Let’s get physical: the science of dance at the Venice Biennale
The dance festival’s opening weekend, under the theme We Humans, focused as much on gravity and technology as emotional connection
June 2024
Tracey Emin and Imelda Staunton get damehoods in king’s birthday honours
Others honoured from cultural world include the writer Monica Ali, choreographer Wayne McGregor and children’s laureate Joseph Coelho
March 2024
The week in dance: Company Wayne McGregor: Autobiography (v95 and v96); New York City Ballet – review
Wayne McGregor’s DNA-themed work is an evolving delight. And back in the UK for the first time since 2008, the New Yorkers exude classy athleticism in works by Balanchine, Pam Tanowitz and more
January 2024
The best theatre to stream this month
The best theatre to stream this month: Kings of War, David Tennant’s Hamlet and more
If you can’t get tickets to his Macbeth, Tennant’s acclaimed prince of Denmark is online, along with a spectacular take on three Shakespeare plays by Ivo van Hove
December 2023
Observer critics' review of 2023
Dance: Sarah Crompton’s five best shows of 2023
Tiler Peck breezed in, Carmen Herrera bowed out, Benji Reid made a dazzling return and Pam Tanowitz entranced
November 2023
The week in dance: The Dante Project; Lay Down Your Burdens – review
Everything comes together in an exhilarating Royal Ballet revival of The Dante Project, while Rhiannon Faith’s new work is all about sharing…
June 2023
Royal Ballet triple bill review – McGregor and Wheeldon at the top of their game
Royal Ballet triple bill review – a fascinatingly icy Wayne McGregor premiere
May 2023
UniVerse: A Dark Crystal Odyssey; Northern Ballet: The Great Gatsby – review
Wayne McGregor conjures a shimmering eco-myth from Jim Henson’s 80s puppet fantasy film
Wayne McGregor’s UniVerse: A Dark Crystal Odyssey – in pictures
The acclaimed choreographer’s new productionreimagines Jim Henson’s epic adventure film – take a look inside
UniVerse: A Dark Crystal Odyssey review – earth, air, fire and water send a powerful message in Wayne McGregor premiere
This bleak but powerful meditation on our ailing planet combines dance, poetry, film and music to startling effect
April 2023
Dancer Edward Watson: ‘Get the wind machine, get my clothes off and get out there’
Dancing at Lughnasa review – an exquisite staging of Brian Friel’s evocative drama
March 2023
Woolf Works review – Alessandra Ferri goes deeper in Wayne McGregor’s modern masterpiece
Woolf Works review – the wondrous Alessandra Ferri flies again
January 2023
2023 culture preview
23 for 2023: Observer writers’ culture highlights for the year ahead
From Rachmaninov to pop reunions, Beyoncé’s tour to Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, Spielberg to Sam Smith, our critics guide you through the next 12 months
December 2022
2023 culture preview
The best theatre, dance and comedy tickets to book for 2023
Danny Boyle’s Matrix-inspired spectacular opens in Manchester, Succession star Brian Cox returns to the stage and standups Maisie Adam, Guz Khan and Catherine Cohen are on tour
November 2022
The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration review – pick ’n’ mix gala with some sparkles
A grab-bag of nine pieces, from Wheeldon to Tanowitz, make up a celebratory programme delivered with customary aplomb by the Royal’s dancers
October 2022
‘Don’t worry, just watch’: how do you tell a story through dance?
Even the best-known ballets can baffle newcomers so what can choreographers do to avoid audiences getting lost? From Matthew Bourne’s fairytales to staging Margaret Atwood and Peaky Blinders, we find out
July 2022
Carnación; Petrushka review – two contrasting personal visions
Silver Lion winner Rocío Molina unleashes raw energy, while Golden Lion winner Saburo Teshigawara turns his gaze inward
