Aracaladanza Dance Company, ©Pedro Arnay, photo courtesy Sadlers Wells Media Library
Dancing dogs, flying plates and giant pillows took centre stage this Easter at Sadler’s Wells Family Weekend. Judith Schrut and her young companion went to see what it was all about.
The long Easter holiday weekend can be a real treat, especially when the weather’s as gloriously warm and sunny as this year’s was. But if you’ve got youngsters to entertain, there are times when a few family friendly pleasures beyond mini egg hunts and chocolate bunnies come in handy. Sadler’s Wells Dance House’s annual Family Weekend has the perfect solution.
For over three centuries Sadler’s Wells has been a world-renowned theatre dedicated to dance in all its forms. Each Easter it celebrates the season with a two day festival of family friendly events. This year I went along with my eager companion, Ava, for a jam packed weekend of dance, maskmaking, den building, screen printing and activities galore. All three floors of the theatre were buzzing with free fun, games, crafts and children of all ages.
Headlining the weekend were vibrant performances by award-winning Spanish dance company Aracaladanza, bringing its magical blend of puppetry, balloons and fantastical costumes to the Sadler’s Wells’ stage. Gigantic pillows, dancing dogs, a troupe of inflatable swans and stacks of flying plates hit the spot with the appreciative young audience. My discerning companion gave the show a resounding five-star “Wow!”
The weekend is one of several family dance events in Sadler’s Wells’ current season. These include monthly Family Fridays, the UK premiere of Cirque Éloize’s Hotel, Yamato with its latest work Passion, and the English National Ballet’s popular My First Ballet series in the world premiere of its Sleeping Beauty.
Aracaladanza Dance Company, ©Pedro Arnay, photo courtesy Sadlers Wells Media Library
Sadler’s Wells Family Weekend took place on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 April 2019 at Sadler’s Wells, EC1R 4TN. More information about dance fun for the whole family at sadlerswells.com.
