Watch Dance Class | Dickson Mbi

See Dickson's work take shape

We’re inviting you into our theatre for a rare behind-the-scenes experience!

Our Watch Dance Class offers the chance to spend time observing Olivier Award-winning Dickson Mbi at work, seeing the creative approach of making his newest dance work, TELLUS. It’s a great fit for people who’ve taken part in our classes or workshops, fans of Dickson’s work, dance lovers, school groups, artists interested in observing or life drawing, or simply anyone curious about how a professional dance company prepares for a premiere performance.

Sit, draw, write or observe.

The beauty of our Watch Dance Classes is that they are led entirely by the artist. What you see on the day could include warm-ups, practising technique, working through movement ideas, or rehearsing movement material all in preparation for Dickson’s premiere performance. Taking place in our theatre with a regular seating layout, you’re welcome to sit, draw, write or quietly observe. There’s no photography or filming, and the focus is on watching and listening, therefore we ask everyone to be respectful while the company is working.

Spaces are free but must be booked in advance.

About Dickson Mbi

Dickson Mbi is an award-winning dancer, choreographer and composer.

At the beginning of 2020, Dickson Mbi previewed Enowate at the Jerwood DanceHouse to a sold-out audience, he then gave a down to earth post show talk which made our audiences love him even more. That piece went on to win an Olivier Award in 2023 for Outstanding Achievement in Dance. He has been commissioned by theatres, festivals and arts organisations including Northern Ballet and Scottish Ballet.

In 2023 for DanceEast’s #MoveBeMoved40 campaign, which celebrated 40 years of the organisation, Dickson spoke about his connection to DanceEast, and particularly Brendan Keaney OBE, our former Artistic Director and Chief Executive:

“Brendan has always been a key figure to me, even when I was 18 – 19 and started dancing. When I did my first full length piece, Enowate, he was a real, major supporter. I did the first draft of Enowate at the Lowry in Salford, and DanceEast helped me develop it further, which is how we got to bring the full thing to Sadler’s Wells.

Every time I’m in that building at DanceEast, I feel really welcome. The staff you see are really open and welcoming. I had a great time teaching their CAT (Centre for Advanced Training) students, and every time I perform there, it is always more or less a full house and I’m just a guy from east London, you know, I don’t expect to have a full house!”

Dickson Mbi was born in Cameroon and grew up in London. He is a world-renowned dancer in the Hip Hop dance community, which is integral to the work he creates today. Dickson has worked with award-winning artists such as Russell Maliphant, Boy Blue Entertainment, Robbie Williams, Corrine Bailey-Rae, Black Eyed Peas and CHVRCHES.

In 2018, Sadler’s Wells Theatre produced a documentary for BBC4 about Dickson’s artistic journey. As a composer, Dickson’s score for TWICE BORN: was released in 2025 by Chester Music label.

Drawing upon his hybrid cultural experience of his African heritage and East London upbringing, Dickson Mbi has developed a unique form of expression fuelled by the desire to unite, connect, learn and create through the human experience.