In its 26th year, Liverpool-based festival LEAP will take over venues across the city, in a landmark change to how dance is programmed in the North West.
Taking a lead from MDI’s new Director Martina Murphy, LEAP will feature sited and staged work along Hope Street and in major venues including Invisible Wind Factory, Unity Theatre and the Bluecoat.
Launching on Thursday 3 October, LEAP will first bring dance to the bustling music venue, and Baltic Triangle favourite, Hinterlands, which will play host to WILD, a new show from masters of dance-circus production, Motionhouse.
The global touring production company, known for their stunning large-scale performances, will perform atop an urban forest of industrial scaffolding, in a breathtaking show for audiences of all ages.
Over the following 10 days, LEAP will offer a platform to aspiring local Dance Artists, as well as internationally renowned performers in a celebration of cross-artform storytelling through movement. Seke Chimutengwende & Alexandrina Hemsley’s Black Holes, Rosie Kay Dance Company’s Fantasia and Neon Dance’s Puzzle Creature are amongst the big name artists and companies already confirmed to perform this autumn.
MDI’s Director Martina Murphy says: “Liverpool has long been a city associated with music; from Merseybeat to today’s variety of festivals for every genre imaginable. Dance isn’t possible without music, and I want LEAP to make that connection this year – bringing dance to the venues where music never stops, to a city that so clearly wants to dance!”
Further dance, comedy and otherwise performative acts confirmed for this year’s festival include New Art Club’s Cupid’s Revenge and local visual artist Frances Disley who will be collaborating with music producer M T Hall as well as three Dance Artists from the North West.
There will be additional performances from MDI’s Liverpool-based companies Merseyside Youth Dance Company, and 50 Moves. Plus, this year LEAP features a Fringe Festival for the very first time, popping up over two days in unexpected locations along Hope Street, with more details to be revealed very soon.
LEAP takes place from 3rd – 12th October across various Liverpool venues. For the full line-up of performances as well as to buy tickets for each show, head to mdi.org.uk/leap-2019.
