Issues surrounding migration, home, borders and identity pose some of the biggest questions of our time. Choreographed and performed by Akeim Toussaint Buck, Windows of Displacement, is an autobiographical solo blending dance, song and spoken word.
Through the lens of imperialism, colonialism and global displacement, he weaves a story that speaks to the experiences and lives entangled in the politics of power and oppression. Using his own journey of migration from Jamaica to the UK as a catalyst, Toussaint Buck presents the threads connecting oppression, from the Transatlantic Slave Trade, to the current mining and exploitation of the Congo.
Part of Leap Dance Festival 2026. Commissioned by Yorkshire Dance Amplified and Northern School of Contemporary Dance through the Northern Connections programme, delivered in partnership with Spin Arts and Leeds Beckett University. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
An evening of new work by LGBTQIA+ artists from Liverpool, commissioned for Leap 2026.
Amber Buttery and Owen Gillott Subverting a traditional Ballroom sequence dance through a queer lens, the work will break away from ‘expected’ gender roles in partner dance and celebrate queer identity.
Rowena Gander A physical theatre piece exploring the impact of narcissistic abuse and objectification on an individual’s sense of self, agency, and bodily autonomy, created in collaboration with director Izzie Major. These two new works have been commissioned by Culture Liverpool for Leap Dance Festival 2026.
Jake Evans’ Queer New World combines dance, drag, spoken word and performance art. Taking inspiration from club floors and DIY cabarets, he asks us to consider what parts of ourselves do we have to destroy, in order to survive in this world?
House of Suarez presents a new piece celebrating 20 years of vogue, theatre and costume moments from the runway.
Part of Leap Dance Festival 2026. Two of the works shared are new commissions by Culture Liverpool, funded by UKSPF. Produced by Chaos Arts.
A chilled Lindy Hop social dance on a Saturday evening.
Kicks off at 7.30pm upstairs at Brooklyn Mixer on Seel Street. Free of charge, bring some mates and let’s have a boogie!
The Smackdown, now in it’s 12th year, is a one day dance extravaganza right here in Liverpool! Featuring a day of workshops, an evening of social dancing and performances and one hell of an after party.
Although we specialise in Jazz and Swing dancing here at Mersey Swing, the Smackdown is a chance for us to explore what the rest of the dance world has to offer. In the past, we’ve had Locking, Afro Beat, Flamenco, Tap, Breaking and so much more. So click on our website to see what this year’s event has in store.
Split Level music with Phil Chisnall and Lynne Strange.
The duo specialise in strong vocal harmony accompanied by Phil’s haunting guitar, performing a broad range of contemporary covers as well as Phil’s own critically acclaimed, self written songs.
They have performed at many local venues and folk clubs, where their unique blend of musical entertainment captivates any audience.
We are looking forward to welcoming Split Level music back to the Williamson.
The Williamson Café will be open for drinks and light bites.
We’re welcoming the ever-popular Annie Long Trio back to the Williamson for another performance.
‘Step into Spring’ as we welcome sultry Wirral jazz Singer Annie Long together with her talented and versatile musicians.
They will be performing a stylish set of swing, blues, bossas and ballads.
The Café will be open for drinks and light bites.
Cafe Information
Join us at the gorgeous Lark Lane Community Centre on Saturday 18th April. There’ll be a Peabody Taster class with Jess and Owen followed by a tea dance with Mersey Swing DJs and sweet treats.
The Peabody is a fun and easy partner dance from the 1910s and is usually danced to Ragtime music. Visit our website for more information and to register.
Peabody Taster:12.30pm-1.30pm
Tea Dance: 1.30pm-5pm
This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath.
When midnight strikes, we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…
Founded in 1947, the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet returns to the UK following a breathtaking debut tour. Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.
From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.
From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.
