Dancing City

Canary Riverside, 1-1.25pm

A contemporary reimagining of the myth of Icarus that defies gravity and expectation.

Hold your breath as performer Tony Thich explores the construction of identity and territory through dazzling physical performance, choreography and acrobatics set to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

Canary Riverside, 5.10-5.45pm

Four migrant women fight for a new place to call home.

After being driven from their homeland, they navigate a perilous journey, to arrive in country that doesn’t want them. Facing invisible boundaries and prejudices, they struggle to find a new place to put down roots.

Following their previous appearance at GDIF with Mulier (Women), Maduixa (Spain) return with this emotional and timely production is featuring poignant physical storytelling on stilts, set against the backdrop of the Thames.

Jubilee Plaza, 2.30-3.05pm & 4.20-4.55pm

Afro street moves collide with tech and LED visuals.
4 dancers from London’s Dragonsquad busking crew (of Oxford Circus fame) turn their personal history of the Afrobeats movement into a futuristic Odyssey.

Featuring a cast of Afro-battle dance champions, digital storytelling, fresh motion graphics on an LED wall by graphic prodigy Wumzum, this inventive production is the creation of choreographer AndroidX in collaboration with MHz scenography.

Wren Landing, 2-2.20pm & 4.25-4.55pm

Help two happy hikers on their way and dive into a wholesome, high-energy dance adventure, where tents can dance and massive maps swamp the land.

Full of magical contact work, silly slapstick tricks and dramatic images, this playful and accessible piece invites you to follow your nose into a wriggly, giggly world

Jubilee Plaza, 1.05-1.20pm & 5.30-5.45pm

In an explosive mix of fast-paced, slick dance routines and incredible music tracks, SAY celebrate the joy and innocence of making up dances to your favourite music.

Featuring the impressive talents of UK champion MC Zani, The Album brings together live beatboxing, break-through music artists and contemporary dance.

Set to an incredible soundtrack from Juliana Yazbeck; spoken-word artist Holly Williams; South Africa’s hottest duo Tina Redmxn & L Tune ‘Chillin’ and more.

Guaranteed to leave you feeling hyped-up and inspired.

Adams Plaza, 1.30-1.45pm & 3.55-4.10pm

Extreme physicality, awe inspiring lifts and contact choreography come together in this emotional duet that explores the twists and turns of relationships.

Inspired by Salvador Dali’s Metamorphosis of Narcissus, Knot lays bare the many facets of human connection as balances shift from one dancer to another.

Westferry Circus, 2-2.20pm & 3.55-4.15pm

Fusing capoeira, acrobatics, martial arts and classical dance, this uplifting performance is characterised by intense physicality and driving energy.

Set to a specially recomposed version of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons by Max Richter, with costume designs by Vibeke Andersen, this unmissable show creates a kaleidoscopic feast of sweeping beauty.

Columbus Courtyard, 1.35-1.55pm & 3.55-4.15pm

The Royal Ballet challenges traditional perceptions of ballet with this new duet featuring disabled dancer Joe Powell-Main

This inclusive and emotionally charged performance is a contemporary reimagining of La Somnambula (The Sleepwalker) and is directed by Alexander Campbell with choreography by Kirsten McNally and music by Sophie Cotton.

Westferry Circus, 3.15pm & 4.30pm

Playfully questioning perceptions, Urja Desai Thakore and Hetain Patel put classical Indian dance right in the heart of the city, reframing movement with sound and text to reveal insights and surprises at every turn.

In this newly commissioned show, Kathak, music, fashion and spoken word will disrupt the everyday and invite you to think again about your own assumptions.

Columbus Courtyard, 2.30-3.05pm & 5.10-5.45pm

In music Vivace means lively. The same word in French is used to describe perennials, (the plants that come back every year). The dancers in this joyous UK premiere, discover a new kind of vitality and resilience, driven by high energy and constantly surprising pop, Baroque and electro beats.

Jubilee Place mall, 2.15-2.25pm & 5-5.10pm

An unexpected friendship unfolds in this joyful and theatrical dance duet as a set of parcel deliveries breaks down social barriers and preconceptions.

Returning once more to Canary Wharf, New Adventures, Matthew Bourne’s dance-theatre company, bring this accessible dance piece set during the unprecedented times of the pandemic.

Harbour Quay Gardens, 1-1.30pm & 3.20-3.50pm

Set against the backdrop of Canary Wharf’s South Dock, this London premiere follows the surprising journey of 5 individuals on their voyage to find happiness. Featuring New Adventures’ characteristic theatrical invention, this is a boat trip you don’t want to miss!

Returning to the beautiful setting of Harbour Quay Gardens, New Adventures present this bracing maritime production which responds to the surrounding waterscapes with humour, theatricality and fabulous choreography.