According to the Independent, "British modern dance owes a debt to Dance Umbrella". This festival was created in 1978 with the aim of reflecting and encouraging the burgeoning interest in contemporary dance in Britain. From modest beginnings as a showcase for emerging choreographers, Dance Umbrella's annual London festival now ranks highly amongst Europe's leading international dance festivals.

The french company Beau Geste

To celebrate his 30th anniversary, the festival will welcome several artists whose Dance Umbrella appearances have, over the years, enormously contributed  to the vibrancy of the UK dance scene, such sa Richard Alston, Jonathan Burrows, Rosemary Butcher, or Merce Cunningham. The french company Beau Geste has also been amongst some of the past performers,. Last year, this company presented Transports Exceptionnels at Jubilee Gardens. It was watched by over 6,000 people and hailed ‘the romance of the season’ by The Guardian. This year, the delightful duo of man and 13-ton digger will tour London with 12 performances over nine days in a variety of outdoor locations.

The french soloist Julie Guibert

The festival will, for the first time, welcome two french soloists, Julie Guilbert and Jean-Baptiste André. In a shared evening, the two artists will perform solos choreographed specifically for them. Both pieces make sparing use of music and movement, and, in the process, challenging perceptions of contemporary dance.

Informations and booking on the website of Dance Umbrella.