The MÓTUS festival is back in 2019: this time bigger and better and packed full of events to include performances and workshops for everyone!
The event will kick off on April 27th with MK Young Dancer the Live Final at the MK Gallery and run through to July 8 with Fluid in Flight at the Milton Keynes Theatre.
Artists this year include British choreographer Aakash Odedra, winner of the 2017 Freedom of expression award from Amnesty International.
#JeSuis is an enthralling dance-theatre piece with 7 dancers from Turkey and inspired from the tragedy and subsequent events that unfolded in the wake of the massacres at Charlie Hebdo.
This work is about individuals struggling to find their voice in the stand against oppression. Recently programmed at London’s Sadler’s Wells, the work has received rave reviews.
Also on the programme: Phoenix Dance Theatre (on the GCSE Dance course), Namron, Avant Cymru: Blue Scar and Kapow Dance Circus Theatre.
Milton Keynes will also host CandoCo Dance Company performing work in the centre:mk by former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips. Fancy something for all of the family? Then come and see Tutti Frutti’s Yellow is the Colour of Sunshine at The VenueMK on 2nd June at 11am and 2:30pm at The VenueMK.
Alongside professional performances - the festival will host a number of youth dance events.
JUMP START 19 will welcome hundreds of young people to The Venue: MK celebrating the talent of our young people. The event is endorsed by U.Dance - a seal of approval from One Dance UK, the country’s leading dance organisation.
And on July 8th, MÓTUS will take over Milton Keynes Theatre presenting Fluid In Flight. Around 600 young people from schools across the city will come together for this spectacular, original show. 10 choreographers will work in local schools to create 20 brand new, original works.
Fancy taking part?
Workshops with Dance artists from around the UK will also feature within the festival program.
Professionals, hobbyists, young people and families will all have the chance to learn something new. Come and join in with the youth dance residency in May half term May 28 - 30(10am - 1pm daily). Or get dancing as a family altogether on the May 31 and June 1 with our short family dance workshops.
Fancy trying some improvisation and partner work? Come to Adrian Look’s Tanztheater workshop on May 19 from 10am - 1pm. This is closely followed by a contemporary dance workshop led by the legendary Namron from 2pm - 5pm.
All above workshops are at The VenueMK in Walnut Tree.
“We’re delighted to be working with more MK schools than ever this year alongside some of the best professional dance artists and companies across the UK - this really is our most exciting festival to date," said Artistic Director Helen Parlor.
She added: “Dance has so many benefits! Not just keeping us physically active, dance is a great way to express ourselves. It also helps us to develop skills like communication, team-building and problem solving.
"The program this year is really rich and offers something for everyone. So whether you’re a regular dance attendee or want to try something different - check out the program!‘
The festival has been funded from a variety of sources including Arts Council England and the Milton Keynes Community Foundation.
Director Chris Bradley said: “We’ve been so humbled by the generous funding we’ve received this year. As well as larger organisations like ACE and the MK Community Foundation, we’re being supported by several MK Parish Councils.
"It’s a real compliment that so many people believe in our work. We can’t wait to give back to the MK community!”
Full festival details and how to book are available here.
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