The new season will be one of DanceXchange’s most ambitious, with productions that include subversive theatrical twists on familiar stories; acrobatic, circus-inspired dance; a fusion of modern and classical ballet; and a striking synthesis of contemporary and African styles, plus an international flavour from two companies on their first tours to the UK.

Lucie Mirkova, Programme Manager, DanceXchange said: “Each season we aim to present great dance that takes the audience on a journey and offers something new and different. Our latest programme explores a wide variety of different contemporary flavours from some of the most talented UK and international artists.”

The season launches on 27th January with ŻfinMalta Dance Company on their first UK Tour. A cinematic-style double-bill featuring athletic choreography with Ivan Perez’s Kick The Bucket and the critically-acclaimed Home by artistic director Mavin Khoo.

Arthur Pita and HeadSpaceDance present a wickedly gruesome, darkly surreal double bill on 16th and 17th February. Fairy tales distort into nightmares as familiar characters from Snow White to Hansel and Gretel are pursued by a force of monstrous and abusive Stepmothers, while Stepfather tells of a grisly search for redemption from beyond the grave.

Bawren Tavaziva’s strikingly powerful and sensual new interpretation of the Carmen story is set in an African township where military corruption is rife. Africarmen on Thursday 9 March explores the classic story of desire, deceit and corruption through a highly original synthesis of ballet, contemporary and African dance with a specially commission music score by Fayyaz Virji of Warriors International.

On 23rd March, Igor and Moreno return to Birmingham with their latest work A Room for All Tomorrows, a duet about the secret lives we all possess when close to others. Enter their curious world, and share those moments, between coffee and dancing.

Created in collaboration with Korean dancers and artists, talented rising choreographic star James Cousins npresents Rosalind on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th April. The curious and courageous Rosalind (modelled on Shakespeare’s headstrong and independent heroine of As You Like It) embarks on a journey of self-discovery fuelled by love and oppression. Cousins’ fresh production takes Rosalind’s passion and eloquence beyond bwords to somewhere only movement can illuminate.

On 26th & 27th April, Imbalance by Joli Vyann is a crowd-pleasing show that explores our obsessive dependence on technology through a combination of exciting acrobatic skills and athletic dance.

Ana Morales Company of extraordinary international flamenco stars, featuring David Coria, present their new show Reuniόn on 10 and 11 May. A tour de force, conveying the absolute passion and artistry of the dance form, the performance leads the audience on a journey through the palos (flamenco’s different styles).

On 25th & 26th May Ballet Black blend classical and contemporary dance styles with narrative and abstract themes in a thrilling triple bill that features Red Riding Hood by South Bank Sky Arts Award-winner Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. The popular folk tale is turned on its head: this time the wolf will truly regret ever meeting Red Riding Hood!

The season concludes on 7th June with Plan B for Utopia by Joan Clevillé Dance. Comic and joyful, the show mixes movement, theatre and storytelling with a good dose of humour, celebrating how we live our lives.

Throughout the performance season DanceXchange will also be running its hugely popular dance classes which begin a new term on 9th January. 36 classes are available for all abilities, in 14 different dance styles. To find out more about the January-June Season including sneak previews of the shows or to check out the full range of dance classes visit www.dancexchange.org.uk