Sampled - Dance

Pic credit: Ben Harries

Sampled 2009 will give audiences a unique opportunity to experience a diverse range of dance styles - including classic ballet dancers to hip-hop breakers to flamenco favourites next to contemporary gurus - as leading dance stars present a short taster of their specialism.

Alongside the performances, audience members can also participate with beginners' workshops in every genre throughout the day. The theatre itself is transformed for the occasion when, from 6PM, the Sadler's Wells foyers come alive with interactive dance, installations, DJs and dance floors.

Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Sadler's Wells, Alistair Spalding, says, "Sampled is at the heart of Sadler's Wells' mission to present the full range of national and international dance to both new and existing audiences. In one evening, Sampled allows us to give a taster of the incredible breadth of dance today and we hope that it sparks an interest in dance for life. In this current climate, we're delighted to be able to offer tickets from only £5, furthering our commitment to making dance as accessible as possible."

Artists include flamenco stars Rojas & Rodríguez (formerly Nuevo Ballet Español) performing an excerpt from Sangre Flamenca - as well as a new piece - prior to their appearance at the Flamenco Festival 2009 in March. Les 7 Doigts de la Main display gravity-defying skill in Traces, a new brand of circus and a runaway hit at the Edinburgh Festival in 2007.

Soloists from the legendary American Ballet Theatre dance a Pas de Deux, providing a taster of the entire company's performance of Swan Lake and Le Corsaire as part of Spring Dance at the London Coliseum. The five-member, Berlin-based B Boy crew Flying Steps exhibit their multi-award winning, world champion-standard popping and locking in B Boy 4 Life before they return for Breakin' Convention 09.

Acclaimed artist Russell Maliphant presents Two, created especially for former Royal Ballet dancer Dana Fouras, who performs what is considered her signature piece especially for us.

Sadler's Wells Sampled 2009, with a full production of Traces, will be at the Peacock Theatre from now until 14 Mar 2009, and a full evening of Maliphant's work can be seen from Tuesday 7 until Saturday 11 April 2009 during the Spring Dance at the London Coliseum season. Info: 0844 412 4300 / www.sadlerswells.com