Skydiver
A fun, magical dance show for families and children aged 3-5
Wed 25 Oct, 12.15pm & 2.30pm
Prepare to soar through the fluffy clouds where flocks of birds and butterflies flutter. Explore the dream-like world that waits above us, in this multi-sensory dance experience for families.
Take your little ones on a magical journey with Skydiver and experience how movement, sound and stunning visuals bring whimsical characters to life in an enchanting encounter in the skies.
Greek dance artist, dramaturg and director Xenia Aidonopoulou makes visually stunning dance-theatre works filled with wonder and imagination that will excite the youngest audience members.
Presented by Little Big Dance
Co-commissioned by Dance Umbrella
This event is part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2023, 6-31 October. Dance Umbrella is London’s international dance festival, taking place every October across the capital and online. Booking and more via www.danceumbrella.co.uk
PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP:
Drop-in to the foyer before the show on Wed 25 Oct to make simple paper puppets inspired by Skydiver. Create a bird or a butterfly to dance in the sky! Suitable for all ages. Adult supervision is required. Drop in from 11am – 12 noon or 2pm – 2.30pm
POST-SHOW DANCE WORKSHOP:
A thrilling family-friendly dance workshop inspired by Skydiver, led by the talented dance artist Francesca Matthys. This interactive experience will ignite your creativity and transport you to a world where you can play, soar, and bring the sky-bound characters to life, to the originally composed score by Jonny Pilcher.
Suitable for all ages. Adult supervision is required. FREE for people attending the performance. Limited space – reserve your space in advance when book your show tickets using the link above and selecting Workshop & Show Package.
Workshop times: 12.55 – 1.55pm & 3.10 – 4.10pm
Production trailer by Big Egg
The performance of Skydiver lasts 45 minute
Skydiver is a Little Big Dance commission, led by South East Dance, in partnership with Dance East, Yorkshire Dance and Take Art. Little Big Dance is funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Arts Council England.
Co-commissioned by Dance Umbrella and Strike a Light Festival.
Presented as part of the Orbital Touring Network in partnership with Unicorn and Team London Bridge, Stanley Arts, The Place, Studio 3 Arts and Watermans Arts Centre.
Photography: Nikolas Louka
Content warning: This show uses a small amount of flashing lights, haze, and the sound of thunderclaps.
Gallery
Have a sneak peek of Skydiver with these production photos.
Photo: Rosie Powell
Photo: Rosie Powell
Photo: Rosie Powell
Photo: Rosie Powell
Photo: Rosie Powell
Xenia Aidonopoulou
Xenia is an artist with a background in dance dramaturgy and performance, making visually compelling dance-theatre works. She has worked extensively in dance for the National Theatre of Greece, Athens and Epidaurus Festival, Thessaloniki Concert Hall and Onasis Stagi. Between 2005 and 2017, she worked as a dramaturg and creative consultant with Oktana Dancetheatre and current director of the Greek National Opera Ballet, Konstantinos Rigos. Her work has been presented in venues including Sadler’s Wells, Polka Theatre, South Bank Centre and Royal Opera House. She is a member of the UK Dramaturgs’ Network and Artist Development Troop at Cambridge Junction.
Credits
Concept & Direction Xenia Aidonopoulou
Created with and performed by Lydia Walker & (JJ) William James/ Yu-Chien Cheng & Philip Hulford
Cast at Studio 3 Arts (JJ) William James & Lydia Walker
Music Composition Jonny Pilcher
Costume Design Mayou Trikerioti
Puppet & ‘Clouds’ Design Alison Alexander
Scenography Xenia Aidonopoulou, Alison Alexander, Mayou Trikerioti
Lighting Design Chris Burr, Xenia Aidonopoulou
Creative Producer Lia Prentaki
Production Manager Chris Burr
Costume Maker Caroline Husband
Prop Maker Mavi Curiel
Find us
Address: Studio 3 Arts, Galleon Centre, Boundary Rd, Barking IG11 7JR
15 minutes walk from Barking town centre and train/tube station.
Tube & Train: Barking has great public transport connections with District Line, Hammersmith & City, Overground and C2C services all coming into Barking Station. You can get from central London to Studio 3 Arts in less than an hour.
The closest station is Barking (District line) then a 10-12 minute walk or Bus no 62 towards Gascoigne. The closest bus stop is Boundary Road.
Other buses in Barking are: 287, 5, 368, EL1 EL2 – then 10-12 minute walk
PLACES TO PARK: You will be able to park in the London Road Car Park or the Bobby Moore Car Park next to the Broadway Theatre and any on street parking (restricted to max of 4 hours). For parking, the payment method of choice for this borough is PAYBYPHONE so we suggest you use the app or go to https://park.paybyphone.co.uk/barkinganddagenham in advance
You can also park in the Asda Barking car park (free for up to 3 hours if you spend £5).
