Pavilion Dance South West has got a fantastic line up for 2026 as they continue to celebrate their 15th year in their venue by the sea in central Bournemouth.
Press release from PDSW:
We’ve extended our theatre programme and introduced a new 3 Show Ticket Bundle to give theatre goers over 40% discount to 3 shows over 12 months. From 1930s Paris cabaret to the first female samurai we’ve got something for all the family. Some shows are selling fast this season so we encourage early booking.
See full line up here: https://www.pdsw.org.uk/whats-on/
See more about our Discounts and Offers here: https://www.pdsw.org.uk/your-visit/discounts-and-offers/
WHAT’S ON IN OUR OCEAN THEATRE (JAN – JUNE 2026)
JANUARY 2026
Open Doors 2026
24th Jan
A day of workshops and an evening performance from local community groups to welcome in 2026!
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/open-doors-2026
FEBURARY 2026
The Monocle by Rendez-Vous dance
6th Feb, 7.30pm
Inspired by the notorious Parisian lesbian nightclub of the 1930s, this is the last tour of a much loved show. Join us for one last soiree of dance, storytelling, live music with chanteuse Imogen Banks and a community cast interval performance.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/the-monocle
Wild Women Workshops
Every Sat from 7th – 28th Feb
Wild Workshops by Chhaya Collective weave together dance, physical theatre, voice, and crafts as powerful tools to explore and celebrate our vibrant, powerful, and wonderfully wild selves. Based on the four seasons, join one or all four workshops.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/classes-and-workshops/wild-women
February Ceilidh Social Dance with Bristol Ceilidh Quartet
Sat 7th Feb, 7pm
We welcome back live music with the Bristol Ceilidh Quartet for a fun night of tunes and dancing in our Ocean Theatre. Great way to brush off the cobwebs for the season ahead!
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/ceilidh
Evim by Ceyda Tanc Dance
14th Feb, 11.30am/1pm/3.30pm
A mesmersing family show for ages 2-7 years and their grown ups. This spellbinding performance is a wonderful introduction to dance theatre for young children using captivating movement and enchanting music in this non-verbal and sensory show.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/evim
One Foot in the Dark by Divija Mellaly and Saili Katebe
Fri 27 Feb, 7.30pm
We’re thrilled to host our former Visiting Artists Divija and Saili to present their poetic and powerful double bill exploring identity, culture and transformation.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/one-foot-in-the-dark
MARCH 2026
Mixed Bill by mapdance
Fri 6 Mar, 7.30pm
University of Chichester’s MA touring company brings an enticing, new set of exciting works by renowned and upcoming contemporary choreographers, including Cathy Waller, Luca Silvestrini (who brought us the sold out kids show The Magic Flute in Nov), Yukiko Masui (coming in May with RONiN) and Amy Morvell.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/mixed-bill/
New Waves Scratch Night
Wed 25 Mar, 6.30pm
We welcome back New Waves! Scratch Nights are a chance for professional artists to show works in progress and gain audience feedback. Expect a variety of short works presented from artists based within our region.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/new-waves-scratch-night-2
Spring Revue
Sun 29 Mar, 6pm
The Revue is back for Spring 2026. A celebration of our weekly classes as they showcase what they have been working on this term. An evening of diverse dance styles and skills, there’s something for everyone in this variety performance.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/spring-revue-2026
APRIL 2026
Triptych by Lewis Major Projects
Fri 10 Apr, 7.30pm
Triptych is a fascinating triple bill of award-winning dance works – within a captivating and whirling maelstrom of movement, sound and light.
According to The Scotsman, “Triptych is a triumph from beginning to end… If you’re a dance fan and haven’t yet done so, stop what you’re doing and book your tickets.”
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/triptych-2
West Coast Swing Social Dance
Sat 11th Apr, 7pm (with one-hour workshop & DJ)
We are excited for another West Coast Swing Social Night. There’s a 1 hour class from 7pm, led by Mandy Henderson, to learn some new moves and rhythms of this smooth social dance. Followed by DJ playing the tunes from 8pm. Ticket options with/without workshop from £10.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/west-coast-swing-event
shed-ache by aKa Theatre
Sat 18 Apr, 11am & 2pm
shed-ache is a seriously silly dance theatre show that transports little people and their grown ups – expect downpours, lava floors and socks falling out of the sky. This laugh out loud production explores the give and take of friendship, the power of imagination and the importance to embrace experiences whatever the weather. Suitable for 2 years +.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/shed-ache
MAY 2026
RONiN by Yukiko Masui
Fri 8 May, 7.30pm
Enter the world of RONiN, where dance, swordplay, and cutting-edge digital projections come together to tell the story of a lone female samurai warrior navigating honour, resilience, and survival in a male dominated world. Expect this to sell fast!
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/ronin
May Ceilidh with Monkey See Monkey Do
Sat 9 May, 7pm
Join us for a Ceilidh this May Day Season where we welcome back Monkey See Monkey Do to our Ocean Theatre, for an evening of fun Ceilidh dances and jigs to live music.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/ceilidh-3
Kontemporary Korea presents Burnt Offering by 99ArtCompany
Fri 15 May, 7.30pm
Burnt Offering brings powerful Korean music, voice and dance to express the stories burning within us. A moving reflection on modern life, this offering seeks meaning, beauty and peace.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/kontemporary-korea-burnt-offering
JUNE 2026
A Night of Hip Hop with Just Us Apprentice Company
Fri 5 June, 7.30pm
Witness the extraordinary talents of this new generation of performers.Led by Artistic Director Joseph Toonga, Just Us Dance Theatre proudly presents the UK’s inaugural paid Hip Hop Dance Apprenticeship Programme performance. Featuring new work from Dutch artist and choreographer Chandenie Gobardhan and a new collaboration by choreographers Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy MBE and Joseph Toonga.
https://www.pdsw.org.uk/events/a-night-of-hip-hop-theatre
Shows are selling fast this season, so early booking is recommended. We are thrilled to offer this wider programme and look forward to seeing you in our theatre soon!
If you are interested in coming along to see any of the upcoming shows to find out more about what we do here at Pavilion Dance or to review a show please let me know – we’d love you to enjoy a family show or an evening performance in our Ocean Theatre.
PAVILION DANCE SOUTH WEST is a registered charity (1111641) dedicated to transforming communities through dance. We offer dance experiences that are relevant, diverse, inclusive, and captivating. Our seaside creative hub in Bournemouth is home to our dancing community, with our historic seafront building home to two modern dance studios and a 197-seat theatre.
Through theatre and outdoor performances, weekly dance classes, in-school workshops, social dance events, screenings, and many other activities, we welcome people of all backgrounds to experience the embodied joy of dancing.