Danceworks

The deterioration of the body over time and fear of retirement run through this moving film about ballerina Zenaida Yanowsky. Once at the pinnacle of her profession, years of exertion have taken their toll. Though only 43, she realizes her career is almost over. Her final wish is to perform one of ballet’s most iconic solos, The Dying Swan, as a final performance. But can her body take the strain?

Dickson Mbi is at a critical breakthrough point in his career as he transitions from his street dance roots to the contemporary dance limelight. But this move from his 'popping' team Fiya House to the legitimate stage will not be an easy one. Can Dickson cope with the mental and physical strains applied to him by those overseeing his first choreographed dance solo or will the pressure get to him?

Shobana Jeyasingh is a female choreographer in a male-dominated world. Her tenaciousness has resulted in her company surviving for over thirty years, a rare achievement in the dance world. Her new, controversial performance intends to illustrate the devastating impact of the deadly 1918 Spanish flu pandemic... through dance. But can such a tragic, complicated story be told by this method?

Carlos Pons Guerra creates darkly humorous, highly theatrical and controversial work that often explores questions of gender and sexual identity. But two new pieces are creating difficulties. As one avant-garde tale of ham and bondage moves to a London theatre, a production about two male penguins rearing a chick is raising eyebrows. Will his toughest critics, his parents, accept his new work?

Two stars from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, the UK equivalent of Dancing With the Stars, decide to create their own spectacular, sensual Latin showcase called Firedance. This intimate film follows dancers Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez as they devise, develop and perform this physically demanding show for their devoted fans. Can the duo reconcile their wildly different approaches to dance?

Sharon Eyal is considered one of the most exciting and powerful choreographers in contemporary dance. She’s collaborated with fashion house Christian Dior and cult band The National. But her new project could be her most challenging. She’s bringing her company, L-E-V, to the inauspicious surroundings of a London parking lot to perform a raw, visceral work. Will her new, bold vision translate?

Ballet Black nurtures young performers of black and Asian descent in an attempt to bring dance to more diverse audiences. They’ve worked with some of the most well regarded choreographers on the planet and stars such as Stormzy. But will the company succeed as they try to develop a radical new work that aims to fuse experimental playwright Samuel Beckett with African rhythms and language?

María Pagés’ passion for flamenco has always been infectious. A child prodigy, she became one of flamenco’s leading exponents and continues to push the limits of the dance, moving it in bold new directions. Her latest work takes her back to her birthplace, and flamenco's heartland, the Spanish city of Seville. But will the traditionalists be appeased as Maria gives flamenco a modern twist?