From England With Love

After the massive success of the Shechter II dance company in 2022, we are excited to once again present the explosive company to the Danish fans.

The multi-layered complexity of England takes centre stage in Hofesh Shechter’s compelling new work for Shechter II.

“From England With Love” is an ode to this intricate and beautiful country. Through Shechter’s choreography, the dancers evoke the paradox at the heart of this open, generous and soul – searching place, conflicted by its dark history and powerful attachment to old traditions. They draw us into their search for identity and self-knowledge as they grapple with this complex system of values. Performed to a rich score that combines the breath-taking sounds of English composers, presented in a clash with raging rock alongside echoes of choir and electronics in an avant-garde cacophony.

Playful and poignant, full of pride and paradox, “From England With Love” plays like a ‘Dear John’ letter… a farewell note to old England and a peek into the heart and soul of this beautiful, yet complicated place.

Over 1,200 dancers aged between 18 and 25, auditioned for Shechter II from 34 countries and the final eight were 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).

“For pure, heartpounding excitement, there is simply no one to touch him.”
– Daily Express on Hofesh Shechter

Please note:
Recommended age limit: From 13+ years.
The performance contains loud music. Earplugs will be available at the entrance.

Shechter II is Hofesh Shechter Company’s paid development programme for the next generation of emerging artists aged 18-25 – a company of young dancers selected every two years and representing the most exceptional world-class dancers from across globe.

Shechter II is not just about performance – it’s 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. The programme offers an extraordinary proximity to the workings and practices of a major international dance company, working closely with renowned choreographer Hofesh Shechter and touring the UK and Europe with a recreation of his most renowned works, while at the same time providing the support and underpinning that ensures heightened professional readiness.

Launched in 2018, Shechter II attracted critical acclaim and won the Prix de la Critique award for Best Performers at Théâtre de la Ville, Paris, where they staged 29 sold-out performances over two seasons of Hofesh Shechter’s SHOW. In 2020 and 2021, 10 dancers marked the 10th anniversary of Shechter’s acclaimed classic Political Mother by reaching live and digital audiences with POLITICAL MOTHER UNPLUGGED and POLITICAL MOTHER: The Final Cut, a captivating short film, created and directed by Hofesh Shechter and winner of Best Dance Film at Cannes World Film 2022 and winner of their annual award for Best Dance Film 2023.

Shechter II’s third edition of 8 dancers unleased the intensity of Hofesh’s ensemble work in 2022 with Contemporary Dance 2.0 – A rhythmic, fiercely energetic and exhilarating performance featuring an eclectic sound-score with euphoric feel and throbbing beats. This work achieved global recognition by reaching 35,000 audiences internationally, including 25 sell-out performances in Paris and at festival weekends of the National Theatre’s River Stage, Latitude and Lowlands Festivals. And in 2024 the 8 dancers of Shechter II present 2From England With Love”, a work evoking the paradox at the heart of this open, generous and soul – searching country, conflicted by its dark history and powerful attachment to old traditions. Alongside the Shechter II 2024 programme, is a new professional development offer – Jerwood 🖤 SII – funded by the Jerwood Developing Artists Fund.