Cleo Lake and her Dance Crew on during their 'takeover'. Credit Alastair Brookes/KoLAB Studios

This summer, the RWA is delighted to present ‘Dance Out’, the first exhibition at the RWA to place dance at its very heart. 

Curated by David Remfry RA and art historian James Russell, ‘Dance Out’ brings together an incredible array of paintings, drawings, and film spanning decades of dance culture—moving from 20th-century London and New York straight into Bristol’s vibrant contemporary dance scences. 

Molly No-Mates workshop in the main galleries. Credit Khali Ackford/KoLAB Studios

Opening Weekend: A Day of Dance 

As part of our opening weekend, we collaborated with key partners—including the Diverse Artists Network—to programme a spectacular ‘Day of Dance’. The celebrations brought the building to life with workshops, live performances, and music, all closely connected to the exhibition’s themes and artworks. 

Dance Takeover 

First, we welcomed artist, activist, and former Lord Mayor of Bristol Cleo Lake and her dance crew, who ‘took over’ the forecourt to a jungle soundtrack before weaving through the galleries and ending with a freestyle session on the Beat Blocks Haptic dance floor. 

From Ballet to Molly Dancing 

For our Friends of the RWA community, Bristol-based ballet dancer Rosy Piggott gave a performance and talk in the galleries, offering members an insight into her career and creative practice. 

Bringing a completely different energy to the space, Molly No-Mates—a queer, drag king Molly dancing team—led a lively, interactive workshop that got everyone moving. 

Cleo Lake, Rosy Piggott, and Molly No-Mates also feature in the RWA-commissioned film Night Moves by Melanie Manchot, which is on display as part of the exhibition. 

Cuban Stilt Dancing as part of openeing celebrations. Credit Khali Ackford/KoLAB Studios

Bringing the Energy Outside: The Forecourt Performance Space 

In the afternoon, Diaspora! Festival took over the forecourt with their DJ decks to launch Dances of the Diaspora!. 

A vibrant line-up of performers lit up the outdoor space, treating audiences to everything from Afro-Cuban stilt dancing to traditional Tibetan dance. 

After the outdoor performances, the Diaspora! dancers moved into the galleries, where a sold-out audience enjoyed performances and workshops ranging from Colombian and Greek dance to Dandiya and jungle. 

Dance workshops in the galleries. Credit Khali Ackford/KoLAB Studios

Dance Out celebrates dance in all its forms

Throughout the exhibition we are hosting more workshops and performances—whether you want to watch world-class performers up close, get moving yourself, or immerse yourself in the artwork, there is something for everyone in our programme. 

Dance Out runs until 9 Aug. Click here to find out What's On