Late-night parties, DJs and Tarot readings, Diwali celebrations, free dance classes and more on The Dance Floor at Sadler’s Wells East this autumn

Sadler’s Wells announces a series of free late-night parties kicking off from this weekend to complement its programming at Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford. This autumn, The Dance Floor - the public performance space at Sadler’s Wells East - also hosts free lunchtime dance classes in a range of styles including Soca & Old Skool Dancehall, Funky Social Dance and Collective Pulse, a celebration of Diwali, dance battles and artist-led workshops.

Natasha Anderson, Head of Community Engagement at Sadler’s Wells, said: “Since its opening in February, The Dance Floor at Sadler’s Wells East has become a cherished space for connection, creativity, and celebration. We've been deeply moved by the community’s response—people of all ages and backgrounds have shared how the space has brought them joy, inspired movement, and fostered meaningful connections through their love of dance. It continues to be a vibrant platform for artistic expression, and we look forward to the unforgettable moments as it continues to flourish.” 

Rob Jones, Associate Artistic Director at Sadler's Wells, said “As Sadler’s Wells East comes to life and begins its first official autumn season The Dance Floor has been a beacon for the community and artists to connect, and it’s been extremely impactful. This autumn, we will continue to build momentum with more opportunities for social dance, as well as extending the world of some of our performances with Sadler’s Wells Lates, bringing a new dimension to what the building can mean to people. We continue to programme fantastic performances and moments for community artists to take over the foyer, and this energy will grow and grow as time passes - it's the gift that keeps on giving and we can't wait to share more.”

East Lates
Fri 3 Oct, Fri 24 Oct, and Fri 7 Nov 2025 – 8.30pm-midnight

Following performances on 3 Fridays across the autumn, The Dance Floor and the surrounding public areas will be taken over by international DJs, Tarot readings and live jazz and dub music late into the night.

On Friday 3 October, following Andrea Peña & Artists’ BOGOTÁ which is presented as part of this year’s Dance Umbrella, underground Latinx queer collective SUZIO will take over The Dance Floor, continuing the exploration of Colombia’s vivid heritage. DJs KAANIJO and IDK?MOMO present a mix of reggaeton, funk, cumbiaton and experimental electronic as the party continues, while Afrolion will be on hand doing Tarot readings.

To complement the UK premiere of Sadler’s Wells Artistic Associate Alesandra Seutin’s Mimi’s Shebeen, which celebrates the legacy of iconic South African singer and activist Miriam Makeba, DJ Low-Key will play a set on The Dance Floor. The sounds of ampiano, afrobeats, zazzy and house will transform the public areas of Sadler’s Wells East into an underground shebeen on Friday 24 October.

Toussaint to Move’s Free – a powerful journey that celebrates resistance, rhythm and the radical joy of freedom – will be followed by a live performance by the One Love Orchestra. The Dance Floor will be turned into an epic reggae dance party on Fri 7 November with original music from the show as well as jazz and dub music.

Diwali Celebration of Light & Unity
Sat 11 Oct, 10am-6pm

With over four decades of experience in creating unforgettable cultural events, Sujata Banerjee Dance Company will celebrate Diwali with a takeover on The Dance Floor. Throughout the day, audiences can expect performances in classical, folk and Bollywood styles by artists, youth groups and community dancers. There will also be live Bhangra drumming, Rangoli art with activities for children, and an exclusive Kathak performance with live music accompaniment. Sujata Banerjee is one of the UK’s most respected Kathak artists — a visionary choreographer, educator, and mentor with a global reputation.

3Style Friday dance battle
Fri 25 Oct, 3-7pm

Galleon Arts Centre brings Barking’s best kept secret, 3Style Friday dance battle to The Dance Floor this October. This high energy battle has been an underground hub and formative training ground for dancers and spectators alike across its 16 year-long life span. Rooted in hip-hop by its pioneering founder Jade Hackett, 3Style Fridays is entrenched on peer-to-peer support and love for the culture.

Dancers progress their passion through 1 on 1, all-styles dance battles. Freedom of movement and expression underpinned by an energetic and versatile live soundtrack. 

For this special October event, there’s an esteemed line up of judges including Shawn Aimey, and Hazel Culliney, alongside DJ Joshua Costanzo and host Dani Harris-Walters. 

Family Dance Workshop with Akram Khan Company
Sat 1 Nov 2025, 12.45pm

To coincide with Akram Khan Company’s much-loved production Chotto Desh at Sadler’s Wells East (Thursday 30 October – Saturday 1 November), members of the company present a family dance workshop on The Dance Floor. Through storytelling and dance, the accessible workshop for young people aged 7+ and their families will bring participants together to explore the themes of the show. 

Lunchtime Dance Classes
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 12-1pm

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from September through to December, audiences can join in free lunchtime dance classes on The Dance Floor. Offering local residents, workers and anyone who would like to join in an opportunity to get up and move, the dance classes are perfect for all ages and skill levels. All sessions are adapted for seated exercise too.

On Mondays, London-based artist Pepa Ubera teaches Collective Pulse – an hour of joyful contemporary improvised movement. Originally from Madrid, Pepa Ubera is known for her internationally presented choreographic and interdisciplinary work that challenges social structures. She presents the world premiere of The Machine of Horizontal Dreams at Sadler’s Wells East from Thursday 16 – Saturday 18 October.

On Wednesdays, Sam Haynes – a powerhouse in Hip Hop and Funk Styles whose performance credits include brands such as Nike and Love Supreme Festival and who lectures at London Contemporary Dance School leads sessions in Funky Social Dance. Each class includes a warm-up, uplifting music and a playful vibe and audiences will work on short choreographies and might even finish with a Soul Train line.

Wellness & Dance specialist Tamara Josephine who uses mindfulness to inspire connection, resilience and self-awareness runs Friday classes on Soca & Old Skool Dancehall. These high energy workshops explore the liberating rhythms of the Caribbean and are full of infectious beats and a celebratory spirit.

The free lunchtime classes on The Dance Floor are designed to boost energy, connect people with a shared passion of dance, empower people to learn new dance skills and connect with rich cultural heritages and learn historical insights into different dance styles.

The Floor is Yours
Throughout autumn

When The Dance Floor at Sadler’s Wells East is not hosting workshops or late night parties, it is free to use by dancers and choreographers to use to practice their own work. The space is available at set times in the day and evenings and participants can plug into the speakers to dance to music of their choice. The spaces is to be shared by dancers of all ages, backgrounds, skill levels and dance styles. More information can be found here.

Family Freestyle
Every Thursday, 10am and 11am

Throughout autumn, on Thursday mornings The Dance Floor at Sadler’s Wells East plays host to workshops for children aged 2-4 and their parents and carers led by professional dance artists. Covering a wide range of dance styles the workshops help children to develop coordination, creative thinking and social interaction. Free tickets can be booked in advance.