Theatre

We’re celebrating International Dance Day with these awesome shows

International Dance Day is all about celebrating the art of dance – and these current shows sure know how to do that!

The beauty of dance is that it uses a common language. So it doesn’t matter if you’re all of different mother tongues, the power and beauty of watching a choreographed routine is translatable whether you speak English, French, Urdu or Chinese.

Take a look below as we round up some amazing dance-themed shows currently wowing audiences across the UK.


An American in Paris

Full of breathtaking dance sequences, An American in Paris tells the story of three men who form an unlikely friendship in post-war Paris. Things get complicated when they all independently meet Parisian dancer Lise, who – either consciously or through a series of miscommunications and misunderstandings – manages to convince all three men that she’s interested in having a relationship with them. You can read our full review of the show here. Tickets are available here.


42nd Street

This glorious musical boasts London’s biggest cast on the West End’s biggest stage as they rehearse for the opening night of Broadway’s biggest new show. Such a ginormous show gives the production plenty of scope to make the dance numbers (and there are many!) feel extra big in their delivery (you just wait for that curtain call!). You can read our full review of the show here. Tickets are available here.


Stepping Out

Amanda Holden heads up an all-star cast in this charming comedy about members of a weekly tap dance class as they practice and talk out their frustrations about both their ability and their private lives. Expect lots of dancing and lots of laughter.  Tickets are available here.


Contemporary dance shows

Don’t miss these amazing shows showcasing the very best in contemporary dance. Fans of Strictly Come Dancing will be pleased as punch as series favourites Kevin and Karen Clifton go on tour across the UK and professional partners Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara pay tribute to the icon of ballroom dancing Fred Astaire in Remembering Fred.

Meanwhile, the epic Tanguera puts Argentinian dance style centre stage this summer.


Ballet shows 

Want to catch something more traditional? Northern Ballet’s take on the classic story of Casanova could be right up your street. Or why not see iconic ballet The Nutcracker performed by either the Birmingham Royal Ballet this November or the English National Ballet at the London Coliseum.


Explore more dance shows in our Theatre and Classical Guides.