The Place Presents ‘Touch Wood’

Touch Wood invites dance artists to test their "naked" choreographic ideas - speculative research, physical impulses, or even short works of genius - before an audience in a flexible but basic performance space. As the season, which runs from 10 September to 6 October, features many works still under development in the studio, the programme and schedule will only be finalised once the artists are ready to share their latest ideas and creations. It is sure to be the most unpredictable dance event this autumn.

Work from both emerging and established choreographers is expected, including confirmed artists Wayne McGregor, Shobana Jeyasingh, Sonia Sabri and Jonathan Lunn, offering audiences an exclusive first chance to get a taste of their latest work before it hits other venues. The contributors will include of promising artists from 2007's Resolution! and Spring Loaded seasons together with Resident Choreographers and Associate Artists of The Place from the past 20 years.

Additionally, choreographers who have participated in this year's Choreodrome may contribute to Touch Wood. Choreodrome is The Place's biennial programme in which selected dance artists are offered free studio space for a summer of research and rehearsal. Free from the pressure of having to deliver an end product for conventional performance, Choreodrome allows choreographers to explore new artistic territory.

Touch Wood and Choreodrome are examples of The Place's ongoing commitment to the creation of new dance works and the development of artists. These programmes offer invaluable support and nurturing to dance artists to assist in the progression of their careers, providing resources for research and networking, space for rehearsal and platforms for performance. -- www.theplace.org.uk