A new Sadler’s Wells series '=dance'

May will see Sadler’s Wells present the start of =dance, a new series featuring some of the most exciting work created and performed by deaf and disabled artists. Presenting work by both established and emerging inclusive dance companies, =dance also includes workshops, discussions and professional development opportunities alongside each performance. The series runs from May 2014-March 2015 in the biggest presentation of inclusive dance programmed by the theatre. Stopgap Dance Company, made up of disabled and non-disabled dancers, will present the London premiere of its latest work Artificial Things on 13-14 May 2014. Artificial Things sees a group seeking escape from each other's company through rock-n-roll, but their wild disorder descends into playground politics to reveal some uncomfortable truths. Artificial Things is choreographed by Lucy Bennett, one of UK’s leading experts in integrated choreography. http://vimeo.com/77050760 On 28 September 2014 DMD+ (Deaf Men Dancing+) presents Hear! Hear! Founded by deaf choreographer Mark Smith, DMD+ is made up of professional dancers who are deaf and incorporates a range of dance forms and sign language to create a unique choreographic practice. Hear! Hear! explores personal and intimate ideas about being deaf, expressed through DMD+ company members personal experiences. Accessible to all, Hear! Hear! aims to captivate audiences and change people’s perception of deaf dance. The UK’s leading contemporary dance company made up of disabled and non-disabled dancers, Candoco Dance Company, presents two events in =dance, Curious Encounters and Close Encounters on 16 and 17 November 2014 respectively. The interactive performances are tailored to young people and give an insight into Candoco’s work. Including Two for C by award-winning choreographer Javier de Frutos, the performances offer younger audiences the opportunity to find out more about inclusive contemporary dance. Sadler’s Wells has previously had a relationship with some of these artists, through commissioning or programming work, but this is the first time the work has been presented all together, highlighting the profile and impact that these artists have within the dance sector. The =dance series continues with further productions, workshops, debates and discussions until March 2015, with further details to be announced.