Sadler’s Wells is set to kick off its spring 2022 season with a powerful offsite work about Black male identity. TRAPLORD, by London artist Ivan Michael Blackstock, is an immersive dance performance produced by Sadler’s Wells and 180 Studios. TRAPLORD uses dance, theatre and spoken word to question the stereotyping of Black men in contemporary western society. 

 

International dance is back in strength too, despite the pandemic. The renowned Sadler’s Wells International Associate Company Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch returns with Kontakthof in its 40th anniversary year. Pina Bausch’s seminal work is brought to life by a group of mature dancers, playing out uncertain romance. A prestige season, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, then showcases some of Europe’s leading choreographers, including Ballet de Lyon and Sadler’s Wells Production Neighbours. There are also performances by Sadler’s Wells International Associate Company Acosta Danza, and NDT2, featuring UK premieres.

 

At the other end of the age spectrum, a multi-sensory show for babies, Underwater by Xenia Aidonopoulou & Georgia Tegou, forms part of the Easter Family Weekend, along with Sadler’s Wells National Partner Company balletLORENT’s The Lost Happy Endings.

 

British artists involved include BalletBoyz, with bold work in Deluxe; Sadler’s Wells Associate Company English National Ballet honours master choreographer William Forsythe in a special programme celebrating his enduring love and curiosity for ballet; and Sadler’s Wells National Partner Company Phoenix Dance Theatre celebrates its 40th anniversary with a showcase programme. Over the summer, Sadler’s Wells also welcomes Chichester Festival Theatre’s acclaimed production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s much-loved musical South Pacific.