Behind the Scenes at Sadler's Wells

A collaboration with Getty Images

Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Behind the Scenes at Sadler's Wells

In October 2013, Sadler's Wells celebrated the 15th anniversary of the current building in Rosebery Avenue. To mark the occasion, they embarked on a collaboration with Getty Images to document a year in the life of the theatre.The first show that was photographed was Sadler's Wells Associate Artist Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty. Here, dancer Katy Lowenhoff applies her make up before the evening's performance. 

Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty, Ian Gavan, From the collection of: Sadler's Wells
Show lessRead more

Ballet Revolución by Ian GalvanSadler's Wells

Ballet Revolución is an explosive fusion of ballet, contemporary dance and hip hop, performed to a soundtrack of popular hits by a group of hugely talented Cuban dancers.

Here, they warm up on stage before the show at The Peacock, Sadler's Wells' West End home.

Ballet Revolución by Ian GalvanSadler's Wells

Ballet Revolución by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Ballet Revolución by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Ballet Flamenco Eva Yerbabuena by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

Flamenco dancer Eva Yerbabuena is a superstar in the flamenco world. Here, she dances ¡Ay! as part of the 10th annual Flamenco Festival London.

Ballet Flamenco Eva Yerbabuena, Stuart Wilson, From the collection of: Sadler's Wells
Show lessRead more

Farruquito by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

Legendary gypsy flamenco dancer Farruquito is a very popular performer at Sadler's Wells thanks to the virtuosity and purity of his flamenco dancing.

Here, some of his fellow performers warm up backstage.

Farruquito by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

Farruquito, Stuart Wilson, From the collection of: Sadler's Wells
Show lessRead more

Flamenco Festival Gala by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

The annual Flamenco Festival Gala is always a highlight of the flamenco calendar. In 2013, the tenth year of the festival, the stellar line up included Antonio Canales, Carlos Rodriguez, Bélen López and Jesús Carmona among others.

Here, a dancer waits backstage for her cue.

Flamenco Festival Gala by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Flamenco Festival Gala by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Flamenco Festival Gala by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

The monks from Sutra in their dressing room by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Sutra is a collaboration between Sadler's Wells Associate Artist and choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Turner prize-winning artist Antony Gormley, composer Szymon Brzóska and monks from the Shaolin Temple in China.

Sutra is one of Sadler's Wells first productions and has toured all over the world. Here, some of the current cast prepare for the show in their dressing room on the eve of the 5th anniversary of the production.

The Sutra cast warm up on stage by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Sutra in progress by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

The monks from Sutra on set by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre by Tim WhitbySadler's Wells

Sadler's Wells Associate Artist Michael Keegan Dolan's The Rite of Spring was a huge hit when it premiered at the London Coliseum. Sadler's Wells brought it back to London alongside a new commission - Petrushka, as part of it's A String of Rites series, celebrating the centenary of the first performance of the original The Rite of Spring.

Here, Michael Keegan Dolan rehearses with his dancers on stage before the evening show.

Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre by Tim WhitbySadler's Wells

Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre, Tim Whitby, From the collection of: Sadler's Wells
Show lessRead more

Breakin' Convention by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

Breakin' Convention, Sadler's Wells' annual international festival of hip hop dance theatre turned 10 in 2013.

Here, bonebreakers from NextLevelSquad chill in their dressing room before the show.

Breakin' Convention by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

Breakin' Convention, Stuart Wilson, From the collection of: Sadler's Wells
Show lessRead more

Breakin' Convention by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

Akram Khan Company by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

iTMOi (in the mind of Igor) by Sadler's Wells Associate Artist Akram Khan was a response to the centenary of the first performance of The Rite of Spring.

Here, wardrobe and props supervisor Leila Ransley prepares the costumes for the evening's performance.

Akram Khan Company by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Akram Khan Company, Ian Gavan, From the collection of: Sadler's Wells
Show lessRead more

Akram Khan Company by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

NYDC & Riot Offspring, Tim Whitby, From the collection of: Sadler's Wells
Show lessRead more

As part of A String of Rites, the National Youth Dance Company performed their first ever work - (in between) by Sadler's Wells Associate Artist and NYDC Guest Artistic Director Jasmin Vardimon.

They shared the bill with Riot Offspring, an impressive project which saw an intergenerational cast brought together on stage, accompanied by a live orchestra.

NYDC & Riot Offspring by Tim WhitbySadler's Wells

NYDC & Riot Offspring by Tim WhitbySadler's Wells

NYDC & Riot Offspring by Tim WhitbySadler's Wells

The Forsythe Company by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

William Forsythe is a leading choreographer in both the ballet and contemporary dance fields. Study #3 was made up of works created by Forsythe over the last 30 years of his career.

Here, the dancers warm up on stage before the show.

The Forsythe Company by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

The Forsythe Company by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's Rosas by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's Rosas presented a Bal Moderne - a large scale dance workshop where some of the audience from the show were able to learn a section of the repertoire.

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's Rosas by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's Rosas by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's Rosas by Ian GavanSadler's Wells

Sadler's Wells Sampled by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

Sadler's Wells Sampled is a chance for dance fans and newcomers alike to enjoy a range of styles from some of the world's finest dancers at a specially reduced price.

Here, dancer Hyo-Jung Kang, a principal with Stuttgart Ballet, prepares to get into costume.

Sadler's Wells Sampled, Stuart Wilson, From the collection of: Sadler's Wells
Show lessRead more

Sadler's Wells Sampled by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

Hofesh Shechter Company by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

Sadler's Wells Associate Artist Hofesh Shechter's electrifying Political Mother: The Choreographer's Cut has been celebrated for its ground-shaking score and rock gig atmosphere.

Here, the dancers prepare for the evening's show.

Hofesh Shechter Company by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

Hofesh Shechter Company by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

Hofesh Shechter Company by Stuart WilsonSadler's Wells

Credits: Story

Created in collaboration with Getty Images

With thanks to Matthew Bourne, New Adventures, Ballet Revolucion, Flamenco Festival London, Eva Yerbabuena, Farruquito, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and the monks from the Shaolin Temple, Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre, Michael Keegan Dolan, Breakin' Convention, Akram Khan Company, National Youth Dance Company and Hofesh Shechter Company.

Sadler's Wells is supported by Arts Council England

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
Performing Arts
Step on stage with the world’s most amazing performers and immerse yourself in 360º shows.
View theme
Google apps