Awards

A white man wearing a suit stands centre stage with his hands in pockets, relaxed and smiling, against a blue and pink theatrical backdrop with white clouds

KNIGHTHOOD FOR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF SADLER’S WELLS

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Alistair Spalding CBE, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells, has been awarded a Knighthood for Services to Dance in the New Year Honours. 

Alistair Spalding has been the Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells Theatre since 2004 and is currently overseeing the construction of a fourth venue, Sadler’s Wells East, opening in 2023.  

Under Alistair Spalding’s leadership, Sadler’s Wells has become one of the most respected dance institutions in the world, presenting an ambitious programme of cutting-edge dance in all its forms and hosting world-class national and international companies and artists. 

Sir Matthew Bourne:

‘Sir Alistair is the UK’s foremost champion of dance in its many forms. As Artistic Director of Sadler’s Wells – one of the world’s foremost dance organisations – he has overseen a golden age of exciting developments in contemporary dance in particular and has served as a mentor to several generations of world class choreographers whose work has been commissioned and brought to prominence under his inspired leadership. My own collaboration with Alistair has been a mainstay of his time at Sadler’s Wells and I’m proud to have been part of the ongoing success story of this beloved theatre – Bravo Sir Alistair! A much-deserved honour! Long may you continue at The Wells!’

With its historic Islington base and a West End platform at Peacock Theatre, Sadler’s Wells’ London theatres attract audiences of over half a million each year, with many more visiting its internationally touring productions or exploring its digital platforms. 

Spalding’s vision and commitment has always been to discover and nurture new talent. In 2005, he created the Associate Artists programme which represents some the most exciting artists working in dance today. 

Botis Seva: 

‘Alistair is such an ambitious and inclusive leader; he takes the risks without knowing if they will pay off but undoubtedly believes in either the artist or the work. I can’t thank him enough for the support and encouragement he has shown me during my career; because of him, Sadler’s Wells feels more like a homecoming than a building – congratulations Alistair, here is to the next chapter’. 

Alistair Spalding, sitting on Sadler’s Wells Theatre stage.

He has also launched projects such as the international festival of hip-hop dance theatre, Breakin’ Convention, and the Flamenco Festival London, as well as inviting New Adventures, Company Wayne McGregor and ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company to become Sadler’s Wells’ Resident Companies and English National Ballet Sadler’s Wells’ Associate Company. He was instrumental in initiating Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK’s production of Sting’s Message In A Bottle, created by Kate Prince, for the West End and plans an ambitious international tour for 2022/3.  

Under Spalding’s direction, Sadler’s Wells has now embarked on the most significant development in its history: the creation of Sadler’s Wells East to support the next generation of artist development and training, and the creation of dynamic new work. Opening in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2023, the new venue is part of the East Bank development along with the BBC, University of the Arts London College of Fashion, University College London and V&A East. 

Sadler’s Wells East will be permanent home to the Hip Hop Theatre Academy and Choreographic School and will build the infrastructure for dance to make it accessible to more people. Community will be at the heart of the new development, with a large open foyer that can be used by everyone, as a meeting or performance space. There will also be dance studios and world-class dance facilities for dancemakers to train, create and rehearse productions. The project will touch the lives of everyone living on, working in and visiting the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. 

Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director, English National Ballet: 

‘The impact of Alistair in the UK dance scene cannot be underestimated. His foresight in recognising chorographic talent and determination in supporting creativity and risk taking has been unparalleled and will leave a legacy for decades to come. Thank you, Alistair and congratulations Sir!!’ 

Alistair Spalding on the set of Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!, currently playing at Sadler’s Wells.

Nigel Higgins, Chair, Sadler’s Wells said: 

‘Alistair is that rare character – a genuine visionary in the performing arts world. Thanks to his leadership and creativity Sadler’s Wells has become a British beacon of the thriving home and international dance community. In a couple of years, the opening of our new venue in Stratford, East London will further underline his tireless efforts to build new audiences and encourage the dance talent of tomorrow. This honour is more than deserved’. 

Alistair Spalding CBE said: 

‘It is a great honour to have the work of Sadler’s Wells recognised in this way. It has presented and invested in more new dance than any other theatre in the world. Dance is now one of the most popular art forms in this country. I believe this award is an indication that our vibrant dance culture goes from strength to strength, and that our ambitious plans for Sadler’s Wells East will inspire and nurture a new generation. Dance is, of course a team effort, and the honour is very much shared with my wonderful team at Sadler’s and our artists and collaborators’. 

From everyone at Sadler’s Wells, we would like to say a huge congratulations to Alistair Spalding on his Knighthood.  

