Dance cultures from around the world arrive in Liverpool for Leap Festival

Feb 28 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

REGIONAL and international dance companies are to descend on Liverpool for the start of this year’s Leap festival.

The annual event from Merseyside Dance Initiative, now in its 16th year, launched its programme yesterday, which takes place between March 1 and 15 with the theme Cultures Collide.

Companies from Japan, the US and across Asia will be performing as part of the festival.

Some of the highlights of Leap 08 include the European premiere of Bahok by Akrahm Khan Company at the Playhouse on March 7 and 8, Kanka, by Torifune Butoh-sha at the Unity Theatre on March 4, hip-hop ballet Decadancevs the Firebird, a reworking of the Stravinsky original, at the Playhouse on March 13 and 14, and Clash! performed by Canadian company Le fil d’Adrien danse at the Unity on March 11.

A family dance day on March 9 at BBC Radio Merseyside on Hanover Street allows those of all ages to take part in a variety of workshops and performances.

Local companies House of Suarez and Taciturn perform at the Unity on March 2.

Clive Taylor, chair of MDI, said: “This event brings together some of the finest international artists as well as giving our local artists a showcase to perform their work. This is a really exciting programme this year and fitting to celebrate Liverpool as the European Capital of Culture.”