Sadler’s Wells East, the new dance venue in London, is set to revolutionize the city’s arts scene with its innovative programming and commitment to community engagement.
The vibrant city of London has a long history of embracing the arts, and one of its most iconic dance venues, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, is celebrating a major milestone with the launch of its new site, Sadler’s Wells East.
Located in London, England, Sadler's Wells Theatre is a renowned performing arts venue that has been hosting various productions since 1683.
Originally a theatre and music hall, it was rebuilt in the early 20th century and has since become a hub for dance and performance art.
The theatre features a diverse program of ballet, contemporary dance, and cabaret performances.
Sadler's Wells is also home to the Peacock Theatre, which hosts smaller-scale productions.
From Humble Beginnings to International Acclaim
Founded by Lilian Baylis in 1925, Sadler’s Wells Theatre has become synonymous with world-class dance performances. The original theatre, located on Rosebery Avenue, was once a humble venue that hosted live entertainment, including music recitals and wrestling matches. However, under Baylis’ visionary leadership, it transformed into one of the most revered dance venues globally.
Lilian Baylis was a British social reformer and theatre owner.
Born in 1874, she founded the Old Vic Theatre in London's Waterloo district.
Born in 1874, she said 'I wanted to create a theatre that would be accessible to everyone.'
Baylis worked tirelessly to provide affordable arts education to working-class people, believing that theatre had the power to uplift and transform lives.
She also advocated for women's rights and social justice.
Under her leadership, the Old Vic became a beacon of artistic innovation and community engagement.
A Legacy of Innovation
Baylis’ motto, ‘dare, always dare,’ encapsulates the spirit of innovation that has defined Sadler’s Wells Theatre throughout its history. From hosting Merce Cunningham and John Cage in 1985 to featuring Sir Matthew Bourne’s company as a regular booking, the theatre has consistently pushed boundaries and championed new ideas in dance.
The New Era: Sadler’s Wells East
Located in Stratford, East London, Sadler’s Wells East is situated within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park complex. This state-of-the-art venue is designed to be adaptable, incorporating outlandish ideas and concepts into its programming. The architects behind the project, O’Donnell + Tuomey, have a proven track record of creating innovative spaces that enhance the arts landscape.
Sadler's Wells East is a former theatre located in London, England.
Opened in 1930 as the New Theatre, it was later renamed Sadler's Wells East in 1953 and closed in 1999.
The theatre hosted various performances, including ballet and opera productions.
During its operation, Sadler's Wells East underwent several renovations, but it ultimately ceased operations due to financial constraints.
Community Engagement and Youth Development
Sadler’s Wells East will not only host world-class performances but also invest in community-based talent. The inaugural YFX Youth Festival, held in July this year, will celebrate dance and choreographic youth work from across the UK. This annual festival will include the London premiere of a new work by the National Youth Dance Company, as well as showcasing Sadler’s Wells’ Making Moves initiative and One Dance U.K.’s Young Creatives enterprise.
A New Chapter for Dance in London
As Sadler’s Wells East opens its doors to the public, it marks a new era for dance in London. With its commitment to innovation, community engagement, and youth development, this vibrant theatre is set to become an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape.
- observer.com | Inside London’s Vibrant New Dance Theater
- newsbreak.com | Inside Londons Vibrant New Dance Theater NewsBreak