Sadler’s Wells’ Artistic Director receives lifetime achievement award

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Our Artistic Director and Chief Executive Alistair Spalding was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA).

He received the International Citation of Merit for distinguished service to the profession at a ceremony held at TheTimesCenter in New York last month. “He is the international leader in presenting all forms of dance, from small to large scale,” read his nominating statement.

The honour was bestowed on him in recognition of “unique lifetime achievement that has enriched the international performing arts”.

Margaret Selby gives Alistair ISPA’s lifetime achievement award. Photo: Christopher Duggan.

“In 2004, when Sadler’s Wells placed Alistair in charge, he took over a somewhat sleepy institution that was ripe for change. Today, because of his vision and determination, Sadler’s Wells is one of the most respected dance institutions in the world,” said arts management agent Margaret Selby, who presented him with the award.

“Currently [working on] launching a fourth theater, a new centre for choreographic practice and a hip hop theatre academy, the first of its kind in the UK, Sadler’s Wells is revered for programming that fills houses with enthusiastic audiences. Since 2005, Alistair has driven the commissioning, producing and co-producing of more than 170 productions that are continuing to tour across the globe. And because of his unmatched reputation for risk taking, Sadler’s Wells is the model for how producing and presenting houses can and should thrive.

Alistair is persistent in his search for the art and the artists that he can believe in. Crystal Pite, Akram Khan, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Hofesh Shechter, Matthew Bourne and Jonzi D are just a few of the stellar artists of our time whom Alistair has encouraged to create new work. Choreographers and dancers adore him and Sadler’s Wells is where they want to be.

We all adore him.  And we are grateful for his relentless support of all the dance art forms that he has championed and that we cherish.  As it has been said, Alistair is ‘the visionary who made us fall in love with dance’.”

ISPA is a global network of 500 leaders in the performing arts, with representation from more than 185 cities and all regions of the globe. Its mission is to strengthen the performing arts globally through the advancement of leadership, the exchange of ideas and by fostering a diverse and engaged membership. The organisation helps professional and personal development in the performing arts through its membership programme, bi-annual congresses and other projects, including regional initiatives and a sought after fellowship.

You can read more about Alistair’s career on our website here.

Sadler’s Wells scores top rating for environmental best practice

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Sadler’s Wells was awarded an outstanding five-star rating (out of 5) in the Creative Green certification by environmental charity Julie’s Bicycle.

“We’re delighted to have been awarded a five-star rating for 2017-18, improving upon the four stars we obtained the previous year,” said Emma Wilson, Sadler’s Wells’ Director of Technical and Production, and Chair of the theatre’s Green Team. “To be part of a collective approach towards environmental sustainability gives strength to all our voices, and we are proud to stand alongside our colleagues across the cultural sector.”

Sadler’s Wells achieved the top rating for the first time this year, alongside the Lyric Hammersmith, Battersea Arts Centre and Almeida Theatre. This is the third year we’ve been working with Julie’s Bicycle toward the Creative Green certification, an accreditation that recognises environmental awareness and achievement within the creative sector.

Among the initiatives implemented in 2017-18 – overseen by our Green Team, a dedicated group of staff who meets regularly throughout the year to discuss new ideas and the implementation of our Sustainability Action Plan – were the presentation of a sustainable refurbishment workshop in collaboration with the Islington Sustainable Energy Partnership (ISEP), the participation in the Vehicle Idling Action campaign to reduce pollution, and the planting of a herb garden in the Sadler’s Wells courtyard for the benefit of our kitchen and cafe staff.

Members of Sadler’s Wells’ Green Team tend to our herb garden

An area we scored particularly high in is our understanding of the impact of emissions, energy and water use, and waste facilities onsite. Our energy use, energy-related emissions and water use all fell in comparison to data from 2016-17. Through our involvement in the Arts Council England’s Spotlight Programme – also delivered by Julie’s Bicycle – we intend to further improve our environmental literacy and reduce carbon emissions.

Sadler’s Wells’ five-star Creative Green certificate 2017-18

A future project we are proudly taking part in is the Accelerator Programme. Together with our Resident Company New Adventures and Norwich Theatre Royal, we aim to develop a new blueprint for environmentally sustainable touring by creating a change in the relationship between touring companies and receiving houses, starting with the upcoming Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake tour.

Julie’s Bicycle has been working with Arts Council England for over a decade to inspire environmental action across the arts and cultural sector, and we work closely with them in our drive to be more sustainable in all areas of our work, and contribute to global sustainability goals.

Find out more about our Sustainability Policy on our website.

