Leap Dance Festival to host two weeks of spectacular dance events in Liverpool

From April 26 – May 10, the city will pulsate with rhythm and movement as dance performances unfold across the city.

Liverpool is gearing up for an exciting two weeks of dance extravaganza as Leap Dance Festival prepares to showcase the vibrant talent of the Liverpool City Region.

Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, organisers are thrilled to unveil a diverse program of events. Established local dance artists and companies will share the stage with young talents and community groups, offering a dynamic range of styles including burlesque, breakdance, contemporary dance, and even a ceilidh.

Ticket prices will be accessible, ranging from £0 to £25, ensuring everyone can experience the magic of dance.

The festival kicks off on April 26th at The Black-E with a captivating evening of cabaret, burlesque, and circus performances. As the festival unfolds, venues across the city, from The Capstone Theatre to National Museums Liverpool, will host a variety of events.

There will also be a special schools showcase on International Dance Day, showcasing the creativity of young dancers.

Bringing the festival to a grand finale, on May 10, is a House of Suarez spectacular, promising a mesmerising display of vogue artists alongside performers from various dance disciplines featured throughout the festival.

Paul Doyle, the festival’s Artistic Director said: 

“We are so excited to bring dance to audiences across Liverpool. From Breakdance to Vogue, contemporary to tap, there’s something for everyone.”

You can see the full programme below:

Ooh La La Cabaret
Friday 26th April, 7pm, The Black-E, £25/22

Ooh La La Cabaret presents a night of circus, cabaret and burlesque. Expect high camp entertainment and death defying stunts from world class performers.

Dancing at the Museum
Saturday 27th April, 12pm, National Museums Liverpool, Free

Experience pop-up performances happening in museums and galleries across Liverpool.

Schools Dance Platform
Monday 29th April, 7pm, Archbishop Blanch, £8/6

Schools and colleges from across Liverpool City Region have been invited to share performances based on countries and cultures from around the world, for International Dance Day.

Liverpool Dance Prize
Thursday 2nd May, 7pm, The Capstone Theatre , £12/10

The North West’s emerging artists and choreographers share new work in a chance to win £1000 development fund. In partnership with Liverpool Hope University and Dance Consortia North West.

Youth Dance Showcase
Saturday 4th May, 7pm, The Capstone Theatre, £10/8 

An evening of performances by and for youth dance companies from across Liverpool City Region.

Dockside Breakers: Boss Breaking
Sunday 5th May, 1pm The Black-E, £15

Dockside Breakers take over the Black E in a celebration of hip hop and breakdance culture. This jam will be a competition for over and under 16s, with competitors battling it out for prize monies.

Dancing in the Streets
Monday 6th May, 12pm, Liverpool City Centre, Free

Enjoy outdoor performances from some of the region’s leading artists. Sponsored by Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool One.

Sole Rebel: Ceilidh
Tuesday 7th May, 7.30pm, Liverpool Arts Bar, £10/8

Sole Rebel CIC brings their community Ceilidh event to Leap Dance Festival. Dust off your shoes and get ready to take part in an evening of dancing and live music.

Triple Bill: Rowena Gander/Taciturn/TMC Collective
Wednesday 8th May, 7.30pm, Unity Theatre, £15/£12

A triple bill of new work commissioned by Culture Liverpool from female choreographers based in Liverpool.

Higher Education Showcase
Thursday 9th May, 1.30pm, The Capstone Theatre, Free (tickets required)

A selection of new work by emerging talent from the North West, selected from universities and training schools.

House of Suarez vs Leap
Friday 10th May, 7pm, The Black-E, £25/22

Worlds collide, as performers from across the festival take to the runway in a range of categories, with iconic voguing from House of Suarez. Hosted by Rikki Beadle Blair.

Tickets are on sale for Leap Dance Festival here.