Watch Danceworks

Danceworks is a captivating series from BBC Select that showcases the world of contemporary dance through four stunning performances. Shot in high definition, each episode takes viewers into the heart of a captivating dance routine, revealing the intricate choreography, mesmerising rhythms, and emotive movements that make contemporary dance so powerful and engaging.

The first episode, "Labyrinth of Love," presents a fascinating exploration of the concept of love through a mesmerising contemporary dance performance. Choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, the routine is a stunning blend of classical ballet, modern dance, and contemporary movement, performed by an ensemble of talented dancers who bring Cherkaoui's vision to life with emotion, passion, and technical precision.

The second episode, "A Modern Classic," features Sir Kenneth MacMillan's legendary ballet, "Requiem," performed by the Royal Ballet in London's Covent Garden. This powerful dance piece is based on Mozart's final composition, and explores themes of mourning, loss, and redemption. The Royal Ballet's dancers give a masterful performance, bringing MacMillan's choreography to life with a haunting beauty and intense emotional depth.

In the third episode, "The Art of Movement," viewers are taken behind the scenes to explore the creative process behind a new contemporary dance work by choreographer Crystal Pite. Pite's work, "Betroffenheit," explores the aftermath of trauma, drawing on personal experiences to create a powerful piece of performance art. Through interviews with Pite, her dancers, and creative team, viewers gain insight into the complex process of bringing a dance piece to life, from the initial inspiration to the final performance.

The final episode, "Blaze," is a thrilling showcase of hip hop dance, featuring some of the world's most talented street dancers. Choreographed by Kate Prince, the show is a high-energy explosion of movement, music, and raw talent, showcasing the creativity, passion, and sheer athleticism of hip hop dance. From popping and locking to breakdancing and krumping, the dancers push the boundaries of what's possible, delivering a truly electrifying performance.

Overall, Danceworks is a must-watch for anyone who loves dance, music, and performance art. With its stunning cinematography, engaging interviews, and captivating performances, the series offers a unique glimpse into the creative process behind some of the world's most talented dancers and choreographers. Whether you're a fan of classical ballet, contemporary dance, or hip hop, there's something to delight and inspire in every episode of this mesmerising series.

Danceworks is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between and on BBC Select