Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has announced details of the Dance Takeover as part of its Open Air Theatre Festival series on Sunday 20 July 2025. A day long celebration of movement with dance workshops and performance across the Open Air Theatre site, the Dance Takeover includes professional workshops by Rambert, Ballet Black, McOnie Company, Deaf Men Dancing, London City Ballet and Arthur Pita and culminates with a performance by Boy Blue.
Join Drew McOnie for a workshop from 9:30 am -11 am where participants will be taken through a physical warm up and taught repertoire from one of McOnie Company’s productions.
A neoclassical ballet class led by Ballet Black Senior Artist, Isabela Coracy will also take place from 9:30 am – 11 am. The class starts with a good warm up, focusing on technique, dynamic, improving your turns and musicality from the barre to centre, executing and dancing the movement freely.
Join Rambert dancer Max Day for a high-energy contemporary workshop from 11:30 am – 1 pm, rooted in their experience performing with one of the UK’s leading contemporary dance companies. This dynamic session offers dancers the opportunity to learn sections from Rambert’s bold and expressive repertoire while exploring technique, musicality, and performance presence. Ideal for dancers in training or professionals looking to deepen their contemporary practice and gain insight into the world of a Rambert performer.
Mark Smith and Joseph Fletcher, an original member of Deaf Men Dancing, will be co-leading a workshop from 11:30 am – 1 pm. Mark will be showing the development of the sign-language he translated from lyrics or poems and how he incorporates it into the choreography. Joseph will be teaching choreography from DMD’s work.
Join London City Ballet for an inspiring workshop from 1:30 pm – 3 pm where you will explore movement from their upcoming touring repertoire. Gain insight into the choreography and work that London City Ballet Perform and have your chance to explore different movement styles in the meantime. This workshop is ideal for dancers and enthusiasts eager to connect with London City Ballet and to find out more about their 2025 tour.
From 1:30 pm – 3 pm, renowned choreographer Arthur Pita will lead an immersive dance workshop focused on the art of narrative dance theatre. Drawing on his signature blend of contemporary, theatrical, and storytelling techniques, Pita will guide participants through a dynamic exploration of character, emotion, and movement. The workshop will delve into the use of gesture, improvisation, and structured choreography to build compelling narratives through dance. Emphasizing creativity and expression, participants will be encouraged to experiment with physical storytelling and to develop their own choreographic voices. Suitable for dancers and performers with an interest in theatrical expression, the workshop promises to be a rich and inspiring experience.
For those interested, you may add on the Boy Blue Open Class from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. This workshop is only bookable for those who have tickets to Boy Blue in the Park. You must have your ticket to Boy Blue in the Park to be allowed on site. This workshop has strictly limited availability.
Boy Blue in the Park blends dynamic hip hop choreography and a strong sense of community, with exciting soundtracks and music composed by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante (Antigone, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). Choreographed by Kenrick ‘H20’ Sandy (Once On This Island, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and fellow Boy Blue artists, the adult company presents powerful, precise movement with great musicality. Driven by raw energy and skill, this show showcases the innovators shaping hip hop dance theatre today.
Arrive early to enjoy a DJ set on the picnic lawn, with a mixture of club and social vibes, to warm you up before the show at 7:30pm.
Tickets for Dance Takeover’s professional dance workshops are £18. Tickets for Boy Blue in the Park are £17.50 – £27.50 and are available now at www.openairtheatre.com.
