leading choreographers, Candoco aims to disrupt the genre, changing perceptions of what dance is and who can dance. The Open Week comes ahead of the recently announced departure of Artistic Co-Directors Stine Nilsen and Pedro Machado.
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