British Dance Edition (BDE), has announced its programme of performances for its 2016 showcase which is taking place in Wales for the first time since it was established by National Dance Network in 1998.
The programme features performances from 36 leading and emerging dance companies and artists from all four UK nations. Within the four-day event, 11 performance spaces will host the programme across four venues in Cardiff and Newport.
BDE is primarily an industry-focused platform for promoters and presenters. Wales is inviting and hosting up to 375 delegates to support the buying and selling of British dance and to forge new links within the international dance community.
From 15 to 18 March 2016, dance companies such as MotionHouse, Hofesh Shechter and Ockham’s Razor will be performing alongside some of the best Welsh dance from performers such as Eddie Ladd and National Dance Company Wales. There is also strong representation from the independent dance sector including companies such as Igor and Moreno, Lost Dog and Robbie Synge.
The five performances on public sale at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff and The Riverfront in Newport will include two triple bills in the Donald Gordon theatre with work by Russell Maliphant and Candoco, a double bill from Aakash Odedra and James Cousins and dance theatre from both Gary Clarke and Gecko Theatre. All public events will be on sale by the end of the month.
Chapter, Wales Millennium Centre, National Dance Company Wales’s Dance House and The Riverfront, led by Coreo Cymru, form the Consortium that brought British Dance Edition to Wales.
Carole Blade from Coreo Cymru said, “from the time we heard that Wales had won the 2016 BDE bid, we have been carefully selecting and curating the programme to offer promoters a selection of high quality touring works. It has been a challenge narrowing down to the 36 artists and companies from such a vibrant, eclectic and vast field but we’re certain that, with the quality of dance we’re bringing to Wales, this Edition will leave a lasting legacy for the sector in Wales and the rest of the UK.”
Paul Kaynes, Chief Executive of National Dance Company Wales said, “we're looking forward to welcoming delegates from across the UK and abroad to see some of the best of British dance in Cardiff. It'll be an opportunity to showcase to the world the high quality of Welsh venues and dance artists.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity of being a part of the British Dance Edition programme to ensure that the work of National Dance Company Wales is seen by the widest range of promoters. We look forward to offering a warm Welsh 'Croeso' to everyone who comes.”