Leicester is set to come alive with the return of Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF) from 29 April to 17 May 2025. The annual festival, which celebrates International Dance Day on its opening night, will be held under the theme Intersection: Diasporic Dialogues. This year’s edition promises a dynamic exploration of Black dance and cultural exchange, offering a wide range of performances, masterclasses, seminars, and networking opportunities.
Kicking off on 29 April, LDIF25 launches with an exciting evening at the Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, where dancers, choreographers, and culture enthusiasts will gather for a celebration marking both the festival and International Dance Day. This event, which runs from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, offers an opportunity to connect with the vibrant dance community.
The festival then continues with an array of performances that showcase the breadth of diasporic dance. On 12 May, the Guildhall in Leicester will host Cia Pé no Mundo, a Brazilian dance company led by creators Cláudia Nwabasili and Roges Doglas. The performance, running from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, will explore Black cultural expressions through contemporary movement.
For those looking to deepen their understanding of dance, LDIF25 offers several masterclasses. These intimate sessions allow participants to learn from world-renowned dance professionals. On 14 May, at Curve, masterclasses include Cia Pé No Mundo at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, and Horton Technique with Melissa M. Young from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. These masterclasses offer a chance to experience diverse dance techniques from Brazilian contemporary to the holistic and dynamic Horton method.
Another major highlight is the Intersection: Diasporic Dialogues Conference on 13 May, which brings together artists, activists, and practitioners to explore how dance transcends cultural boundaries. Held at the Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, the conference will engage with key topics on the role of dance in cultural identity and its connection to social issues.
The festival will also feature its signature event, Signatures and the Black British Dance Platform, on 14 May from 7:45 pm to 9:45 pm at Curve. This performance event will showcase cutting-edge works by emerging choreographers, with TETHERED by Jameel Hendricks among the featured pieces.
For those interested in exploring the deeper intellectual underpinnings of dance, Dance Dialogues will host a series of thought-provoking lectures. On 15 May, the festival will offer a session with Thomas Prestø at the Serendipity Institute, exploring movement as a tool for social change. Later in the afternoon, Alexandria Davis will lead a session on the Dunham Technique, which blends African and Caribbean dance traditions with a focus on personal expression and cultural awareness.
LDIF25 will also offer a special Cocktails and Conversation event on 15 May at Curve, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, celebrating the festival’s 15 years of bringing world-renowned dance to Leicester. This exclusive reception is the perfect opportunity for artists, industry professionals, and festival-goers to reflect on the success of the festival and look forward to future collaborations.
Film lovers will enjoy the Dance on Film showcase on 15 May at the Serendipity Institute, featuring We Are the Heat (2018) and Darío. These films explore the intersections of identity, culture, and movement through cinematic expression.
The festival will conclude with a spectacular Ballet Hispánico performance of Carmen.maquia at Curve on 16 and 17 May. This electrifying contemporary interpretation of Bizet’s classic Carmen combines passion and physicality in a stunning display of Latin American culture.
In addition to performances, LDIF25 will host more masterclasses, including a session with Eric Parra, focusing on contemporary dance at Curve on 17 May. Parra, known for his innovative movement techniques, will offer a unique learning opportunity.
The festival is also a chance to reflect on the evolving landscape of dance and its cultural significance. Tia-Monique Uzor will lead the final Dance Dialogues session on 17 May, exploring the intersection of African diaspora narratives within dance.
With its extensive range of performances, workshops, and events, Let’s Dance International Frontiers 2025 promises to be an unmissable celebration of Black dance, cultural dialogue, and artistic expression. Whether you are a dance professional, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the role of dance in culture, LDIF25 offers something for everyone.
For more information and tickets, visit www.serendipity-uk.com/whats-on/lets-dance-international-frontiers.