The first edition of Talking, Thinking, Dancing was a joyful and curious invitation to explore the vibrant dance ecology of the Midlands, opening up new conversations, connections and possibilities across the sector.
Over three days in January, we welcomed industry professionals from across the UK and beyond to connect, sample, and reflect. Through performance, choreographic research, lively discourse, and yes, some excellent food.
Two years into the journey of Fabric, Talking, Thinking, Dancing marked a moment to celebrate the Midlands’ rich dance offer. This was achieved by showcasing work from seven artists and companies, while also sparking dialogue on practice, partnerships, and future investment in choreographic research.
Through collaborations with regional organisations, Dance Consortium, One Dance UK, NPOs, and independent artists, the gathering further created a bold space for discovery, exchange, and movement.
Artists and Companies
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Hidden by Motionhouse
Ahead of its premiere at Warwick Arts Centre in February 2025, Motionhouse will be sharing an extract from its brand-new touring production, Hidden, which will tour until at least 2028. Exploring how light can come out of darkness in times of crisis, Hidden builds on the company’s acclaimed dance-circus fusion.
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Vortex by Humanhood
HUMANHOOD exists to raise human consciousness and empower human potential through mystical and colossal dance productions shared with audiences worldwide. Artistically led and founded by visionaries Julia Robert & Rudi Cole, the company is carving a radiant path in the international scene, having performed in festivals such as Venice Biennale, CINARS, Festival Grec and SIDance.
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Lay Down Your Burdens by Rhiannon Faith Company
Lay Down Your Burdens extraordinary physical performance, brave testimonials, music from a live Ceilidh band and riotous pub games. Developed from real-life experiences of the company and conversations with communities, this radically tender dance theatre show invites you to explore the beauty of humanity and the eternal need for community and compassion.This work was nominated for an Olivier award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance and a One Dance UK Award for Innovation in Dance.
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Surge by Tom Dale Company
Become totally immersed inside a duet between dancer and animated light in a gripping kinaesthetic relationship. A Future human on the bridge between the digital and the organic worlds, pushed to their limits to “feel” – to “sense” – to “exist”. Recognised internationally Tom Dale Company leads the field in combining dance, electronic music and digital media, creating category-defying performances that cross-pollinate the arts scene.
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Lungs of Our City by 2 Faced Dance Company
Inhabiting a futuristic space, where wanderers of a desolate world come together to breathe. In this emotional, athletic and timely work exploring our hopes and fears for the future, witness a world that questions what happens if we come together, reverse the top-down dynamic and change our vision of the future.
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ASTITVA by Jaivant Patel Company
ASTITVA or exisitence, is a powerful and evocative ground-breaking dance production by award-winning choreographer Jaivant Patel, offering a rare and moving portrayal of British-South Asian gay men. Through its intimate exploration of seeking, desire, acceptance, and love, ASTITVA brings queer South Asian stories to the forefront, inviting audiences to connect, reflect, and celebrate the beauty of being human.
