THE NEW Wolsey Theatre re-opened with a theatrical flourish but next week, just a quickstep away, it's a case of let's face the music and dance!The Wolsey Studio, the theatre's little sister venue who was left kicking her heels during the two-year closure of the Wolsey, sees its first performance when dancers from DanceEast stage a showcase of regional talent in PlatformEast at the St George's Street studio.
By James Fraser
THE NEW Wolsey Theatre re-opened with a theatrical flourish but next week, just a quickstep away, it's a case of let's face the music and dance!
The Wolsey Studio, the theatre's little sister venue who was left kicking her heels during the two-year closure of the Wolsey, sees its first performance when dancers from DanceEast stage a showcase of regional talent in PlatformEast at the St George's Street studio.
Previously used simply as rehearsal and office space for the New Wolsey and DanceEast, the organisation responsible for promoting dance in East Anglia, the studio plays host to some of the fleet-footed talent from Suffolk and Essex on Saturday, December 15, at 7.30pm.
Respected teachers Elsa Bradley and Lynnette King, who have been instructing their pupils throughout Ipswich with the infectious rhythms of Latin dance, take to the stage in solo works of contemporary dance – and premiere a new duet which has been choreographed by Ben Wright.
Tango teacher and artist Patricia Sabbag also appears.
Newly formed duo Blythe, who have nonetheless managed to find time to win the first East of England Arts Artist Award for Dance, will also be starring.
DanceEast Director Assis Carreiro said the showcase – the first of its kind – will be ideally suited to the intimate atmosphere of the Wolsey Studio, which Dance East have been using as their base since July.
"Some of it is work in progress, some finished," she said. In addition to its teaching work at the Northgate Arts Centre, the national agency wants to develop the base of professional dancers in the eastern region, she said.
"We really need to boost that and this kind of showcase helps boost the profile of artists working and living in the region."
PlatformEast, Saturday, December 15, at the Wolsey Studio, St George's Street, Ipswich at 7.30pm. Tickets £5/£3. Book early as seats are limited.
Weblink: www.danceeast.co.uk
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