Welcome to Woking Dance Festival 2003.

Over three weeks, the festival presents some of the most exciting productions on the international dance scene. Matthew Bourne’s extravagant and lavish production of Nutcracker! opens the festival with great style at the New Victoria Theatre, and as a festival first, we offer the most talked about star on the current flamenco scene, Eva La Yerbabuena. Ballet lovers of all ages will have the rare opportunity to see the exquisite young dancers of the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company on their first ever visit to the UK, and we welcome back contemporary favourites Rambert Dance Company with a Rambert premiere by acclaimed Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen, alongside the high-speed choreography of Wayne McGregor and a moving tribute to the Deep South by Christopher Bruce.

Over at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre the international aspect of the festival continues with digitally-inspired choreography by Andre Gingras from Holland, and the acclaimed Spanish company Aracaladanza with their charming production for young children Visto Y No Visto (Dressing Up). The best of new UK talent is presented by Henri Oguike’s energetic company of seven dancers and live string quartet, and Sonia Sabri’s stylish production of Kathak dance in a new technology environment.

Our community programme offers the ever-popular youth and community performance, the Dance Schools' Showcase and the Chance to Dance Day with classes and workshops in different dance styles.

Outside the theatres, there are workshops and residencies in local primary and secondary schools, youth centres and community groups. There is a Wednesday night dance film season at the Ambassadors Cinemas and a range of associated events.

A special thanks to Woking Borough Council, The Ambassadors Woking, Southern and South East Arts, and all our festival sponsors.

Eckhard Thiemann Director