New Dance Season at the Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre

Ever get that feeling that you’re stuck in a bit of a routine? School, homework, dinner, sleep, repeat. Or for the adults, it’s more like work, commute, dinner, sleep, repeat. It’s easy to fall into that pattern, but a night out at the theatre can completely shake things up. And this spring, the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre has an incredible line-up of dance performances that are anything but ordinary. It’s a season packed with shows that explore everything from the beautiful chaos of life to the fusion of different cultures, offering a mix of styles that promises something for everyone. Whether you’re a dance expert or just looking for something different to do, there's a performance waiting to pull you in.

A storm of movement with HUMANHOOD

Imagine being in the calm centre of a tornado, the 'eye of the storm'. Everything around you is swirling with energy, a powerful mix of chaos and order. That’s the feeling the dance company HUMANHOOD brings to the stage with its show, Vortex, on Saturday, 14th March. This isn't just a dance; it's an exploration of human resilience. Think about how we all have to adapt to unexpected situations. One minute everything is calm, and the next, your plans are thrown up in the air. This performance captures that feeling perfectly.

In Vortex, the normal rules don’t seem to apply. The performance plays with the very ideas of rhythm and gravity, making you question what you’re seeing. The dancers’ movement is incredibly precise yet feels completely free, as if they’re being pulled by invisible forces. The show is all about how people find their feet and even evolve when things get messy. It’s a powerful reminder of how strong and adaptable we can be, showcasing an amazing athletic performance from the entire cast. The story is told through movement that feels both wild and controlled, a perfect picture of how we manage to find our own rhythm even in the middle of chaos. It's a show that will make you think about your own ability to adapt and find strength when life gets a bit turbulent. The human spirit's capacity to evolve is at the heart of this stunning piece of theatre.

A fusion of worlds in UBUNTU

What happens when you mix two completely different things together? Sometimes, you get something amazing. Like cronuts (a croissant-doughnut pastry) or labradoodles. The Tribhangi Dance Theatre does exactly that with dance in their performance, UBUNTU, on Sunday, 29th March. This show is a vibrant fusion of cultures, bringing together the rich traditions of India and South Africa on one stage. It’s a celebration of how two distinct cultures can unite through the universal languages of rhythm and movement.

The performance is a feast for the senses, blending the intricate, storytelling movements of Indian classical dance with the powerful, earthy rhythms of South African dance. It’s not about one style taking over the other; it’s about creating a conversation between them. The result is a unique and energetic performance that tells a story of connection and shared humanity. This fusion creates a whole new style of movement that is exciting and fresh. You’ll be captivated by the colourful costumes, the driving beat of the music, and the sheer skill of the dancers as they share stories from their different cultures. UBUNTU is a perfect example of how art can bridge divides and show us how similar we are, no matter where we come from.

Exploring modern masculinity with 2Faced Dance Company

Everyone has battles they fight that other people don’t see. It’s like having a secret identity where you have to be strong on the outside, even when you’re feeling something completely different on the inside. The 2Faced Dance Company takes a powerful look at this idea in their new show, TOMORROW, on Thursday, 2nd April. This piece, from celebrated choreographers including Tamsin Fitzgerald, dives into the hidden struggles of modern masculinity. It’s an honest, no-holds-barred performance that is both incredibly powerful and surprisingly gentle.

The show combines stunning athletic performance with moments of real vulnerability. The dancers are amazingly skilled, performing lifts and jumps that seem to defy gravity, but they also show a softer, more emotional side. It’s a reminder that being strong isn’t just about physical power; it's also about having the courage to be open and honest. The movement in TOMORROW tells a story without needing any words, exploring the pressures and expectations that come with masculinity today. It’s a thought-provoking show that will stick with you long after you leave the theatre, and the athletic performance is simply breathtaking. The 2Faced Dance Company really pushes the boundaries with this work.

An evening of ballet brilliance with Northern Ballet

If you think all ballet is tutus and tiaras, then you’re in for a treat. The world of ballet is huge and varied, and the Northern Ballet is ready to prove it with an extraordinary evening called Three Short Ballets, running from Thursday, 30th April, to Saturday, 2nd May. Imagine a tasting menu at a fancy restaurant where you get to try lots of small, delicious dishes instead of one big one. This is the dance version of that. In one evening, you get to experience three completely different works from three world-class choreographers.

The evening features pieces by some of the biggest names in dance. There's a work by the legendary Dutch dance maker Hans van Manen, known for his cool, sleek style. Then there's a piece from former Northern Ballet Artistic Director David Nixon CBE, whose work is always full of drama and storytelling. And finally, a piece from Tiler Peck, a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet and a rising star among choreographers. It’s an incredible trio of talent. This is a fantastic way to see the range and power of modern ballet, from classical grace to contemporary edge. The Three Short Ballets programme is a must-see for anyone who loves dance and a brilliant introduction for anyone new to ballet. The level of skill and artistry from these choreographers is truly something special. This celebration of ballet and movement is not to be missed.