Akram Khan, Michael Keegan-Dolan & Simeon Qsyea talk about A String of Rites: A season of work inspired by Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring
Do you know much about the National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) ….? Well for those of you that are new to the Sadler’s Wells initiative here is what you need to know.
About NYDC
The company is hosted by Sadler’s Wells and brings together and nurtures some of the brightest dance talent across England. They seek dancers that are passionate about dance, from a diverse background, and like to invite all dancers from all styles, who just have a common love of performing. They host what they call ‘NYDC Experience Workshops’, which include a technique class, creative workshop and information on dance training, careers and NYDC. Selected dancers will be invited to attend a second workshop. The days are open to dancers aged 16-18. There is no cost for the days but places must be pre-booked through Sadler’s Wells. The NYDC will meet in school holidays to participate in four intensive weeks per year at Sadler’s Wells and regional venues.
Guest Artistic Director
The National Youth Dance Company’s first Guest Artistic Director in 2013 is Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Jasmin Vardimon. She is a leading force in British dance theatre. Born and raised on a Kibbutz in central Israel, she joined the Kibbutz Dance Company, and in 1995 won a British Council ‘On the Way to London’ Choreography Award. She moved to London in 1997, where she founded Jasmin Vardimon Company (previously Zbang). Jasmin has been an Associate Artist at Sadler’s Wells since 2006. Previously, she was an Associate Artist at The Place in 1998 and a Yorkshire Dance Partner from 1999 – 2005. Jasmin has been a Visiting Professor at the University of Wolverhampton since September 2011. She developed a Higher Education programme for dancers and actors, led by her company as a postgraduate diploma at Royal Holloway University London and in 2012 launched a full-time certificate course at her company’s home base in Ashford.
2013 Performances
8 June : Sadler’s Wells (see info below)
28/29 June : Sadler’s Wells
30 June : Kent, The Jasmin Vardimon Production Space
20 July : Leeds, U.Dance 2013
21 July : Salford, The Lowry
27.28 July : Bristol
Sadler’s Wells Performance : Riot Offspring (A String of Rites series) : Click on the video at the top of the page to hear Akram Khan and the team talk about the series of performances
The last in the A String of Rites series, RIOT Offspring is a unique double bill which opens with the inaugural performance of the new National Youth Dance Company in a specially commissioned work from NYDC’s first Guest Artistic Director, Jasmin Vardimon, reflecting the spirit of this young, vibrant company of talented dancers drawn from across England.
Completing the programme is a powerful collaboration between four international choreographers – Sébastien Ramirez, Ivan Blackstock(BirdGang), Mafalda Deville and Pascal Merighi (guest artist, Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch) – and an intergenerational cast, brought together to create a unique dance piece with a live orchestra playing Igor Stravinsky’siconic The Rite of Spring.
In 1913, the unfamiliar sounds of The Rite of Spring were enough to ignite rage and rioting in a passionate public. 100 years later, prompted by recent riots, the cast of RIOT Offspring explore their own perceptions of rites, rituals and riots, creating a powerful piece of dance theatre.
Creative Bus Stop 