MATTHEW BOURNE LAUNCHES CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD

Posted on 18 April 2011

To mark his 50th birthday, artistic director Matthew Bourne and his company New Adventures will be launching a brand new choreography award for gifted performers.

The lucky winner of the award will receive a cash prize of over £15,000 plus the chance to work on their choreographic skills over a 12 month period. Throughout the year the winner will have the privilege of being mentored by Bourne and other New Adventures associate artists. They will research and create a programme of work alongside the New Adventures dancers. A showcase performance of the created programme of work will conclude the 12 months, to which leading industry figures will be invited.

Bourne said: “I fear that many talented choreographers are lost to us through lack of opportunities to develop their skills and get their work seen. I hope that the New Adventures Choreographer Award will go some small way to rectifying that for one talented individual every two years.”

One place where extraordinary dancers and excellent choreography can be seen in many forms of dance throughout the whole year is at Sadler's Wells, London's Dance house. Currently showing at the Peacock Theatre until 23 April is Tango Fire - Flames of Desire, which takes its audience on a journey through the history of Tango, from its origins in Buenos Aires to its ever growing popularity as a modern dance form.

If ballet is more your cup of tea, Northern Ballet will be performing their gripping new production of Cleopatra at Sadler's Wells Theatre from 17-21 May 2011.

Applications for the new award are being accepted from 27 March to 1 May 2011. There is no age limit and all styles of dance will be accepted and considered.

[posted by Conan, 18/04/2011]