Gala de Danza at Central Hall Westminster
While the Gala de Danza puts dance front and centre in its name, this international festival is a feast of much more than dance alone. First established in Mexico in 2013, the festival – founded with the goal of highlighting both pre-established and emerging artists – has now made its way to the grand setting of London’s Central Hall Westminster, bringing with it an extraordinary array of talent.
Founded by Christina Lyon, the Gala de Danza showcases a multitude of talents from the worlds of music and dance, including dancers from the Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet as well as the UK Latin Ballroom Champions, Murmuration and Youth America Grand Prix. The majesty of the event is mirrored in its setting in Central Hall.
The sequence of the evening’s events flows perfectly, with various genres and performance types taking place in succession to ensure that audiences are never quite sure what is coming next. Featuring traditional ballet performances alongside contemporary dance numbers, a floor-to-ceiling harp, live vocal renditions, and so much more, the festival strikes the perfect balance between classic and contemporary.
It is nearly impossible to choose any one highlight from this assortment of mesmerising numbers: there is no weak link amongst them. From the opening act to the final bow, each performer to take the stage brings with them not only outstanding technical proficiency but also immense heart. From a solo saxophone rendition of Vivaldi’s Winter to an elegant pas de deux, a Latin rumba to a one-man guitar cover imitating a multi-piece band, the Gala is a testament to the passion for and dedication to the arts.
Guitar prodigy Marcin manages to replicate the robustness of an entire musical ensemble using just his hands and the strings of his guitar, while the ballet troupes make what are surely strenuous performances – requiring great concentration and muscle – appear effortlessly fluid, with a particularly lithe performance from Andres Zuniga of the New York City Ballet.
A must-see show for anyone with an appreciation for beauty, creativity, artistry or dance, the Gala de Danza is a one-of-a-kind event that rises above the typical theatre experience.
Madison Sotos
Photos: The LK Studio
Gala de Danza is at Central Hall Westminster from 25th until 26th June 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
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