Leap Dance Festival will present two weeks of dance events showcasing Liverpool City Region talent across seven key venues this spring.
From 26 April – 10 May 2024, Liverpool will come alive with dance, with performances taking place in theatres, cultural venues and public spaces on the streets of the city centre.
After a successful crowdfunding campaign, organisers are delighted to announce a packed programme of events. Established local dance artists and companies perform alongside young people and community groups, in a range of styles from burlesque and breakdance to contemporary dance and a ceilidh, with tickets ranging from £0-£25.
The festival launches on Friday 26 April at The Black-E with a night of cabaret, burlesque and circus performances, later taking over venues from The Capstone Theatre to National Museums Liverpool, with a schools showcase on International Dance Day. The festival closes on Friday 10th May with a House of Suarez spectacular, featuring vogue artists alongside performers from all dance disciplines from across the festival.
Paul Doyle, the festival’s Artistic Director says: “We are so excited to bring dance to audiences across Liverpool. From Breakdance to Vogue, contemporary to tap, there’s something for everyone”.
Leap Dance Festival 2024 Events Programme
Ooh La La Cabaret
Friday 26 April, 7pm, The Black-E, £25/22
Ooh La La Cabaret presents a night of circus, cabaret and burlesque. Expect high camp entertainment and death defying stunts from world class performers.
Dancing at the Museum
Saturday 27 April, 12pm, National Museums Liverpool, Free
Experience pop-up performances happening in museums and galleries across Liverpool.
Schools Dance Platform
Monday 29 April, 7pm, Archbishop Blanch, £8/6
Schools and colleges from across Liverpool City Region have been invited to share performances based on countries and cultures from around the world, for International Dance Day.
Liverpool Dance Prize
Thursday 2 May, 7pm, The Capstone Theatre , £12/10
The North West’s emerging artists and choreographers share new work in a chance to win £1000 development fund. In partnership with Liverpool Hope University and Dance Consortia North West.
Youth Dance Showcase
Saturday 4 May, 7pm, The Capstone Theatre, £10/8
An evening of performances by and for youth dance companies from across Liverpool City Region.
Dockside Breakers: Boss Breaking
Sunday 5 May, 1pm The Black-E, £15
Dockside Breakers take over the Black E in a celebration of hip hop and breakdance culture. This jam will be a competition for over and under 16s, with competitors battling it out for prize monies.
Dancing in the Streets
Monday 6 May, 12pm, Liverpool City Centre, Free
Enjoy outdoor performances from some of the region’s leading artists. Sponsored by Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool One.
Sole Rebel: Ceilidh
Tuesday 7 May, 7.30pm, Liverpool Arts Bar, £10/8
Sole Rebel CIC brings their community Ceilidh event to Leap Dance Festival. Dust off your shoes and get ready to take part in an evening of dancing and live music.
Triple Bill: Rowena Gander/Taciturn/TMC Collective
Wednesday 8 May, 7.30pm, Unity Theatre, £15/£12
A triple bill of new work commissioned by Culture Liverpool from female choreographers based in Liverpool.
Higher Education Showcase
Thursday 9 May, 1.30pm, The Capstone Theatre, Free (tickets required)
A selection of new work by emerging talent from the North West, selected from universities and training schools.
House of Suarez vs Leap
Friday 10 May, 7pm, The Black-E, £25/22
Worlds collide, as performers from across the festival take to the runway in a range of categories, with iconic voguing from House of Suarez. Hosted by Rikki Beadle Blair.
Tickets are on sale now via leapfestival.co.uk
