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.
Advanced Street/Commercial Masterclass
Sat 15 March 12.15-1.15pm
Tutor: Zoe Warboys
Dance experience required. A fast paced, high energy street / commercial class with choreography designed to be accessible, fun and challenging for those that want to work a bit harder.
Zoe has been teaching dance for over 30 years and has a wealth of experience choreographing for schools, dance companies, music tours and TV.
She has been Head of Dance at St Mary’s School in Ascot for 26 years and has guided many students onto careers in dance. Her classes are full of dynamic street and commercial styles, encouraging a fun filled atmosphere led by the music and excited by the energy in the room.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office (01344 484123)
General/Open level Street/Commercial Masterclass
Sat 15 March 2-3pm
Tutor: Zoe Warboys
Open class suitable for all. Street/commercial routine taught at a general level with extras for those who want to be challenged. Fun and energetic, expect to sweat and leave with choreography that you can use in any routine.
Zoe has been teaching dance for over 30 years and has a wealth of experience choreographing for schools, dance companies, music tours and TV.
She has been Head of Dance at St Mary’s School in Ascot for 26 years and has guided many students onto careers in dance. Her classes are full of dynamic street and commercial styles, encouraging a fun filled atmosphere led by the music and excited by the energy in the room.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office (01344 484123)
Contemporary Technique & Warm Up Masterclass
Sat 15 March 4.30-5.30pm
Tutor: Charlotte Duffy – Artistic Director, Sonder Dance Company
This session will be a warm up with elements of body conditioning, contemporary technique and yoga style stretching. Delivered in the style of a professional company warm up, it will be fast paced and ensure you are stage ready. You will be able to work at your own level and adaptations will be given throughout. There will be a mixture of short, snappy exercises to longer movement phrases culminating in a slow, relaxing wind down. Experience of participating in faster paced dance classes is required, some understanding of contemporary technique would be beneficial but those new to the style are welcome.
Charlotte founded Sonder Dance Company in 2019 as a way to explore intergenerational dance, choreograph meaningful work and provide further opportunities for dancers in the local area.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office (01344 484123)
Open Level Street Dance Masterclass
Sun 16 March 2-3pm
Tutor: Amy Opalko – Dance Inspired
A street dance workshop open to all. This class will be taught at a general level for those looking for a fun and energetic session. Come learn authentic styles of street including the history behind the styles.
Amy Opalko is the founder and choreographer for Dance Inspired, a thriving dance school based in Maidenhead and Windsor. She has been teaching authentic styles of street dance for the last 14 years including breaking, hip hop, locking and waacking and has a government accredited level 4 diploma in Street Dance. She has a passion for these styles, including their rich history and culture, that she shares with her students at Dance Inspired. She has been lucky enough to train in various forms of street dance and has attended classes and workshops with some amazing pioneers including Brooklyn Terry, Tyrone Proctor, Archie Burnett, Suga Pop and many second generation teachers. By furthering her knowledge from some of the greats this has helped to promote an understanding and passion for the various styles ensuring an energy and excitement in her classes.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office (01344 484123)
Contemporary Partnering Masterclass
Sun 16 March 4.30-5.30pm
Tutors: Lauren Williams & Reuben Spencer from Collide Dance
This class will consist of contemporary exercises and contact work. Please bring lots of positive energy to create a safe space to learn together.
We are Dance Collide, an emerging Berkshire based duo looking to create exciting new works for various audiences. Reuben Spencer is a dancer, choreographer and founder of RS Dance Company. He has also produced the Young Performers Showcase at Corn Exchange in Newbury for two consecutive years. Lauren Williams grew up dancing here in Bracknell. She is a recent Laban graduate and founder of Indigo Movement Company which was established in 2021.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office (01344 484123)
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.