A unique celebration of the most talented young
dancers and musicians of a generation.
15 – 16 July 2008
Sadler’s Wells, London
Excellent! was a special event to celebrate the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ (DCSF) Music and Dance Scheme, and the achievements of the country’s most talented young dancers and musicians.
The Music and Dance Scheme supports 1600 exceptionally talented young dancers and musicians to attend a specialist residential school, choir school, junior department of a music conservatoire or centre for advanced training. Almost 30 of these organisations are taking part in Excellent! In addition, new centres (CATs) for advanced training are in development in Suffolk (Aldeburgh and Dance East), Nottingham (Dance 4), Birmingham (DanceXchange and Sampad), and London (Centre for Young Musicians).
Excellent! was the first time that all these organisations came together. On 15 July 2008 over 350 young people performed works created especially for the event. Taking place throughout the foyer and outdoor spaces and in the auditorium, these included collaborations between musicians and dancers, featuring classical ensembles, a Big Band, Scottish piper, classical ballet, site-specific work and contemporary dance.
For a full list of participating organisations click here
News
New images in the Gallery
December 3rd, 2008
View a selection of fantastic images from the event in the Gallery.
Symposium Report published on-line
August 15th, 2008
Read a report of the Excellent! Symposium here.
See images from this morning’s photocall
July 15th, 2008
Check out the Gallery to see images from this morning’s photocall at Sadler’s Wells, where dancers & musicians are warming up for the Excellent! performance this evening!
Check out new images in the Gallery
June 20th, 2008
There are new images to view in the Gallery, including pictures from our successful press launch in April.
New video to view on the site
June 19th, 2008
Click on the Gallery page to view five new video clips of partners’ preparation for Excellent!
Demos provocation paper published on-line
June 16th, 2008
Visit the Symposium section of the site to read John Holden’s provocation paper “Making a song and dance about it”.
Trails on Classic FM
June 9th, 2008
Listen out for the Excellent! trails on Classic FM, starting this week.
Excellent! on sale
April 16th, 2008
Tickets for Excellent! are now on sale via the Sadler’s Wells box office. Click here to book on-line or phone 0844 412 4300
