Dance is thriving in the UK thanks to demand from audiences who are coming in their droves to see all types of dance – from street dance and jazz to highbrow performance art pieces. But dance isn’t just for Christmas; here are the top performances to go and see this January and February.

Le Corsaire

This energetic and uptempo ballet tells the story of a pirate that falls in love with a harem girl. Audiences can expect skilled dancing from some of the most beautifully choreographed male characters in the ballet repertoire, and incredible costumes that will delight even the most picky fashion fans. You can see Le Corsair at the London Coliseum from January 9 – 19, and then at various venues around the UK as the ballet goes on tour.

Tanz Theatre Wupperthal, Pina Bausch

This is a rare chance to see a work by legendary contemporary dance pioneer Pina Bausch, performed by the original company which she founded over 40 years ago. Although Bausch passed away in 2009, her company continues to perform her groundbreaking work which moved dance away from classical ballet and towards an experimental type of dance theatre which blended all types of performance. See it at Sadler’s Wells from Februarry 7 – 16.

The Wind in the Willows

Adapted from Kenneth Grahame’s iconic source material, this performance of The Wind in the Willows is fun for the whole family. Charming and quirky, this English classic is perfect for this time of year. The story features a menagerie of dancing English woodland animals and an appearance from a choir singing Christmas carols. It runs from January 4 to February 1 at the Duchess Theatre.

Swan Lake by Matthew Bourne

This is Swan Lake with a difference, as the all-male cast put on a groundbreaking version of this Christmas classic. In fact, this version of the epic ballet has become a London tradition in its own right; it’s a little bit magical and a little
bit eerie in the best possible way, so look out for some jawdropping moves from some of the best male ballet dancers in the business. Grab your tickets and your dance shoes and see it soon, as it runs until January 16.

George Peebles is a freelance writer living in London. He writes for many websites, including Movedancewear – who sell dance shoes and clothes – and enjoys Rumba above all things.

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