Steps towards unity…
By Sebastian Scotney
Dance United was created in 2000 in the belief that dance has the power to change lives. Since then, the organisation has delivered projects across the UK and around the world, and has seen hundreds of children, young people, elderly men and women, street and working children, prisoners and many more constituent groups inspired and empowered through dance.

Much of this work is done in the UK criminal justice system, and therefore behind closed doors, so it is no wonder that Dance United has kept its public profile quite low. But Destino, Dance United’s many-faceted co-production with Sadler’s Wells and also involving the National Youth Orchestra, should change that. What will hit the main stage of London’s premier dance venue in Rosebery Avenue on March 12th, followed by residencies and performances in other cities, will be several powerful demonstrations of the power of contemporary dance.

Destino aims to “bring the company’s work with marginalised individuals and communities emphatically into the arts mainstream”, presenting newly commissioned works from Israeli choreographer Hofesh Schechter, and from British choreographers Russell Maliphant and Adam Benjamin. Among the featured dancers will be Ethiopians Junaid Jamal Sendi and Addisu Demissie, alumni of the Adugna Commuity Dance Theatre.

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