Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, in partnership with Farnham Maltings, has announced the return of Doorstep Duets, bringing free, world-class dance performances to communities across South-East England from 1–26 July 2025.
Now in its fifth year, Doorstep Duets was originally launched in 2021 as a response to social isolation. The initiative offers free performances in local streets, parks, libraries, and community spaces, making dance more accessible to all.
This year’s programme features a brand-new piece titled My Feet Don’t Quite Touch the Floor, choreographed by Shelby Williams. The work has been developed in collaboration with New Adventures’ artistic team Kerry Biggin and Etta Murfitt, alongside company dancers.
Choreographer Shelby Williams said:
“Having watched the legacy of Doorstep Duets creators before me with fascination and warmth, to offer a piece this year has felt like a wonderful way to pay some of that joy forward.
Creating, watching, and sharing dance, and of course dancing itself, are all joyful things. They make us feel happier and more connected to ourselves and those around us. Sharing my love of dance through this piece to those that may not have access to it otherwise is an honour and a privilege.
My wish is that every person who watches this show leaves feeling more joyous than when they arrived. After seeing our show, if even one person embraces their differences and finds the bravery to share their own creativity with others, then in my mind this piece has been a resounding success. Now, let’s go change the world!”
My Feet Don’t Quite Touch the Floor is inspired by the early journeys of two legendary dancers, celebrating imagination, creativity, and the courage to follow one’s own path.
The piece will be performed by Maddison Araceli, Andrew Ashton, Will Heron, Rosanna Lindsey, and Ellie Peacock.
Public performances begin on 1 July at Farnham Maltings and will tour locations including Colchester, Canterbury, Margate, Ramsgate, Woking, and Epsom, concluding at Latitude Festival on 26 July.
New Adventures is working with a range of partners for the 2025 tour, including The Children’s Trust, Dance Network Association, Mercury Theatre Colchester, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Future Foundry, ARK Cliftonville, Surrey Libraries, and Latitude Festival.
Doorstep Duets is supported by Arts Council England and The Head Family.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
