Richard Alston Dance Company makes its first visit to The Orchard Theatre, Dartford

by | Oct 31, 2016 | Dartford Entertainment

Richard Alston Dance Company makes its first visit to The Orchard Theatre, Dartford to present a brand new programme set to music ranging from live Chopin to Baroque composer Jean-Philippe Rameau – ‘the god of dance’

Tuesday 8 November 2016 at 7.30pm

One of the country’s most successful and popular contemporary dance companies is giving the first performance at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford in its 21-year history. On Tuesday 8 November, Richard Alston Dance Company will present an evening of work featuring three pieces by Alston and one by his Associate Choreographer, Martin Lawrance. The evening encapsulates everything Richard Alston Dance Company is acclaimed for – extraordinary dancers, exhilarating choreography and wonderful music.

Alston is acknowledged as one of this country’s most musical choreographers. For his company’s debut Dartford performance he has chosen work danced to music by Chopin, Jean Phillippe Rameau and Japanese composer, Jo Kondo. 

The Chopin Mazurkas for Alston’s 5-star reviewed duet Mazur will be played live by the company’s regular collaborator, pianist Jason Ridgway. The music expresses the composer’s longing for his homeland and the piece sees two friends sharing what they love and what they have lost.

An Alston classic, Brisk Singing celebrates the music of Jean Phillippe Rameau, genius of the French baroque. A joyous uplifting work for eight dancers, the dance is carried along by the warmth and lightness of spirit in Rameau’s music.

Isthmus Remix is a light, fleet-footed response to a score by the contemporary Japanese composer Jo Kondo, with whom Alston has long been fascinated.

Associate Choreographer Martin Lawrance – formerly one of the company’s star dancers – has been making work for the RADC since 2003. Stronghold is a fast and furiious piece for the company’s ten dancers which reflects the character of its fierce, intense score for eight double basses by Pulitzer Prize-winner, Julia Wolfe

There will be chance to hear Richard Aston talk about the programme at a pre-show talk on 8 November. The talk is free to ticket-holders but space is limited so people are advised to book.

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | TO THE FANS

CLASS OF 2024-25 | TO THE FANS The matchday programme for our Playoff Final against Dover Athletic featured messages from the Dartford players to our supporters. For those who missed them, here are those messages: Josh Hill:"I just want to say a big thank you. The...

Dartford Borough Council marks 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe – a pivotal moment in our shared history. Following a poignant wreath-laying event on the actual day, Dartford Borough Council is marking this important anniversary on Sunday 18th May in Dartford’s Central...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | SEASON REVIEW

The Playoff Semi-Final saw Dartford host Cray Valley PM in a thrilling encounter on a lovely evening in Kent. The matchday programme that evening featured our review of the 2024-25 season. For those who missed it, here is the full article: As the 2024-25 Isthmian...

Forward2Employment: Empowering Young People with SEND to Succeed in the Workforce

Forward2Employment works alongside Fortis Trust to support young people, with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), in Kent, to find permanent and purposeful employment. We provide Supported Internships for young adults, with an Education, Health and...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | THE RACE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT

As Dartford hosted Carshalton Athletic on the final day of the regular season, our matchday programme featured four players who were chasing the Dartford Golden Boot. For those who missed it, here is the full article: Regardless of what happens come the end of this...

ULTRASUN AND SKINSENSE TO LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE PRE-SUMMER SPF & SKINCARE POP-UP AT BLUEWATER

The best-selling sun protection and targeted skincare brands’ store opens 8th May 2025. Lamellar-based UV protection brand Ultrasun and advanced skincare brand SkinSense are teaming up for a unique pop-up store at Kent’s Bluewater Shopping Centre, running from May 8th...

Home Instead Dartford Commits to Environmental Sustainability by Offsetting All Carbon Emissions

Home Instead Dartford, a leading local provider of in-home care for older adults, is taking significant action to reduce its environmental footprint by committing to offset 100% of its carbon emissions. This ambitious step covers all aspects of the business's...

NEXT to triple its footprint at Bluewater, with a new store opening in 2026

Bluewater has announced that leading retailer NEXT will significantly grow its presence at the Kent-based shopping centre by tripling its footprint. NEXT’s Bluewater store will become one of its largest stores in the UK once the doors open in 2026. The...

We Are Beams rated ‘OUTSTANDING’ by Ofsted

Dragons Retreat, a vital short breaks service run by local charity We Are Beams, has received the highest possible rating of ‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted following a rigorous and comprehensive inspection With six fully fitted bedrooms, Dragon’s Retreat is an independent...

Orchard West partners with Dartford Borough Council to launch a Spring/Summer Season of Community Events.

EVENTS INCLUDE: Community Fair – Sat 10 May, Sat 7 June, Sat 5 July – local businesses, makers, bakers, showcase their products and services in this free-to-attend event at Acacia Sports Hall. Open House – Sat 24 May 11am - Experience a special access-all-areas open...