Three dancers dressed in teal athleticwear lean to the right
A Body of Rumours. Credit: Nora Houguenade

A celebration and a homecoming: Alchemy by Liam Francis at the Corn Exchange

Dance and Circus, Features, Events, Dance

On 4 March, Liam Francis Dance Company debuts at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange with a double bill of work, Alchemy. But it’s not the first time Liam has performed here...

Award-winning choreographer Liam Francis, whose work has been presented around the world, began his career as a dance student at BHASVIC and had his first performance on the Corn Exchange stage. Now, as his dance company celebrates its first anniversary, Liam returns to Brighton Dome.

Blending influences from ballet, hip hop and contemporary, Alchemy explores identity, community and transformation. Read on to find out more about this thought-provoking double bill. 

Liam Fancis holding a nude unitard over his body with his eyes raised to the ceiling.
Liam Francis in Lyre Liar. Photo: Lee Baxter

Alchemy opens with Lyre Liar, a dance experience that crosses the boundaries of hip hop, ballet and contemporary in one solo performance. Inspired by the lyrebird, which mimics other birds to create its own unique song, the piece traces the journey of Liam’s dance career through excerpts from pivotal works that have shaped his experience. With vulnerability and wit – and a short lecture – Liam showcases visionary dance artists, his own creative voice and unpacks the complexities of shifting identities. 

Lyre Liar Trailer

A shirtless dancer against a black background
A Body of Rumours. Credit: Cndc Angers.

The second performance, A Body of Rumours, is a consideration of identity and brotherhood. A group of Black men perform a dynamic and intimate quartet, with choreography that draws from ballet, hip hop and contemporary forms. As they move, the dancers travel from the tensions of isolation, competition and comparison to the joy of connection and the beauty of bodies moving in harmony. Electronic musician Chloe Mason captures the noises of the dancers’ bodies live, building a unique, responsive ‘mixtape’ of sounds to accompany their performance. 

Alchemy will be preceded by a curtain-raiser from current BHASVIC dance students. Liam and the dancers have reworked existing repertoire to create a thoughtful piece exploring empathy, community and support.

Four black male dancers jump on stage lit from the side by a single warm light which outlines their bodies

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