Sound of Dance

Katie Derham explores dance on film, from Fred and Ginger's elegance to the lycra of 1980s dance movies. And coming right up to the present, Katie talks to Mandy Moore, award-winning choreographer of La La Land. They'll discuss the art of choreographing for the big screen, how it differs to the stage.

Katie Derham delves into the work of the iconic choreographer Jerome Robbins in his centenary year. Best known as creator, choreographer, and co-director of West Side Story, Robbins' career spanned success not only in film and on Broadway, but importantly at the heart of the New York City Ballet where, as Associate Director, he worked closely with George Balanchine. Katie is joined by Robert Fairchild, former New York City Ballet Principal, to explore Robbins' unique way of telling stories through movement.

Katie Derham delves into the world of Flamenco with dancer Samantha Quy and guitarist Tito Heredia. A dance form associated with the Andalusian Roma gypsies of Southern Spain, the dance, song and guitar all have equal importance. Katie will explore the history, and her guests will talk about the intricate timing systems, demonstrate how they follow each other, and explain how flamenco can become a way of life for its performers.

Katie Derham talks to choreographer Matthew Bourne. As his iconic production of Swan Lake returns to the stage, they'll discuss why he reinvented it for a corps-de-ballet of male swans, and how it has inspired a generation of boy dancers. A relatively late-starter in the ballet world, Matthew Bourne quickly became well-known for his individualistic approach to the classics. He'll talk about the music that inspires him, and the importance of story-telling in a new production.

Katie Derham looks at some of the natural links between dance and puppetry and the kinds of things that dance has and can learn from animating the inanimate. Katie looks at how puppets have been depicted in dance; how puppets have appeared alongside dancers in the ballet and considers the similarities and differences between puppet and puppeteer and choreographer and dancer.Katie talks to Puppeteer and Artistic Director of The Curious School of Puppetry, Sarah Wright, about the relationship between dance and puppetry and about what the two can learn from each other. The programme also features Brazilian dancer/choreographer Duda Paiva whose work explores the fusion between dance and puppets, as can be seen in his company's latest production, and interpretation of Purcell's "The Fairy Queen". Music featured in the programme includes Coppélia, La Boutique Fantasque; Alice In Wonderland and the Classic Score of the Week is Stravinsky's Petroushka.

Katie Derham talks to internationally renowned Cuban dancer and choreographer Carlos Acosta about his new show celebrating 30 years in dance. From the streets of Cuba to an international career spanning the National Ballet of Cuba, English National Ballet, Houston Ballet, and a long term residency at the Royal Ballet, Carlos Acosta is one of the world's greatest dancers. Following his retirement from classical ballet in 2016, Carlos returns to the London stage with a new show with his company Acosta Danza. Carlos talks to Katie about putting his show together, what inspires him as a dancer and a choreographer, and reflects on his 30 years in dance. Producer - Ellie Mant

Katie Derham explores the world of tap with leading lady Clare Halse and resident choreographer Simon Adkins from the smash hit musical 42nd Street. From its roots as a mixture of clog dancing, soft shoe and African-influenced dance, tap as we know it started to emerge in the 1920s. Some Vaudeville and night club performers successfully made the transition into film when the talkies were invented, culminating a golden age of Hollywood with dancers like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Katie looks at the history and development of the dance form, and talks to Clare Halse and Simon Adkins about how the rhythm of tap becomes part of a musical score. Producer - Ellie Mant

Katie Derham explores the life and legacy of Marie Rambert, one of the pioneers of modern British ballet, and talks to choreographer Wayne Eagling about his new ballet based on her life. Born in Poland, Marie 'Mim' Rambert's career began in Paris, helping Diaghilev train his cast to dance the Rite of Spring. At the outbreak of WW1 she came to London and formed her own dance school, which developed into the Ballet Rambert, the oldest English ballet company still performing today. Her teaching inspired the next generations of dancers and choreographers, including Wayne Eagling whose new ballet 'Remembrance' is based on her life, and the separation from her husband when he was called away to war. Katie talks to Wayne about the concept of his new ballet, and Marie Rambert's continuing importance to the ballet world.Producer - Ellie Mant

Katie Derham explores the vibrant and varied world of Caribbean music and dance and finds out why it makes a good dance partner with mediaeval French Polyphony. So much of the culture of the Caribbean has been shaped by the many and various peoples who have informed its history, and this is mirrored in its music and dance.Katie Derham looks at some of distinctive dance styles of the Caribbean and meets the award-winning choreographers Cecilia Bengolea and François Chaignaud, whose latest dance collaboration DFS, currently running at Sadlers Wells, fuses Caribbean Dance Hall with the music of Machaut.

Katie Derham meets the choreographer and dancer Akram Khan as he undertakes his last performing role in a full length piece with Xenos for Sadler Wells. The programme explores Akram's background in traditional Indian Kathak dance, and looks back over his career to date, focusing on his collaborations with composers such as Nitin Sahwney, Jocelyn Pook, Steve Reich and Vincenzo Lamagna. Akram also talks about his version of Giselle, which appear in cinemas this week, and about his new piece Xenos, which receives its UK premiere next month.Continuing with the Indian dance theme, Katie's Classic Score of the Week is Ludwig Minkus's "La Bayadere".