Sadler’s Wells to host Empower in Motion ballet gala for charity with inclusive dance performances

London’s prestigious Sadler’s Wells will play host to an extraordinary evening of dance on the 7^th February 2024 at 7.30pm, as the Empower in Motion – A Ballet Inclusive fundraising gala takes the stage. The event, organised in collaboration with the charity Children Today, will feature both disabled and non-disabled dancers performing classical and contemporary pieces. The gala aims to raise funds for Children Today’s initiatives to aid children and young people with disabilities across the United Kingdom.

The evening is set to include world premieres from internationally acclaimed talents. Renowned dancer and choreographer Sebastian Kloborg will present his new contemporary work, The Owl Falls, performed by ballet stars Maria Kochetkova and Daniil Simkin. Additionally, gala ambassador and former UK National Dance Para Champion Joseph Powell-Main, who has also performed with The Royal Ballet, will debut a self-choreographed piece. English National Ballet’s Sangeun Lee and Gareth Haw are slated to perform a Pas de Deux from the iconic Romantic ballet Giselle.

The gala will be hosted by disability campaigner, podcaster, and junior doctor Grace Spence Green, a patron of Children Today who sustained a spinal cord injury in 2018 and is now a full-time wheelchair user. Her involvement underlines the event’s commitment to inclusivity and challenging the misconceptions about the limitations associated with disability.

The final line-up for the gala also boasts performances from The Royal Ballet School, National Youth Ballet, Parable Dance and Stopgap Dance Company, each showcasing their unique contributions to the art form and the ethos of inclusivity. The gala not only marks the 30^th anniversary of Children Today but also serves as a celebration of resilience, unity and the power of dance to transcend barriers.

Tickets for the event are available for purchase, with all proceeds going towards Children Today’s work in supporting disabled children and young people by providing specialised equipment and support, enhancing their access to education, leisure, and overall well-being. The gala promises to be an inspiring evening that not only entertains but also empowers and challenges perceptions, reinforcing the idea that disability should not impede anyone from pursuing their dreams.

The editorial unit
Images: Chris Parkes (featured), Darian Volkova

Empower in Motion – A Ballet Inclusive is at Sadler’s Wells on 7^th February. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.