SARAH SINGLETON looks ahead to an exciting season

A NEW season of dance dawns in January with a programme encompassing chalk and friendship, a night at the Echo Point Lighthouse and a journey with a Virago.

Swindon Dance has assembled an exciting and wide-ranging series of performances for the new year, beginning on Friday, January 12 with a chance to meet some of the UK’s young and emerging artists and performers.

Entitled Engage with Professional Artists and the Art Form, the evening begins at 6.30pm and gives a rare opportunity to see the work undertaken by Swindon Dance to support professional performers.

You can enjoy a glass of bubbly, and learn about the organisation’s work with these talented newcomers, and see some works in progress.

Among their number will be Charley Logan, a member of the Swindon Dance Youth Dance Academy, now working with Black Box Dance Company, based in Holstebro, Denmark.

Youngsters aged three to eight may enjoy the Chit Chat Chalk Show on Friday, February 2, when Hawk Dance Theatre and the Knotted Project present a magical chalky adventure featuring Kiko, a young girl making new friends and embarking on a quest to discover the colours and emotions that make her unique. This is an interactive show – and youngsters could become a little chalky – so suitable clothing is advised.

In March, a performance called Point of Echoes take us back in time to 1978, and far out to sea off the coast of England. It is the story of Eric Valentine and Bernard Humphries, stationed at Echo Point Lighthouse, who witness an uncanny event.

This is a collaboration between renowned choreographer Ben Wright and writer/musician Stuart Warwick, and takes place on Thursday, March 15 at 7.30pm.

Sonia Sabri takes to the stage on Friday, March 23, in a dance-digital solo production, in collaboration with Ludic Rooms. The show is called Virago – which means female warrior in Latin, while Vira means the brave one, in Hindi. The performance explores the contradictions of light and dark, real and fairy-tale, of female existence.

Dancehouse 2018 on March 24 and 25 will showcase the talents of Swindon’s young dancers from the Swindon Dance Company, STEPS2, JFK phenomenal and Just for Boys – as well as Jazz, Tap and Ballet.

The year’s close is often a time to set new goals and embark on a fresh challenge – which is why Swindon Dance has launched additional dance classes offering a novel approach to fitness and well-being without going to the gym. Dance fit fusion, jazz and salsa classes are available for adults, as well as ballet, tap and contemporary dance.

For youngsters aged 11 to 17, a new class called Urban Mix offers a blend of dance techniques including hip hop, breakin’ and house, combined with a contemporary twist.

Pick up a brochure of visit Swindon Dance website at swindondance.org.uk for class timetables and event booking information.