This October, the iconic Sadler’s Wells stage in Angel becomes an electric dance floor, channelling rhythms and grooves straight from the South African townships. Dance Umbrella is rolling out the carpet for Via Katlehong, an award-winning dance company that’s turning up the heat this year: Via Injabulo.
Teaming up with Europe’s formidable dance visionaries, Marco da Silva Ferreira and Amala Dianor, Via Injabulo isn’t just a performance; it’s a global dance celebration. Ferreira’s førm inførms delves deep, using house dance and top rock to meld with pantsula’s fierce passion, questioning our notion of collective identity. Meanwhile, in Emaphakathini, Dianor takes us on a sonic trip, blending traditional moves with live DJ beats, throwing focus on the unique souls dancing under the Via Katlehong banner.
But who’s behind this spellbinding experience? Dance Umbrella has been at the forefront of London’s dance revolution for 45 years. From its humble beginnings to now, it’s not just about performances; it’s about celebrating artists, nurturing talent, and reshaping how we engage with dance. Whether it’s grand stages like Sadler’s Wells or the raw, intimate spaces of canal boats and car park rooftops, they’ve done it all, proving that dance is universal and knows no bounds.
Under the leadership of their new Artistic Director, Freddie Opoku-Addaie, the festival’s legacy is fortified. Freddie is known for his innovative approaches, spotlighting emerging and diverse talent that mirrors London’s cosmopolitan spirit, embracing its history and future.
A deeper dive into the maestros: Via Katlehong, rooted in the raw authenticity of 1992 South Africa, is a testament to dance’s resilience and transformative power. With Steven Faleni and Buru Mohlabane leading the charge, they’ve taken the historic Pantsula culture and given it a global platform, melding it innovatively with dance forms like tap and Gumboot.
Marco da Silva Ferreira, meanwhile, is a force to be reckoned with in the urban dance scene. His innovative style and masterful storytelling through dance have garnered international accolades, earning him stages from Lisbon to Brussels.
Not to be overshadowed, Amala Dianor stands as a pillar of modern choreography. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of dance while respecting its origins has made him a household name in the dance community.
So, as the crisp air of October sets in, let the vibrant energy of Via Injabulo illuminate London. Experience a world where borders blur, beats sync, and souls dance harmoniously.
So, as the crisp air of October sets in, let the vibrant energy of Via Injabulo illuminate London. Experience a world where borders blur, beats sync, and souls dance harmoniously.
Via Injabulo will set Sadler’s Wells Theatre alight from 27-28 October. For more information and tickets, visit Sadler’s Wells Theatre’s official site.
Running Time
1 hour 15 minutes (including one interval)
Tickets
Prices from: £22.00
Dance Umbrella and Sadler’s Wells made this dance revelation possible, with a special nod to the Big Pulse Dance Alliance and support from the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.
About Sadler’s Wells
A beacon in the dance realm, Sadler’s Wells thrives on a legacy spanning three centuries. Their relentless dedication to dance reverberates in a robust year-round lineup, elevating the art form’s diverse facets. Drawing over half a million attendees to their London stages each year, their reach extends further through global tours and expansive digital avenues.
At the forefront of dance innovation, Sadler’s Wells commissions and rolls out fresh works like no other. Their devotion is to the dance and the creators behind it, equipping them with vital tools to craft their masterpieces. They’re the catalyst for artists’ experimentation and collaborative ventures, nurturing a stage for brilliance.
Beyond the stage, Sadler’s Wells breaks barriers, welcoming everyone into the rhythm’s embrace—no matter your dance pedigree or curiosity level, their events and workshops beckon. Dive into dance; the Sadler’s Wells tapestry is waiting to be woven with your story.
