The West Midlands is one of the UK’s biggest and best dance hubs, with venues hosting everything from classical ballets to snake-hipped Strictly stars strutting their samba stuff. Here’s a selection of productions hot-shoe shuffling their way into the region over the next few weeks...

IMPERIAL CLASSICAL BALLET: SWAN LAKE

Imperial Classical Ballet presents a spectacular production of a timeless classic. Set to Tchaikovsky’s mesmerising score, Swan Lake tells the story of Odette, a beautiful princess who, caught under the wicked spell of the evil Von Rothbart, must spend the daytime hours as a swan, returning to human form only when night falls... A sumptuous visual feast, Swan Lake is ideal not only for the seasoned dance-goer but also the first-time trier.

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 4 & Tues 5 November; Malvern Theatres, Sun 24 November

RHYTHM OF THE DANCE: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Rhythm Of The Dance has so far been seen in over 50 countries by more than seven million people. If you’re not yet among them, this latest version (coming complete with a collection of Christmas songs) provides a perfect opportunity to catch up with one of the most popular Irish step dance offerings in the world.

Lichfield Garrick, Wednesday 6 November; Malvern Theatres, Thursday 7 November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Saturday 9 November; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Monday 18 November

PCK DANCE: IMAGO

Following long and impressive careers with Company Wayne McGregor, elite dancers Travis Clausen-Knight and James Pett have teamed up to present what they describe as a sophisticated and daring dance duet. 
“Imago is a very particular universe that you step into,” James explained to the website SeeingDance. “We want the audience to experience a sort of isolated island that they can really hone in on. Our ideas come from an immediate realisation of something in ourselves; our personal experience. In Imago, it was about moments in relationships where we saw destructive behaviour, both in ourselves and in others.” 

Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Wednesday 13 November

THE NUTCRACKER

Sir Peter Wright’s version of this firm festive family favourite returns to the Hippodrome courtesy (of course) of Birmingham Royal Ballet. 
Created in 1990 as a thank-you to the city for its support of the company following its move to the Midlands from London’s Sadler Wells, Sir Peter’s production is seen by many as the finest interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and mesmerising score.
In true Christmas spirit, the story follows the young Clara as she’s swept up in a fantasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery, before finally being transformed into a beautiful ballerina.
A magical, must-see show for theatre-going dance lovers everywhere, the production was two years ago enhanced by a £1million makeover.
BRB’s first-ever ‘relaxed performance’ of The Nutcracker will take place on the 3rd of December at 12.45pm.

Birmingham Hippodrome, Friday 22 November - Saturday 14 December