From the flagship Laban in Deptford’s Creekside, to the charming Rivoli Ballroom in Brockley, opportunities for dance in Lewisham have never been so exciting.
Laban’s award-winning building, designed by architects Herzog and de Meuron, offers the chance to experience world class contemporary dance, connecting people to the exhilarating possibilities dance offers. The Centre for Advanced Training, for creative young people of 13–16 years, is just one newly launched initiative. Laban also hosts the annual Schools’ Dance Showcase.
Classical ballet is regularly brought to the Broadway Theatre by the Moscow Ballet company. In contrast, there are the thrilling and colourful performances celebrating Caribbean carnival and Chinese new year, as well as renowned touring shows such as Umoja from South Africa. The Broadway also showcases annual performances from local dance schools and academies.
Dance performances at The Albany in Deptford reflect the diversity and creativity of London ranging from ground breaking hip hop theatre to world fusion styles.
For those with dance fever, there are CEL adult learning courses at centres borough-wide. Goldsmiths College offers many academic and professional development courses related to dance and movement. For ongoing programmes that give young people the opportunity to learn and share dance skills there are inspirational organisations such as Second Wave Youth Arts, specialising in street dance and African/Caribbean fusion styles and Irie Dance Theatre, recently relocated to the Moonshot Centre.
Montage Theatre Arts provide community classes for both children and adults of all ages and abilities but if Latin is more your style, why not try living La Salsa Vida with regular classes in Lewisham’s Sahara Club and Latin nights at the Rivoli Ballroom. Mandacaru, based in Forest Hill, have classes in all Latin styles for both adults and children.