LEAP Dance Festival unveils two spectacular new performances

Spotlighting the amazing work of The Liverpool City Region’s dance community, LEAP Dance Festival have announced two extravaganza-performances taking place this May – set to delight audiences across Liverpool.

This May Bank Holiday, as part of LEAP Dance Festival, dancers from across the Liverpool City Region will descend upon Liverpool City Centre for an afternoon of unique outdoor performances – spotlighting the wealth of both established and upcoming local talent.

On Monday 6 May, audiences can expect pop-up shows and entertainment from some of the region’s leading dance artists, including premiere performances newly commissioned by Culture Liverpool.

Audiences will be invited to stop, watch, and even join in with a variety of activities happening throughout the city streets – all for free!

Performers on the day will include Lisi Perry, House of Suarez, Grace Goulding, Stephanie Greer, Dockside Breakers, Mersey Swing, Melt Dance, House of La Porta, The City of Liverpool College, LIPA, Ithalia Forel (Movema), Afro Dance Academy, Sole Rebel and Capoeira for All.

Paul Doyle, Artistic Director at LEAP Dance Festival, said:

“It’s exciting to be collaborating with so many dancers and dance artists from across the region on this massive public event, the atmosphere will be incredible!”

Performances of Dancing in the Streets will take place on Monday 6 May from 12pm, across Liverpool City Centre and Liverpool One, and is completely FREE.

The event is sponsored by Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool One.

On Friday 10 May, worlds collide as performers from across the festival take to the runway in a range of categories, with iconic voguing from House of Suarez for the closing event of LEAP Dance Festival 2024.

House of Suarez will bring their unique style of performance to The Black-E, opening up their runway to share it with exciting artists from LEAP, in celebration of Liverpool’s finest performers.

House of Suarez vs Leap. Credit: House of Suarez

Darren Suarez said:

“House of Suarez is so excited to be part of LEAP’s festival comeback – and what better way to be part of it, than to collaborate with other programmed artists and performers on an amazing closing party, hosted by us – with the incredible Rikki Beadle Blair!

“We cannot wait to share the space with the LEAP community, who we know will shine on the runway, bringing something extra special to the event.”

This unique vogue event for LEAP Dance Festival will for the first time offer dancers from other disciplines – including contemporary, tap and breakdance – the opportunity to showcase what they can do alongside vogue performers.

House of Suarez vs. LEAP will not be a competition, but a space to share work in three categories, celebrating Liverpool’s amazing artists and bringing together the dance community, orchestrated by Rikki Beadle Blair.

House of Suarez vs. Leap / Vogue Spectacular will take place Friday 10 May, at 7pm, in The Black-E. Tickets will be £25/22.

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said:

“We are delighted to be able to support LEAP Festival. Culture is such a vital part of city centre life in Liverpool; it is enriching and enhancing, with benefits for both body and soul.

“For the businesses and organisations we represent, being able to support arts activities helps to make Liverpool a great place to be. Our Art Fund opens twice a year, and we actively encourage applications from anyone in the arts who has a project that will help to animate Liverpool City Centre.”