Dance forms an important part of the arts scene in Wales, and our nation’s output over recent years has seen many innovative dance performances impress and inspire audiences. From modern interpretations of classics to newly commissioned collaborations and inventive cross-artform experiences, here is Wales Arts Review’s collection of ten innovative dance productions.
Dance | RAFT (Gwyn Emberton Dance)
In 2017, Jane Oriel reviewed RAFT, a production from Gwyn Emberton Dance which explored the modern tragedy of refugees travelling across the seas to reach the UK.
Read Jane Oriel’s full review here.
Here Jane Oriel reviewed a new interpretation of Eric Satie and Jean Cocteau’s ballet P.A.R.A.D.E, produced by National Dance Company Wales and Marc Rees in collaboration with BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Rubicon Dance and Dawns i Bawb.
Read Jane Oriel’s full review here.
Passion (MTW & NDC Wales) | Theatre
David Truslove reviewed the UK premiere of Pascal Dusapin’s Passion, an unconventional reimagining of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, co-produced by Music Theatre Wales and National Dance Company Wales with London Sinfonietta & EXAUDI.
Read David Truslove’s full review here.
Roots (National Dance Company Wales) | Dance
In 2018, Gary Raymond shared his thoughts on NDC Wales’ touring showcase, Roots, which brought innovative work from international choreographers to a Welsh audience.
Read Gary Raymond’s full review here.
A Child’s Christmas | Welsh Ballet
With the support of patron Cerys Matthews, Ballet Cymru produced a dance-led interpretation of the Dylan Thomas classic A Child’s Christmas In Wales. Cath Barton reviewed the event.
Read Cath Barton’s full review here.
Liminality Live at the Diffusion Festival
In 2019, the Diffusion Festival featured a performance of Liminality Live, an immersive contemporary dance piece developed as part of the UK India Year of Culture.
Read Gary Raymond’s full review here.
Tri Darn / Three Works by Ballet Cymru
Aaron Facer reviewed Tri Darn / Three Works, a production created entirely by female artists for Ballet Cymru.
Read Aaron Facer’s full review here.
Plethu/Weave from NDC Wales | Dance
In 2020, Marine Furet reviewed Plethu/Weave, a cross-artform collaboration between National Dance Company Wales and Literature Wales which saw unique dances set to short poems.
Read part one of Marine Furet’s review here and part two here.
Open Air Performance from NDC Wales | Dance
Caragh Medlicott reviewed NDC Wales’ open air performances of Faye Tan’s ‘Moving is everywhere, forever’ and Ed Myhill’s ‘Why Are People Clapping?’.
Read Caragh Medlicott’s full review here.
Giselle | Ballet Cymru — Dance
Finally, following Ballet Cymru’s return to live performances, Caragh Medlicott reviewed their modern interpretation of the 1841 French ballet, Giselle.
Read Caragh Medlicott’s full review here.
