Did you know it’s been 35 years since NSCD’s Riley Theatre, Yorkshire’s largest dedicated dance house, first opened its doors? Now, as we gear up for a year of celebrations, we’re delighted to announce our full season of events for Autumn/Winter 2023.
“There are many reasons to celebrate this season - it marks not only the start of 35 years of Riley Theatre, but also the legacy and positive impact of the fantastic connections we‘ve made over the years.
These connections span different generations and allow us to present works that invite fresh perspectives all year-round.”
Sharon Watson, MBE, DL, CEO & Principal
The upcoming Riley Theatre season includes:
Explore the full season or read on for more.
Date: Friday 1 Dec
Time: 7.30pm
Ticket price: £15 (£12)
Riley Theatre is proud to host one of the first ever performances in the UK from Swiss dance company Company MEK. This is a special opportunity to watch Switzerland’s next generation of dancers.
The acclaimed collective present their explosive piece Father Politics, which unmasks the current polarisation in politics, and the manipulation of truth in the media. Performed by an emerging, multinational, diverse ensemble - this dynamic dance piece blends innovative hip hop and contemporary dance with a distinctive socio-political voice.
Dates: Sat 25 Nov & Sun 26 Nov
Ticket price: £18.50 (£10) + booking fee
In another first, we’ll be hosting the world premiere of Four Seasons of the Caribbean; a 21st century reimagining of a classical masterpiece that highlights the legacy of Black composers and descendants of the Windrush generation.
Originally composed by the Italian composer, Antonio Vivaldi, Four Seasons is a well-known piece of classical music that takes you on a journey through all four meteorological seasons of the year. Four Black composers were each commissioned to write a ‘season’, resulting in a unique blend of Caribbean sounds, featuring a violinist, a steel-pan player, a DJ, and the outstanding Manchester Camerata.
Four Seasons of the Caribbean has been commissioned by Leeds International Concert Season with Northern School of Contemporary Dance for the Sound Out Leeds series.
Date: Sun 10 Dec
Time: 4pm
Free
A Very British Rhythm is a digital exhibition that celebrates dancers and choreographers of the global majority, and their contributions to British dance culture over the past 250 years.
As part of the event, Ageless - a new work choreographed by NSCD’s Principal and CEO Sharon Watson MBE, will be performed by six women of the global majority aged 50+. Recognising the inclusive nature of dance, Ageless reminds us all that age and physical ability need not be barriers to excellence any more than race.
Date: Sat 7 October
Time: 7.30pm
Ticket price: £5
“A plea for humanity” - Time Out
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Hostile is a BAFTA and BIFA Longlisted feature-length documentary written, produced and directed by Sonita Gale, focusing on the UK’s complicated relationship with its migrant communities.
Told through the stories of four participants from Black and Asian backgrounds, the film focuses on the impact of the evolving ‘hostile environment’ policies that target migrants, and explores how the lives of international students, members of the Windrush generation and Highly Skilled Migrants have been affected.
Featuring music from award-winning musician Nitin Sawhney and spoken word from George the Poet.
Dates: Tues 5 - Fri 8 Dec
Time: 7.30pm
Ticket price: £12 (£10)
Witness the next generation of dancers and dance makers.
In NEW GROUND, watch three distinct new works created for and with NSCD’s undergraduate students by international guest choreographers.
Dates: Fri 15 & Sat 16 Dec
Time: 7.30pm
Ticket price: £10 (£7). £32 Family Ticket (Friday only)
Celebrating 30 years of service to the community, award-winning RJC Dance Youth Provision showcases the talents and skills of their members aged 9 -19 years. Featuring guest performances from alumni and founder members, this is a flagship event highlighting local inspiration, creativity & passion for the performing arts.
Date: Sat 27 Jan
Time: 7.30pm
Ticket price: £15 (£12)
A warm welcome back to NSCD alumni Northern Rascals as they present their insightful work SHED, shining a light on some of the most common mental health issues facing young people today.
Combining dance with digital art and spoken word and performed by an intimate cast in a pop-up structure, SHED invites its audience to witness the stories that make us, told through a series of shorts.
Dates: Wed 20 & Thurs 21 December
Time: Wed - 4pm, Thurs - 10.30am & 2pm
Ticket price: £12 (£8)
"Children will love this magically inventive show… A live collective adventure that no virtual experience could hope to match" - The Times
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Snowed In is a joyful interactive family show that captures the imaginations of younger audience members and foregrounds the importance of play.
Four friends wake to find themselves completely snowed in. Dreaming up an incredible imaginary hotel, they’re free to dance, sing their hearts out, throw snowballs, and venture into the mysterious Room Zero…
Brought to you by the award-winning creative duo behind The Buildy-uppy Dance Show and The Doodle Dance Show.
For full listings and tickets visit: nscd.ac.uk/riley-theatre/whats-on
