Discover how you can dance your way through Spring across the Winchester district
If you’re looking to be transported to another time and place, be awed by grace and physicality or start tapping your own toes, Winchester has something guaranteed to inspire you to dance this Spring 2025.
Theatre Royal Winchester
Theatre Royal Winchester regularly programme spectacular dance, and this spring is no different. From circus, ballet and contemporary through to lindy hop and swing!
Tess (11-12 March) is a groundbreaking circus adaptation of Thomas Hardy's classic novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles. An ensemble of performers weave together Hardy's words and the extreme physicality of circus to tell this tale of power, loss and endurance. This retelling captures the beauty, heartbreak and yearning of the novel and draws upon the incredible strength of the circus body to create a Tess as heroic as Hardy intended.
BACH Reimagined (29 March) breathes new life into the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, a legendary composer known for his intricate and beautiful pieces. This innovative performance features James Wilton Dance, a European company renowned for its athleticism and grace. Imagine dancers with the fluidity of ballet combined with the dynamism of contemporary dance. Their movements will be set against the backdrop of Canadian cellist Raphael Weinroth Browne's electrifying performance.
From the 2-3 May, Motionhouse will be presenting its brand–new production, Hidden. Hidden explores conflict, both internal and within society, examining our shared challenges in an increasingly divided world. At times narrative, and at others abstract, Hidden is a powerful blend of artforms. At the cutting edge of live performance and digital integration, gravity-defying choreography, a pulsing soundscape and a shape-shifting set are drawn together by digital projections into a living film.
Get ready to be transported back to a glamorous era of Speakeasies, Flappers, and Lindy Hop, with Swinging at the Cotton Club on the 25 May! For one night only, celebrate the breathtaking dance and music of the legendary nightclub. In this show, the exhilarating dance and music of the Cotton Club is recreated by the fabulous Lindy Hop Dance Company, alongside The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra featuring American vocalist Marlene Hill and compere/vocalist Megs Etherington.
WinQueilidh
Every month or so The Nutshell host WinQueilidh, a ceilidh with a twist! A ceilidh is a traditional Scottish and Irish social gathering that typically involves dancing and music, it is pronounced "kay-lee" and comes from the Old Irish word céle, which means "visit". In this instance the “Qu” is to start you thinking about queerness, which, in this context, isn't about who you partner with in a romantic way, but about rethinking how we relate to one another as a community, pushing back against social pressure to separate into cliques based on age, ethnicity, class, gender, school... WinQueilidh welcomes everyone, encourages consent culture, and teaches dancing without making assumptions about dancers.
Integr8 Dance
In Winchester with a group and fancy a private dance class? Intgr8 dance can do just that, from corporate team building to birthday parties and hen parties, they provide the space, the music, the teachers and even drinks! Popular themes include 70’s disco, burlesque, street dance, cheerleading and Bollywood. Got your own idea for an epic theme? Let the team know and they will see what they can do!
Silent Disco
Feeling inspired and just want to let loose to your own vibe? Dance the night away in The Great Hall at their Silent Disco on the 22 March. You choose the music, pop on your wireless headset and grab a drink. Take in the splendour of the historic building or close your eyes and dance like no-one is watching – it’s your choice
Discover even more of Winchester’s arts and entertainment offer here: Visit Winchester | Arts & entertainment