Crystal Pite to be honoured at 61st annual Dance Magazine Awards

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We were thrilled to hear the news that Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Crystal Pite is to be honoured at Dance Magazine 61st Annual Awards for her “lasting impact on dance”.

The awards, which began in 1954, will be held in December at the Ailey Citigroup Theatre in New York. Crystal’s contribution to choreography is being celebrated alongside the work of her peers Ronald K. Brown, Lourdes Lopez and Michael Trusnovec. CEO and Chairman of Dance Media Frederic Segal complimented a “stellar group of honourees”. Past recipients include Margot Fonteyn in 1963, Sir Frederick Ashton in 1970, William Forsythe in 2003 and Wayne McGregor in 2014.

Since establishing her company Kidd Pivot in 2002, Crystal’s work has become highly regarded for its blending of movement, original music, text and visual design into works that analyse the human condition with a distinctly eerie tone. She became Sadler’s Wells’ 16th Associate Artist in 2013.

In 2016 Sadler’s Wells co-produced Betroffenheit, a dance-theatre hybrid piece Crystal created with fellow Canadian actor and playwright Jonathon Young. It examined the psychological states of trauma, grief and addiction, and won the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production in 2016. It returned to Sadler’s Wells for a sold-out run in 2017, where it was recorded and subsequently broadcast on BBC Four.

This year, Crystal choreographed two pieces that graced our stage – Solo Echo for Ballet British Columbia and The Statement for Nederlans Dans Theater’s NDT1, both of which emerged as critical favourites within their troupe’s respective mixed bills.

This will be the latest in a long line of awards and honours for Crystal. She is the personal recipient of the Banff Centre’s Clifford E. Lee Award, the Bonnie Bird North American Choreography Award, and the Isadora Award.

Congratulations!

Sadler’s Wells nominated for Most Welcoming Theatre Award

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At Sadler’s Wells, we understand that the theatre experience of our audiences consists of more than what takes place on stage. Our staff, facilities and the way we engage with our local communities and the people we welcome through our doors every day all shape your time with us as much as the dance works we present.

This is why we are delighted to have been nominated for the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award 2018. The award is organised by UK Theatre, the country’s primary theatre and performing arts membership organisation, and its winner determined by public vote.

It would mean a lot to us if you voted using this link, selecting London on the map and following the instructions. UK Theatre is offering £250 worth of theatre tokens to a randomly-selected participant. Voting is now open until 18 September.

Help Sadler’s Wells win €100,000

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Sadler’s Wells has commissioned a new work from one of the world’s most renowned choreographers, William Forsythe, and this production has been shortlisted for the FEDORA prize – with a potential €100,000 prize attached.

For Sadler’s Wells to be eligible, we are required to create a crowd-funding campaign to raise €10,000, which would allow us to take this exciting production on tour to smaller venues throughout Europe.

There are a range of benefits available for anyone donating €10 or above to this campaign, with donations starting at €5.

Donate €25 and you’ll receive a personalised email from our Artistic Director and Chief Executive Alistair Spalding and a digital programme booklet of A Quiet Evening of Dance.

Donate €150 and as well as the above benefits, you’ll also receive two exclusive production photos, exclusive access to a filmed Q&A with Alistair Spalding and William Forsythe, and one year of Sadler’s Wells membership.

To donate, please visit the FEDORA website, and select the amount you’re able to give.

William Forsythe’s A Quiet Evening of Dance will be a combination of new and existing work, performed by seven of Forsythe’s most trusted collaborators, who promise to provide insight into the workings of ballet and the mind of the man who has dedicated his work to this task.

The FEDORA Platform is a collection of cultural institutions from across Europe. Sadler’s Wells has been a member of FEDORA since 2015 and we are very excited to be one of four nominees for this prestigious prize. The prize, a grant of €100,000, will be given to the project the jury feel most closely articulates the Platform’s values of innovation and creativity.

Sadler’s Wells’ Associate Artists receive Olivier nominations

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A number of Sadler’s Wells’ Associate Artists received nominations for the 2018 Olivier Awards today.

In the Best New Dance Production category, Grand Finale by our Associate Artist Hofesh Shechter at Sadler’s Wells, Tree Of Codes by our Associate Artist Wayne McGregor and The Paris Opera Ballet at Sadler’s Wells and Flight Pattern by our Associate Artist Crystal Pite at the Royal Opera House all received nominations, alongside Goat by Ben Duke, performed by Rambert as part of a mixed bill at Sadler’s Wells last November.

