AFTER a three-year break nottdance, the unique celebration of extraordinary dance, is back with tickets now on sale. Set to run from Wednesday 8th October to Saturday 1 November, the festival will ask questions including “how do we perceive time”, “what does it feel like to belong?” and “whose stories are being told?”.
Nottdance has brought experimental works to Nottingham from across the world since the 1980s. Whether festivalgoers are looking for an interactive class led by a professional artist or to see a unique and one-off performance, there is something for everyone. Organised and run by Midland’s dance organisation FABRIC, nottdance will add energy and movement to several city venues including Nottingham Contemporary, Lakeside Arts, Backlit Studios, Nottingham College and St Mary’s Church.
The extensive calendar of events features highlights such as:
- Alan Lyddiard, award-winning theatre and film director known for creating world-class performances will be running The Nottingham Ensemble (part of nottdance as Place) – Saturday 25 October
- Lucy Suggate, FABRIC artist researcher and community engagement practitioner will be presenting her work Tender Stones with Cool Company – Wednesday 8 October
- Hetain Patel, Leicester born and internationally recognised artist and choreographer, will perform Mathroo Basha – Saturday 1 November
- Fevered Sleep, an inclusive multi-disciplinary arts organisation will return to Nottingham to perform Time Keeps The Drummer – Saturday 1 November
- Hofesh Shechter Company, internationally touring and boundary-breaking dance company will be running workshops for ages 13 and over – Sunday 19 October
- Salamèche, Orley Quick and Sam Pardes will be showcasing their work with We Move in Close circles – Thursday 16, Friday 17 and Saturday 18 October
- Plus a series of lectures including, The nottdance lecture with world-renowned Akram Khan.
Paul Russ, CEO of FABRIC, said: “With workshops, performances and opportunities to open conversations with both artists and newcomers, the festival provides the perfect setting for Nottingham to embrace world class talent. Work from local, national and international artists provides visitors and residents with the opportunity to experience the power of dance and movement in the city.”
One of the highlights of the lineup is nottdance as Place, an afternoon of the Nottingham’s past, present and future weaved together through exhibition, live performance and conversation. The session is on Saturday 25 October and will include stories and memories from Nottingham residents, an open dialogue on the city’s cultural influence and Dancing on a Clean Sheet of Paper by the newly formed Nottingham Ensemble. This powerful showcase of creativity and community will be a chance for the people of Nottingham to celebrate rich artistic spirit and its role in shaping nottdance over time. To access this event, attendees must book on to each part of the afternoon via the nottdance website.
The last festival took place in 2022 and was the first nottdance festival under FABRIC, following the merger of previous festival curators, Dance4, who merged with DanceXchange in Birmingham to form FABRIC.
FABRIC shapes the future of dance by supporting sustainable careers for artists, nurturing new talent, leading partnerships and connecting extraordinary work to wide audiences across the Midlands. The foundations of FABRIC rely on a deep-rooted belief in the work it does and prioritising its values of joy, curiosity and disruption.
Paul added: “While dance is rooted in training and talent, it can be so much more. Art in any form has the power to stir real emotion, create a sense of purpose and build community and that’s exactly what nottdance is here to do. Since our last festival three years ago, we’ve had the gift of time to carefully curate a programme that not only delivers an incredible experience but also truly reflects who we are as an organisation.
“Nottingham always has been and still is a city full of creativity, with a bustling arts and culture scene. The city has always been proud of this amazing and unique festival, and I hope the people of Nottingham will continue to join us as we explore new ways of moving, creating and connecting.
The event starts on Wednesday 8 October and ticket prices vary, with some performances being free to enter and others with a cost of up to £10. For more information on nottdance or to buy your tickets, visit https://2025festival.nottdance.com/
Posted on 23 September 2025
