Introduction to Sadlers Wells East
The new Sadlers Wells East theater is set to open in London’s Stratford, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as part of a £1.1 billion development. The theater will feature a mix of national and international dance companies, including an adaptation of James Baldwin’s novel "In Giovanni’s Room" by the Phoenix Dance Theater. The opening show, "Our Mighty Groove" by Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu, will showcase a mix of club styles, African, and contemporary dance.
The Story Behind "Our Mighty Groove"
Igbokwe-Ozoagu’s inspiration for "Our Mighty Groove" came from a night out at a New York nightclub in 2008. She was hesitant to dance at first, but was encouraged by a regular clubber, and soon found herself dancing all night. This experience is reflected in her work, which aims to get people moving and bring joy to the audience.
The Theater and Its Facilities
Sadlers Wells East is designed to be a flexible space, with a main room that can be converted into a skate park, club dance floor, photo studio, or performance space. The theater also features six studios, an elegant auditorium with 550 seats, and a café-side dance stage for community classes. The building is part of the regeneration of the Olympic Park area and aims to provide a facility for locals.
Community Involvement
The theater is committed to involving the local community, with 20,000 tickets available for £25 or less, as well as £10 Barclays Dance Pass tickets for 16- to 30-year-olds for each performance. The theater will also house the first hip-hop school in the UK, Academy Breakin’ Convention, for 16- to 19-year-olds, and the Rose Choreographic School, which supports artists working on research projects with supervision from choreographers such as Alesandra Seutin and William Forsythe.
Bringing Dance to the Community
Igbokwe-Ozoagu’s work with a group of young dancers from East London is a key part of the theater’s community outreach. The group, aged between 16 and 25, will perform alongside professional dancers from Igbokwe-Ozoagu’s company, Uchenna. The choreographer aims to give the young dancers a platform to showcase their talents and to provide them with a sense of ownership and creativity.
Conclusion
Sadlers Wells East is set to become a hub for dance in London, providing a space for national and international companies to perform, as well as a facility for the local community. With its flexible design and commitment to community involvement, the theater aims to bring dance to a wider audience and to provide a platform for young dancers to showcase their talents. "Our Mighty Groove" is just the beginning, and the theater is sure to become a vibrant and exciting addition to London’s cultural scene.