In Outstanding Achievement In Dance, Francesca Velicu has been nominated for her role in our Associate Company English National Ballet‘s performance of Pina Bausch’s Le Sacre Du Printemps, part of a mixed programme the company presented at Sadler’s Wells in spring last year. Other nominees in this category are Rocío Molina – for pushing the boundary of flamenco in Fallen From Heaven (Caída Del Cielo) at the Barbican – and Zenaida Yanowsky, for her performance in Liam Scarlett’s Symphonic Dances at the Royal Opera House.

Two Sadler’s Wells’ Associate Artists are among the nominees for Best Theatre Choreographer: Kate Prince for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre and Christopher Wheeldon for An American In Paris at the Dominion Theatre.

The full list of nominations is available here. The Awards ceremony will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 8 April.

Many congratulations to all our Associate Artists on their nominations! We’ll keep our fingers crossed…

 

Image: Hofesh Shechter’s Grand Finale Photo: Rahi Rezvani

Sadler’s Wells Nominated for National Apprenticeship Awards

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We are delighted to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2018 with two nominations.

Our Human Resources Apprentice Tiegan Hummerston, pictured above, has been nominated for the Creative Apprentice of the Year award with Lewisham Southwark College. Sadler’s Wells has received a nomination for the Apprenticeship Employer of the Year award. Apprenticeships are among a number of opportunities we offer every year to help those who want to develop career in the creative industries, which also include internships, work experience placements and technical placements.

Tiegan said: “I am very grateful and fortunate to be nominated for the Creative Apprentice of the Year award and feel proud to be representing Sadler’s Wells on the evening. During the past year and a half, I have gained so much from my experience at Sadler’s Wells. Before I started my apprenticeship, I had many doubts about my future – which everyone does – but have since grown so much as a person and have learned what is going to be best for me. After my time is up at Sadler’s Wells, I am looking to dive straight into the world of Human Resources careers – while of course staying within the creative and cultural sector, because it’s the best!”

Sadler’s Wells celebrates Design Business Association Award win

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Sadler’s Wells’ visual identity and communications materials, created by design studio Red&White, won Silver in the Media category of the Design Business Association’s Design Effectiveness Awards 2018, held in London last week.

The brand refresh integrated Sadler’s Wells’ visual identity with the striking dance imagery of our productions and presentations, and have helped cement our reputation as a leading force in the world of contemporary dance.

The brief for the new identity was to embody the spirit of Sadler’s Wells’ bold and daring artistic programme. Since Alistair Spalding took over as Artistic Director and Chief Executive in 2004 and transformed Sadler’s Wells into a thriving producing house, we have helped bring over 150 works by cutting-edge international artists and companies to the stage.

Following the work by Red&White, Sadler’s Wells has seen a positive impact in how its brand is perceived by audiences, with 78% saying that it now feels more contemporary. This has also led to an improvement in our customer loyalty, and 39% of audiences choosing more adventurous shows.

We are delighted by the results of the project and to have been recognised alongside Red&White in these prestigious awards.

Image: (L to R) Alanna Clear, Strategy Director, Sebastian Cheswright Cater, Director of Marketing & Sales at Sadler’s Wells, Paul Franklin, Creative Director at Red&White, Ry Coleman, Design Director and Magdalen Fisher, Sadler’s Wells’ Executive Director, with our Media Silver award.

Akram Khan and Micheal Keegan-Dolan win at National Dance Awards

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The National Dance Awards were announced today and we were delighted that a number of Sadler’s Wells’ associate artists and companies were among the winners.

Our Associate Artist Michael Keegan-Dolan’s moving Swan Lake/Loch na hEala for Teac Damsa was awarded Best modern choreography. Our Associate Artist Akram Khan’s wonderful Giselle for Associate Company English National Ballet won the Best classical choreography award, with Lead Principal Alina Cojocaru receiving the Outstanding classical performance (female) award for her performance in the title role.

Resident Company New Adventures’ Ashley Shaw took the Outstanding contemporary performance (female) award for her performance as Vicky Page in our Associate Artist Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes. Lez Brotherston, Matthew’s long-time collaborator and creator of New Adventures’ spectacular set designs, was honoured with the Ninette de Valois award for outstanding contribution to dance.

Among other winners, Richard Alston Dance Company’s Liam Riddick received the award for best male dancer and former principal of The Royal Ballet Zenaida Yanowsky, who recently performed as part of Sadler’s Wells Sampled,  won best female dancer. The full list of winners is available here.

Many congratulations to all on their awards!

 

Image: Michael Keegan-Dolan’s Swan Lake/Loch na hEala. Photo: Marie-Laure Briane.