A celebration of dance and musical theatre
Showcasing a wide range of dance styles, ages and abilities reaching far beyond Berkshire whilst providing exciting opportunities to watch, participate and engage in the world of dance.
Dance professionals, students of dance and audience members come together for this annual extravaganza of cutting-edge performances, dance masterclasses, Dance on Screen cinema screenings, and stunning community showcases.
Initially started by Bracknell Forest Council, South Hill Park took full ownership of the festival under the artistic direction of Lena Dee from 2005.
Each year the festival hosts several dance performances by the local community and professional dance companies, alongside a variety of dance workshops, cinema screenings, live dance performances broadcast from around the globe, and dance-inspired exhibitions.
Professional dance companies who have performed their own evenings’ work during the festival include; StopGap, Tavaziva Dance, Sonia Sabri, Jasmin Vardimon to name but a few.
The festival has grown in size and ambition since its inception and the galas now not only showcase local dance talent from Berkshire but also dancers from Surrey, Hampshire and London and surrounding areas. The galas include performances and workshops led by professional dancers and choreographers so participants and audience members get to see where years of hard dance training can lead – helping to inspire and give insight into the world of professional dance.
Each year, new elements are added to the festival to widen the appeal for those learning, performing or watching the events. This includes the recent addition of broadcasting live ballet performances from prestigious opera houses around the world.
Whether you are a seasoned performer or theatre goer, or new to the world of dance, there is something to interest all tastes. It’s a truly great way to experience the art form.
Please contact Lena Dee at liftoffdance@nullgmail.com for information on how to take part in the festival or for more information on this year’s event.
Lift Off Dance Festival 2025
Shows and Performances
Youth and Community Gala 1
Sat 15 March 7pm | Wilde Theatre
£16, good and best friends £13
Groups from Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, London, and surrounding areas, apply to take part in these hugely popular galas – showcasing the passion that dancers aged 6yrs, to those in their 80s, have for different styles of dance.
Youth groups, community groups, schools and special guest professional dancers come together to present an evening of dance entertainment for families and dance enthusiasts alike.
Groups performing include: Contemporary Dance Method, Drishti Dance, Indigo Movement Company, OFLAC, ORB Youth Dance Co, Platform YP, Ranelagh School, RS Dance Company, St Andrew’s, Berkshire – Elibah School of Dance, St Mary’s Ascot Dance Company, Silver Swans & Low Impact Tappers with Sonia Brown, Stage Troupe, The Laura Henderson Dance Company and West Berkshire Youth Dance Company.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office on 01344 484123.
Youth and Community Gala 2
Sun 16 March 7pm | Wilde Theatre
£16, good and best friends £13
Groups from Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, London, and surrounding areas, apply to take part in these hugely popular galas – showcasing the passion that dancers aged 6yrs, to those in their 80s, have for different styles of dance.
Youth groups, community groups, schools and special guest professional dancers come together to present an evening of dance entertainment for families and dance enthusiasts alike.
Groups performing include: Artemis College, Brakenhale School, Chance to Dance Stars, Dance Collide, Dance Inspired, EBOS, Elibah School of Dance, Hampshire Youth Dance Company, Jawahir Bellydance, Maggie Monk School of Dancing, Moving Pictures Dance Company, SOTA, Starlet Dance School, StopGap Guildford Dance Company, Thrive Youth Dance Company and Wildridings Primary School.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office on 01344 484123.
Dance Masterclasses
Sat 15 – Sun 16 March | Dance Studio
£6 each
A series of dance masterclasses, taught by professional dancers and choreographers, covering a range of styles including: contemporary, ballet, commercial, street dance, jazz and more. Open to all ages and abilities.
Cinema | Dance on Screen
A season of live and recorded musical theatre screenings and ballet performances by The Royal Ballet.
£20, concessions £19, good and best friends £18, under 18s £10
The Royal Ballet – Swan Lake
Thu 27 Feb 7.15pm RECORDED
210 mins, 2 intervals
Classical ballet’s most powerful tale of love, treachery and forgiveness.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office on 01344 484123.
The World’s Greatest Stage Musicals – Jesus Christ Superstar Live
Sun 2 March 2pm RECORDED
105 mins, 1 interval
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock classic returns to its roots with this sensational performance.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office on 01344 484123.
The Royal Ballet – Romeo and Juliet
Thu 20 March 7.15pm LIVE
210 mins, 2 intervals
The greatest love story ever told – through ballet. An ancient family feud casts a long shadow over the town of Verona.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office on 01344 484123.
The World’s Greatest Stage Musicals – Billy Elliot the Musical Live
Sun 30 March 2pm RECORDED
163 mins, 1 interval
Set against the 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy discovers a passion for ballet that changes his life forever.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office on 01344 484123.
If you would like more information about participating in the festival, please either complete the form below or email Lena Dee directly.
Please check back to this page for updates as the program is finalised.