NEWS
Liverpool Dance Community comes together
for LEAP Dance Festival
Spotlighting the amazing work of The Liverpool City Region's dance community, LEAP Dance Festival have announced two extravaganza-performances taking place this May - set to delight audiences across Liverpool.
​
This May Bank Holiday, dancers from across the Liverpool City Region will descend upon Liverpool City Centre for an afternoon of unique outdoor performances - spotlighting the wealth of both established and upcoming local talent.
On Monday 6th May, audiences can expect pop-up shows and entertainment from some of the region's leading dance artists, including premiere performances newly commissioned by Culture Liverpool. Audiences will be invited to stop, watch, and even join in with a variety of activities happening throughout the city streets - all for free!
​
Performers on the day will include Lisi Perry, House of Suarez, Grace Goulding, Stephanie Greer, Dockside Breakers, Mersey Swing, Melt Dance, House of La Porta, The City of Liverpool College, LIPA, Ithalia Forel (Movema), Afro Dance Academy, Sole Rebel and Capoeira for All.
"It's exciting to be collaborating with so many dancers and dance artists from across the region on this massive public event, the atmosphere will be incredible!"
Paul Doyle, Artistic Director
Dancing in the Streets
6th May 2024, Liverpool City Centre / Liverpool One / FREE
Performances will take place on Monday 6th May from 12pm, across Liverpool City Centre and Liverpool One. Sponsored by Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool One.
House of Suarez vs Leap
Then, on Friday 10th May, worlds collide as performers from across the festival take to the runway in a range of categories, with iconic voguing from House of Suarez for the closing event of Leap Dance Festival 2024.
House of Suarez will bring their unique style of performance to The Black-E, opening up their runway to share it with exciting artists from Leap, in celebration of Liverpool's finest performers.
"House of Suarez is so excited to be part of Leap's festival comeback - and what better way to be part of it, than to collaborate with other programmed artists and performers on an amazing closing party, hosted by us - with the incredible Rikki Beadle Blair!
We cannot wait to share the space with the Leap community, who we know will shine on the runway, bringing something extra special to the event."
Darren Suarez
​
This unique vogue event for Leap Dance Festival will for the first time offer dancers from other disciplines - including contemporary, tap and breakdance - the opportunity to showcase what they can do alongside vogue performers.
House of Suarez vs. Leap will not be a competition, but a space to share work in three categories, celebrating Liverpool's amazing artists and bringing together the dance community, orchestrated by Rikki Beadle Blair.
House of Suarez vs. Leap / Vogue Spectacular
Friday 10th May, 7pm, The Black-E, £25/22, TICKETS
Leap Dance Festival brings dance events to
the streets and theatres of Liverpool!
Leap Dance Festival presents two weeks of dance events showcasing the Liverpool City Region’s talent across seven key venues this spring. From 26th April - 10th May 2024, Liverpool will come alive with dance, with performances taking place in theatres, cultural venues and public spaces on the streets of Liverpool city centre.
After a successful crowdfunding campaign, we are delighted to announce a packed dance programme. 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 across all events ranging from £0-£25.
The festival launches on Friday 26th 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.
Programme
Ooh La La Cabaret
Friday 26th 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 27th April, 12pm, National Museums Liverpool, Free
Experience pop-up performances happening in museums and galleries across Liverpool.
Schools Dance Platform
Monday 29th April, 7pm, Archbishop Blanch, £8/6
Schools and colleges from across Liverpool City Region are invited to share performances based on countries and cultures from around the world, for International Dance Day
Liverpool Dance Prize
Thursday 2nd 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 4th 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 5th 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 6th 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 7th 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 8th 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 9th 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 10th 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 for all events are available: leapfestival.co.uk
Paul Doyle, 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”.
With thanks to our core funders Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council. With additional funding from Dance Consortia North West, Liverpool BID Company, Liverpool One, Culture Liverpool, The Granada Foundation, and DaDaFest. Sponsors: The City of Liverpool College and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Supporters: Liverpool Hope University, Archbishop Blanch School and National Museums Liverpool. Additional thanks to the 210 individuals who supported our Crowdfunder campaign.
CONTACT US
