In the first few years of the twenty-first century, noticeably more experimental and demanding works receive accolades and funding. This is a time when personal stories come to be embedded into an array of expressive cultures. Habitually, colourfully, and gesturally abundant forms move towards more muted palettes. Specialised dance schools and organisations galvanise change – they move out of diasporic spaces to slowly become mediums which forge larger communities through participation and viewership. Foregrounding vulnerability, performers and choreographers stake a radical presence on stage which shows their personal and/or political identity.
One of Britain’s oldest theatres - Sadler’s Wells, begin its transformation into a creative powerhouse with Alistair Spaulding - commissioning, mining, leading the world to show the finest in contemporary dance. Rising talents and leading forces are invited to perform with Wells, their artistic impetus come from telling multi-pronged stories through movements that draw to the communicative powers of the body. Amongst many, dancemakers Akram Khan and Farooq Chaudhry’s choreographic ambitions centre dancers and narratives of colour. This decade sees the implementation of practices of care and togetherness, strengthening of commerce in the arts and artistic collaborations across nations, and reinvigorates debates about cultural politics in the public realm.