Hofesh Shechter Company today announced the eight dancers selected to join the prestigious company Shechter II. The selected dancers represent the very best of the next generation of contemporary dance artists and will be performing in Hofesh Shechter’s compelling new work, From England with Love. The show will embark on an extensive UK and international tour throughout 2024, with full dates and venues to be announced shortly.
Over 1,200 dancers aged between 18 and 25 auditioned for Shechter II from 34 countries, with the final eight drawn from the most inspiring young talent across the world. They are Holly Brennan (UK), Yun-chi Mai (Taiwan), Eloy Cojal Mestre (Spain), Matthea Lára Pedersen (Iceland), Piers Sanders (UK), Rowan Van Sen (Netherlands) Gaetano Signorelli (Italy) and Toon Theunissen (Belgium).
From England with Love is a paean to the multi-layered complexity that is England. Through Shechter’s choreography, the dancers will evoke the paradox at the heart of this open, generous, and soul-searching land, conflicted by its dark history and powerful attachment to deep-rooted traditions. They draw us into their search for identity and self-knowledge as they grapple with this complex system of values.
Playful and poignant, full of pride and paradox, From England with Love is performed like a ‘Dear John’ letter, a farewell note to old England and a glimpse into the heart and soul of this beautiful, yet complicated place.
Performed to an original score composed by Shechter, this new piece will bring together the beauty, wit and invention of the best of English classical composers, presented in a clash with raging rock alongside echoes of choral song and electronics in an avant-garde cacophony.
Launched in 2018, Shechter II builds on Hofesh Shechter Company’s firm commitment to nurturing young artists and helping to shape the future of contemporary dance. Few up-and-coming dancers have the chance to create and perform work and deliver our outreach in different spaces to different audiences, supported by an experienced creative and technical team. Shechter II provides a full programme of professionally aligned research and development which aims to develop young dance artists who deeply understand their practice, who are engaged, curious and who embrace self-reflection.
