In two weeks’ time, Serendipity will launch the sixth edition of Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF) in an exciting event taking place in the Victorian Gallery at New Walk Museum. The 2016 programme is a cause for celebration, marking the return of artists such as Catherine Dénécy, Cameron McKinney, and Dan Daw who have become part of the festival family, and also welcoming new dancers and choreographers to the fold.

Over the last six years, Let’s Dance International Frontiers has embraced the cosmopolitan and international nature of Leicester, with a programme that brings diversity to the forefront in dance. Always launching on 29 April, LDIF links with celebrations taking place across the globe for International Dance Day (established in 1982 by the International Dance Council at UNESCO). This year the festival will commence with Catherine Dénécy’s Mi-Chaud, Mi-Froid: on ne peut plaire á tout le monde, inspired strong women, in particular politician Lucette Michaux-Chevry, the piece also makes musical affirmations to Tina Turner, Nina Simone and amongst others.

For LDIF16, audiences will also be treated to the UK debut of the jazz inspired Walking With ‘Trane at Curve, by New York based performance ensemble Urban Bush Women. The company, led by visionary Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, first came to Leicester 30 years ago and the new work encapsulates an essence of John Coltrane and what it means to embody history, physical and emotional states and deliver this back out to the world. Jawole will also be speaking at the Black Women in Dance: Stepping Out of the Barriers conference at City Hall, when recently asked what is the highlight of her career she responded; “For me the highlights are when I see the dancers, when they leave the company, and they go out and do powerful things… I want to change the world, so the more people who are out there, that have the voice, that have the agency, that have the skill to do that in dance. That’s better. A big movement is a good thing.”

A theme continued in LDIF’s documentary series, with A Ballerina’s Tale: Misty Copeland and Black Ballerina, both examining the need for greater diversity in the classical world of ballet.

One key aim of LDIF is to encourage dancers and choreographers at all career stages; from emerging talent in Signatures and Autograph to recognising established dance practitioners in Biography. Over the last six years, these platforms have supported the work of over 60 artists and their associates.

This year will introduce a strand of work for young audiences; Light Steps by Adesola Akinleye DancingStrong, a piece affirming young audiences introduction to contemporary dance where they can participate in a world of movement, colour and light.

Check out the programme page for more information about all the events taking place!