Sadler’s Wells East: New Dance Studios, Auditorium and Community Hub in Stratford

Sadler’s Wells East welcomes artists and the local community, becoming the UK’s newest hub for the creation, performance and exploration of dance in all its forms.

Part of the new East Bank cultural precinct in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Sadler’s Wells East is the organisation’s fourth venue, joining Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Islington, the Peacock Theatre and the Lilian Baylis Studio.

Harlequin has partnered with Sadler’s Wells for over 25 years, working closely on both venue based work and touring productions. Oli Clark, Sadler’s Wells’ Technical Director, said: “Harlequin have been reliable partners of Sadler’s Wells for many years. There is good support and advice there which is crucial as we are constantly making and creating dance.”

Sadler’s Wells East features six dance studios, each equipped with a Harlequin Activity sprung floor and a Harlequin Cascade performance surface, giving dancers the comfort and safety needed to perform at their best. A wide variety of styles take place at Sadler’s Wells East from ballet and contemporary to tap and flamenco.

Jamie Stirling, Harlequin’s International Development Director, said: “Working with the Sadler’s Wells technical team meant we could identify the ideal flooring solutions to meet both performance and durability requirements for this exciting new space.”

Harlequin’s work went beyond the studios. The auditorium featured a Harlequin Liberty sprung floor, working with a fully flexible seating system for up to 600 people. When retracted, the auditorium space transforms into a large open dance floor, enabling immersive and experimental performances.

The auditorium stage was finished with a sacrificial oil-tempered hardboard surface painted black. Harlequin also supplied Harlequin Cascade and Harlequin Reversible Pro performance vinyl floors for stage use.

Another key area of Sadler’s Wells East is the foyer, home to the Community Hub. Here, artists perform on a Harlequin Cascade vinyl floor, presenting their work to the public and inspiring the local community through live performance.

Sadler’s Wells East is now open, offering a bold programme of performances, rehearsals and community events that will help shape the future of dance in the UK.