Sky Arts finds out more about Europe's most adventurous dance promoters as the preparations get underway for this year's festival.

Dance Umbrella is one of the world’s most exciting programmers of new dance. Dance Umbrella was founded in 1978 with the aim of reflecting and encouraging the burgeoning interest in contemporary dance in Britain.

From modest beginnings as a showcase for emerging choreographers, Dance Umbrella's annual London festival now ranks highly among Europe's leading international dance festivals and the organisation is recognised as one of Britain's most adventurous dance promoters presenting an annual festival as well as regional tours from overseas companies.

The 2009 version of the festival will include the usual eclectic mix of dance films, talks, free outdoor performances as well as world class work from The Mark Morris Dance Group, Michael Clark’s Company, Paul Andre Fortier and Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak Dance Company.

To find out more go to danceumbrella.co.uk

 

   Watch as the warm up begins at Dance Umbrella 2009 >>