A curated selection of free dance films and videos available to watch online to get you feeling inspired this June
1. The Cost of Living by DV8 Physical Theatre (extract)
Dance film extract (duration 5 minutes)
The Cost of Living is a British physical theatre dance film made in 2004 for Channel 4 by DV8 Physical Theatre, directed by its founder Lloyd Newson. The film incorporates dance, dialogue and physical theatre to tell the story of two street performers played by Eddie Kay and the late David Toole, and their interactions with other performers living on the fringe of society in Cromer, a seaside resort town, at the end of the summer season.
This short extract features a spirit-lifting dance solo to Believe by Cher and a hypnotic dance sequence led by David Toole, one of the world’s most renowned disabled dancers.
2. What We Were by Kate Collins & Evan Sagadencky
Dance film (duration: 3 minutes)
Growing from reflections on Celine Song’s Oscar-nominated film Past Lives (2023), this short dance film follows a train journey through Brooklyn, where two strangers meet and find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another.
Considering the conditions for serendipity presented by life in New York City, and the Korean concept of inyeon – or fate – director Kate Collins and choreographer Evan Sagadencky explore the possibilities of fleeting connections.
3. Beyond the euphoria of movement by Gregory Maqoma
Talk (duration: 16 minutes)
Born in Soweto, South African dance artist Gregory Maqoma became interested in dance in the late 1980s as a means to escape the political tensions of the time. He has since established himself as an internationally renowned dancer and choreographer, and we are proud to have presented his work at Dance Umbrella Festival on three different occasions.
In this 2016 TED talk delivered in Johannesburg, incorporating live music and dance, Gregory considers how movement holds the truth about the place a person comes from and the life they have lived.
4. Watch Widening Circles by Aditi Mangaldas
Dance film (duration: 10 minutes)
In this vibrant film of one of the greatest South Asian dancers of her generation, Aditi Mangaldas (presented at Dance Umbrella Festival in 2016) unveils a poignant portrait of herself as a dancer, a woman and a human being.
Set against the backdrop of Delhi, India, amidst the mesmerising rhythms of kathak dance, witness the layers of Aditi’s identity gracefully intertwine, offering a reflection on the universal themes of artistry, femininity, and the human experience. Directed by Camilla Greenwell.
Watch via Sadler’s Wells (Audio described version available)
5. Waacking to Wings by Little Simz from Bagsy | Breakin' Convention
Dance film (duration: 4 minutes)
Showcasing Waacking and Punking with a hip hop flavor to Wings by Little Simz, filmed on the rooftop of Sadler’s Wells in London. Performed by Bagsy for Breakin’ Convention festival 2021.
6. Far From Home documentary by Alleyne Dance
Documentary (duration: 6 minutes)
Far From Home is a dance production from twins Sadé and Kristina Alleyne, founders of Alleyne Dance, which explores the topic of immigration and the consequences the search for “a better life” has for those forced to seek it due to social or political devastations.
In 2022, they adapted the show into an epic large scale community production as part of Lewisham London Borough of Culture, which we presented as part of our festival that year. In this short documentary, Sadé and Kristina give a fascinating insight into their creative journey as they brought Far From Home to life.