Founded by Alexandre Hamel in 2005, Le Patin Libre is a five-strong troupe of professional prizewinning skaters with a high-octane style of ice-dancing.
Creating routines on frozen ponds and canals in their hometown of Montreal just ten years ago, they have gone on to win critical acclaim around the world.
Le Patin Libre's experimental performance draws influence from theatre, urban dance, tap and circus skills. In Vertical the five artists push the boundaries of what is physically possible on ice.
Accompanied by a soundtrack created by cello virtuoso and electronic composer Jasmin Boivin and lighting by Lucy Carter (Wayne McGregor's regular lighting designer), Le Patin Libre performs inches away from seated spectators.
Commissioned by Dance Umbrella, National Arts, Canada and Theatre de la Ville, Paris, for five nights, 12 to 16 January 2016, the troupe performs at Somerset House's ice rink.