The best dance and ballet shows in London this September

The NDCWales is out there doing some really interesting and unique stuff within contemporary dance. So lucky London, because they will be at Sadler’s Wells East for three nights this September. In the double bill they will perform ‘Ordinary Courage’ by Theo Clinkard, a moving and nuanced exploration of grief through dance. And somebody call Harry Styles, because the Olivier-nominated Alesandra Seutin, who’s also a Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist, has choreographed a new work inspired by running. ‘Untamed’ promises to be a visceral and athletic piece, accompanied by a soundtrack that includes traditional Welsh instruments and ancestral voices. 

Where is it? Sadler’s Wells East

Touching down in London from sunny California, San Francisco Ballet is bringing this sci-fi ballet that reimagines Pandora’s Box through the lens of our tech-driven age. In what promises to be an immersive and sensory experience, expect a stark and tribal performance (it’s giving Dune) alongside cutting-edge visuals and some very futuristic costumes. Mere Mortals features an original score from the virtuouso electronic musician Floating Points, who will perform it live on 9, 10 and 11 September. 

Where is it? Sadler’s Wells

Northern Ballet is taking over the Linbury Theatre for for four days this autumn. Doing what it says on the tin, Three Short Ballets features a triple bill that includes two revivals and the London premiere of a brand new work by the multitalented New York City Ballet choreographer and principal dancer Tiler Peck. In ‘5 Tangos’, the late Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen, known for his stripped-back and storyless ballets, combines the poise of ballet with the passion of tango. In ‘Fools’ the Olivier Award-winning Mthuthuzeli November reimagines RL Peteni’s novel ‘Hill of Fools’, fusing ballet, contemporary and traditional South African dance. 

Where is it? Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House

The iconic Alvin Ailey dance company are jetting into Sadlers Wells from New York to deliver not one but two of their periodic showcases of world class contemporary dance theatre. New Works will provide, you guessed it, new pieces from the company including three UK premieres choreographed by Lar Lubovitch, Medhi Walerski and Jamar Roberts. In Legacy you can see some absolute classics of modern dance including the moving ‘Cry’ and ‘A Song for You’ solos and the legendary ‘Revelations’, which has been amazing audiences since it was choreographed in 1960. 

Where is it? Sadler’s Wells

ENB brings an energetic triple bill to Sadler’s Wells that is guaranteed to put a pep in your step. First on the line-up is the OG of contemporary ballet – it’s Balanchine, who created the banger that is the 21-minute-long ‘Symphony in Three Movements’, set the the Stravinsky score. When this ballet premiered in 1972 Balanchine caused quite the stir by putting his dancers in leotards instead of tutus, and having their hair in ponytails instead of ballet buns. Quelle horreur! Also on the bill are two world premieres choreographed by Jae Man Joo and Micaela Taylor. Man Joo’s work is inspired by the poetry of William Blake, while Taylor’s ‘Bow Out’ takes its inspiration from the tap dancing of the Nicholas Brothers and Bil ‘Bojangles’ Robinson. 

Where is it? Sadler’s Wells