Leap Dance Festival presents two weeks of dance events showcasing the Liverpool City Region’s talent across seven key venues this spring. From 26th April – 10th May 2024, Liverpool will come alive with dance, with performances taking place in theatres, cultural venues and public spaces on the streets of Liverpool city centre.
After a successful crowdfunding campaign, organisers are delighted to announce a packed dance programme. Established local dance artists and companies perform alongside young people and community groups, in a range of styles from burlesque and breakdance to contemporary dance and a ceilidh, with tickets across all events ranging from £0-£25.
The festival launches on Friday 26th April at The Black-E with a night of cabaret, burlesque and circus performances, later taking over venues from The Capstone Theatre to National Museums Liverpool, with a schools showcase on International Dance Day. The festival closes on Friday 10th May with a House of Suarez spectacular, featuring vogue artists alongside performers from all dance disciplines from across the festival.
Paul Doyle, Artistic Director said:
“We are so excited to bring dance to audiences across Liverpool. From Breakdance to Vogue, contemporary to tap, there’s something for everyone.”
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“It’s great to have a dance festival back in our cultural calendar and it’s certainly a packed programme celebrating so many different genres.
“We’re delighted to support the festival and I’d like to congratulate the Leap team for curating this event, which not only includes established dance artists, but also spotlights local community groups and young people who are being given a platform to showcase their talent.”
Tickets are live for most events: leapfestival.co.uk
Programme
Friday 26th April, 7pm, The Black-E, £25/22
Ooh La La Cabaret presents a night of circus, cabaret and burlesque. Expect high camp entertainment and death defying stunts from world class performers.
Dancing at the Museum
Saturday 27th April, 12pm, National Museums Liverpool, Free
Experience pop-up performances happening in museums and galleries across Liverpool.
Monday 29th April, 7pm, Archbishop Blanch, £8/6
Schools and colleges from across Liverpool City Region are invited to share performances based on countries and cultures from around the world, for International Dance Day
Liverpool Dance Prize
Thursday 2nd May, 7pm, The Capstone Theatre , £12/10
The North West’s emerging artists and choreographers share new work in a chance to win £1000 development fund. In partnership with Liverpool Hope University and Dance Consortia North West.
Saturday 4th May, 7pm, The Capstone Theatre, £10/8
An evening of performances by and for youth dance companies from across Liverpool City Region.
Dockside Breakers: Boss Breaking
Sunday 5th May, 1pm The Black-E, £15
Dockside Breakers take over the Black E in a celebration of hip hop and breakdance culture. This jam will be a competition for over and under 16s, with competitors battling it out for prize monies.
Dancing in the Streets
Monday 6th May, 12pm, Liverpool City Centre, Free
Enjoy outdoor performances from some of the region’s leading artists. Sponsored by Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool One.
Sole Rebel: Ceilidh
Tuesday 7th May, 7.30pm, Liverpool Arts Bar, £10/8
Sole Rebel CIC brings their community Ceilidh event to Leap Dance Festival. Dust off your shoes and get ready to take part in an evening of dancing and live music.
Triple Bill: Rowena Gander/Taciturn/TMC Collective
Wednesday 8th May, 7.30pm, Unity Theatre, £15/£12
A triple bill of new work commissioned by Culture Liverpool from female choreographers based in Liverpool.
Thursday 9th May, 1.30pm, The Capstone Theatre, Free (tickets required)
A selection of new work by emerging talent from the North West, selected from universities and training schools.
Friday 10th May, 7pm, The Black-E, £25/22
Worlds collide, as performers from across the festival take to the runway in a range of categories, with iconic voguing from House of Suarez. Hosted by Rikki Beadle Blair.
Tickets for all events available: leapfestival.co.uk
With thanks to our core funders Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council. With additional funding from Dance Consortia North West, Liverpool BID Company, Liverpool One, Culture Liverpool, The Granada Foundation, and DaDaFest. Sponsors: The City of Liverpool College and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Supporters: Liverpool Hope University, Archbishop Blanch School and National Museums Liverpool. Additional thanks to the 210 individuals who supported our Crowdfunder campaign.
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