Some Like it Hip Hop

Choreographed by ZooNation

Some Like It Hip Hop brings together ZooNation’s trademark blend of Hip Hop, comedy, and physical theatre to tell a story of love, mistaken identity and revolution. Conceived, directed, and choreographed by Kate Prince, the production premiered at Sadler's Wells' Peacock Theatre in London in 2011.

In this Grade 1 solo, students explore the foundations of Hip Hop dance in a fun and imaginative way. The solo introduces students to a vibrant world and encourages them to embody their own character within the story. Teachers are provided with resources about the show to foster storytelling skills and spark creativity in young dancers.

Founded by Kate Prince in 2002, ZooNation is celebrated for its innovative full-length narrative dance productions, which draw inspiration from musical theatre, Hip Hop culture, and music. Alongside its theatrical works, ZooNation runs extensive engagement and talent development programmes, empowering diverse communities and young artists to build their confidence, skills, and knowledge in dance theatre.

Carnival of the Animals

Choreographed by Will Tuckett

In the Grade 2 solo, students explore movement inspired by the 'Aviary' movement from Carnival of the Animals, performing a characterful and dynamic solo based in Will Tuckett’s choreographic style. The solo gives students the opportunity to explore theatrical space and dynamics as well as developing character driven performing skills. 

Carnival of the Animals is a work that has lived in the Rambert repertoire, in various forms, since the Cecil Bates production in 1952 followed by Siobhan Davies’ version of the work which premiered in 1982. This new solo nods to the past but very much embraces the future and provides students and teachers with a variety of resources to understand the broader development of a piece of choreography for the stage.

Will Tuckett is an Olivier Award-winning choreographer and director and has choreographed works for many international ballet and contemporary dance companies including the Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Rambert, English National Ballet, Ballet Black, Sarasota Ballet, National Ballet of Canada and the National Ballet of China. Outside of dance he has directed and choreographed major opera and theatre productions including works for The Royal Opera, Opera North, the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Almeida. 

The Car Man

Choreographed by Matthew Bourne

Loosely based on Bizet’s opera Carmen, Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man premiered in 2000 and has since become a smash-hit production. It has toured the UK, been broadcast in over 150 cinemas worldwide, and marked New Adventures’ debut at London’s Royal Albert Hall, featuring an expanded company of 65 dancers and a live orchestra to celebrate the venue’s 150th anniversary.

Set in a 1960s garage diner in a small American town, The Car Man reimagines the classic tale, offering a gripping story of dreams and passions in a vividly cinematic experience.

In the Grade 3 solo, students embody the role of the Mechanics, performing a dynamic and high-energy piece grounded in Bourne’s choreographic style. This solo is packed with quirky character choices and offers space for students to bring their own individuality to the performance.

Poem Without Words

Choreographed by Vidya Patel

Vidya Patel’s Poem Without Words invites students to connect with nature through movement. Inspired by the whispers of trees, rustling leaves, and birdsong, the solo imagines the sky above, the earth below, and the wind all around. Students embody spiraling branches, swooping birds, and swaying trees, discovering the parallels between the world around them and within themselves.

Blending Kathak, one of India’s classical dance forms, with contemporary storytelling, this solo introduces rhythmic qualities and gestures inspired by natural elements.

Vidya Patel is a rising star in UK dance, combining her Kathak training with diverse influences from her work with artists across dance, music, and visual arts, with performances on renowned stages including the Royal Opera House and Sadler’s Wells,

Swan Lake

Choreographed by Matthew Bourne

Currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake first premiered at Sadler’s Wells in London in 1995. This revolutionary reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s classic shattered conventions by replacing the traditional female corps-de-ballet with a powerful and menacing male ensemble. Swan Lake remains the longest-running full-length dance classic in both the West End and on Broadway. Since its debut, it has toured the globe, earning over 30 international awards, including the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production and three Tony Awards: Best Director of a Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Costume Design.

The Grade 5 Solo presents an adapted extract from the iconic Act 2 Waltz, giving all students the chance to embody the striking physicality and iconic movement of Bourne’s Swan ensemble.