This International Dance Day, the Southbank Centre unveils an electrifying summer programme that promises unforgettable experiences for all. Nestled along the River Thames, this iconic 11-acre site will transform into a vibrant hub of creativity, celebrating the power of movement with two major highlights: Dance Your Way Home (23 Jul – 25 Aug) and the UK Premiere of We Should Have Never Walked On The Moon (3 – 6 Sep).
Inspired by Emma Warren’s acclaimed book of the same name, Dance Your Way Home celebrates the dance floors that unite us all—whether in kitchens, clubs, or on the streets. Co-curated by Emma Warren, this multi-artform programme fuses dance, gigs, visual arts, and poetry in a seismic celebration of how movement connects communities. The event includes Basel-based choreographer Jeremy Nedd’s London debut ‘From Rock to Rock’, a piece featuring five performers examining the Milly Rock, a viral dance inspired by the rapper 2 Milly (23 & 24 Jul, QEH)
“Dance Your Way Home is rooted in the idea that moving to music, together, is powerful on an individual and collective level,” said Warren. “This isn’t about being good at dancing—it’s about bringing the moves you have and celebrating all kinds of dance floors, from kitchen discos to late-night raves. We’ll make space for hesitant dancers, too.”
The programme includes dozens of free events on a brand-new dancefloor on the Riverside Terrace. Highlights include Grief Rave (3 Aug) and Heart n Soul’s Make Yourself! Be Yourself! (22 Aug), ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
From 3 – 6 September, the Southbank Centre will host the UK Premiere of We Should Have Never Walked On The Moon, a breathtaking collaboration between Rambert and Ballet national de Marseille, direction (LA)HORDE. Inspired by Gene Kelly’s famous remark to Buzz Aldrin, this large-scale dance experience explores the role of the body in a post-internet world of boundless information and expression.
Featuring a cast of 50 dancers, DJs, and even a limousine, this ambitious project invites audiences to roam freely across the Royal Festival Hall and the wider Southbank Centre site. Performances and digital works will unfold throughout the evening, with artists appearing in unexpected spaces—from the Royal Festival Hall auditorium and backstage areas to the Undercroft and outdoor terraces.
The choreography features works by renowned creators, including (LA)HORDE, Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, Lucinda Childs, Cécilia Bengolea & François Chaignaud, and Oona Doherty. This project, generously supported by Cockayne – Grants for the Arts, continues the Southbank Centre’s commitment to inspiring and surprising London audiences.
A Summer of Dance Awaits. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or simply looking to soak in the magic of movement, the Southbank Centre’s summer programme offers something for everyone. From free events to large-scale productions, this is your chance to experience the transformative power of dance in one of London’s most iconic cultural spaces.
For further information, please visit the Southbank Centre website.
Images: Jeremy Nedd- From Rock to Rock /We Should Have Never Walked On The Moon ( Thierry Hauswald) / We Should Have Never Walked On The Moon (Amaury Cornu)
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