As this challenging and unprecedented year draws to a close, Sadler’s Wells brings together a group of some of its most talented artists, collaborators and fans from all over the world, for its first ever virtual fundraising gala.
On Saturday 5 December at 7:30 pm GMT, this specially curated online showcase will feature bespoke performances and sketches from Sadler’s Wells global family of artists and friends. Audiences can register for more information about the event here.
Celebrating the joy and beauty of dance
After a difficult year the Global Gala is set to celebrate the joy and beauty of dance.
It will also raise funds to support the future full reopening of Sadler’s Wells, following the longest period of closure in its 300-year history. The Gala will reflect on this extraordinary year and speak to why it’s especially important to keep celebrating and promoting dance at this time.
Raising funds to reopen theatres
Thanks to support from Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta, the hour-long programme is free to access. Enjoy online via Sadler’s Wells YouTube channel, where there will also be opportunities for audiences to donate.
All funds raised through the event will be matched and will contribute to the full reopening of our theatres and the return of artists and audiences to our spaces.
What’s on offer?
The evening features appearances from a diverse and international group of world-leading dancers and choreographers, from household names to breakthrough talent across ballet, contemporary and hip-hop dance styles.
Artists appearing include Carlos Acosta, Nafisah Baba, William Forsythe, Sylvie Guillem, Akram Khan, Jason Kittelberger, Magical Bones, Lukas McFarlane, Natalia Osipova, Alesandra Seutin, Hofesh Shechter, and James Whiteside, alongside companies including Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, Russell Maliphant with National Youth Dance Company, and Soweto Skeleton Movers.
Sadler’s Wells ambassadors and friends
The evening also features appearances and messages of support from Sadler’s Wells ambassadors and friends including acclaimed sculptor Antony Gormley, broadcaster Brenda Emmanus, actor Ophelia Lovibond, composer and saxophonist Soweto Kinch, award-winning actor and director Fiona Shaw, and 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Sting.
Performances featured in the event include a specially commissioned performance of the duet, Fields Of Gold, from Kate Prince’s Message In A Bottle, performed by two of the original company Nafisah Baba and Lukas McFarlane. Message In A Bottle sadly had to close its run earlier this year due to the coronavirus lockdown. Fields Of Gold will appear with a special introduction from Sting. The filming of Fields Of Gold was made possible by support from Barclays.
Bottega Veneta
The Sadler’s Wells Global Gala is made possible with support from headline partner, Bottega Veneta. Throughout 2020, Sadler’s Wells and Bottega Veneta have cemented their partnership to sustain creativity in its purest expression. The two creative organisations have continued to collaborate and find ways to support one another through these unprecedented times.
Alistair Spalding, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells said:
2020 has been a challenging year to say the least. In normal circumstances, Sadler’s Wells welcomes over half a million people to our spaces each year… For most of 2020, that hasn’t been possible.
Nonetheless, we remain committed to our mission and continue to strive to make and share dance that inspires us all in new and innovative ways. We wanted to find a moment to come together to celebrate the good things that have been able to happen this year… while at the same time, generating support that will help Sadler’s Wells fully reopen in 2021. At this time, I think it’s more important than ever that we find ways to celebrate and enjoy dance. We hope that many of you will join us on the 5 December to do just that.’
Find out more
Sadler’s Wells Global Gala takes place on Saturday 5 December, from 7.30pm – 8.30pm GMT, on Sadler’s Wells YouTube channel.
Audiences can find out more and register their interest at http://sadlerswells.com/globalgalaevent
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