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The Grange is a wonderful venue for dance, and audiences will be able to experience the power and visceral nature of the performers so close-up. I’m delighted to be the Director of DANCE@THEGRANGE™ and look forward to sharing uniquely made performances especially for the festival. It has been a long-held dream of mine to curate an evening of iconic classical and modern ballet alongside incredible contemporary dance whilst at the same time trying to avoid the traditional ‘gala’ format. I would like to create an evening that places seminal pieces of our heritage repertory with newly created work of innovative intensity where physicality flows seamlessly together and where each of the works is individually distinct and opens the audiences’ eyes to the diversity and thrill of the human form. In this first year, I have invited Edward Watson – Principal Dancer of The Royal Ballet – to co-curate the evening with me to steer the classical repertory choice. I have chosen Ed because he is a phenomenal dancer and incredible artist, and has an enquiring mind. We have worked together for over 16 years and this project seems like a perfect moment to join forces and explore a new direction.

So many have longed to see world class dance at The Grange. We open the 2018 Festival with Dance – an important event in the UK’s cultural diary.

Dance@TheGrange is performed by Company Wayne McGregor, dancers from The Royal Ballet and guest artists including Alessandra Ferri and Marianela Nunez​, with music performance by pianist Joanna MacGregor.