Le Patin Libre: Vertical, London
This joyous contemporary ice-dance crew from Canada were the surprise hit of Dance Umbrella 2014, the year the festival moved to the ice rink at Alexandra Palace. It’s back in 2016 for a repeat outing on the temporary rink at Somerset House. The five bearded, dreadlocked baggy-jeaned cast members take contemporary ice dancing to new terrain, incorporating elements of street dance, hip-hop and circus, and use a driving electronic score by Jasmin Boivin and fiercely dramatic lighting by Lucy Carter to fuel choreography of sparky wit and invention.
Somerset House Ice Rink, WC2, Tue to 16 Jan
JM
Akram Khan: Until The Lions, London
In his 2011 solo Desh, Akram Khan returned to his roots by exploring the culture of Bangladesh, where his family once lived. Now, in this new ensemble piece Khan continues his personal dance voyage, working with the classical traditions of kathak and taking inspiration from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Until The Lions tells the story of Amba, a princess who is abducted on her wedding day and implores the gods to avenge her wrongs. It’s performed by Khan himself alongside two other dancers and four musicians. Using the immersive space of the Roundhouse it promises to be one of his most spectacularly theatrical productions, and features lighting by Michael Hulls and sets and costumes by Tim Yip.
