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Skate culture collides spectacularly with dance as Danish choreographer Mette Ingvartsen explores the speed and energy of movement on wheels - a passion from her youth - when Skatepark glides into Sadler’s Wells East next week.

Ahead of the latest groundbreaking performance to explore the possibilities of the new flexible auditorium, we spoke to Mathias Thiers, one of the skaters in the show, for this week’s Q&A…

What are the particular challenges to skating on stage as part of a choreographed work?

At the beginning of the project, one of the biggest challenges was finding the balance between attempting more difficult tricks and sticking with the tricks we were confident in. In a way, the consistency of how you skate is important for the piece. However, we are still allowed to fall, as that’s part of skating, and it also highlights that skating isn't always as easy as it might appear.

Since there’s choreography, and sometimes we skate quite close to each other, it can be a challenge to perform as a large group in a small space. But now, after performing the show many times, we've become more accustomed to skating together in small spaces.

We also have a better understanding of how each person skates. In a way, I like that there is always a sense of challenge, as it pushes you out of your comfort zone—every performance is slightly different.

What most excites you about bringing this particular show to the Sadler’s Wells East space?

Personally, I’m most excited that this new venue gives international dance companies the chance to perform their works across all genres of dance. I think it’s beautiful that they support this, and I’m really curious to see the reactions to the new space itself.

The Olympic Park has a strong skate and skateboard community - what do you hope to bring to the show by featuring local skaters at the beginning?

One of the most beautiful things about skating is that it brings people together from all walks of life, and that’s why skateboarding has such strong communities around the world. Through this performance, I hope to motivate the skaters in the audience to keep skating.

Skateparks are full of life, and so much happens there. I think involving local East London skaters in the show will highlight their own local skate culture, showing that we are all part of one big community.

Why should locals make sure to come out and see Skatepark?

Our performance is filled with energy and emotion. A lot happens in a short amount of time. By the end of the show, I’m sure the audience will feel like moving, dancing, singing, or even skating themselves. Everyone interprets the show in their own way and is, in some way, inspired by the energy and emotions that come through. So, if you're looking for inspiration or motivation, I would definitely recommend coming.

Mette Ingvartsen’s Skatepark runs 10th-12th Apr at Sadler’s Wells East. More info and to book tickets from just £15 here

🪑 A contemporary reinterpretation of a Victorian park bench exploring representation, identity, and place, Please Take A Seat has been developed by artist Mahtab Hussain in collaboration with The Line’s Youth Collective. It marks East London art trail The Line’s further expansion into the Olympic Park, and launches with a special event this Thurs 3rd Apr where it can be found, near Tessa Jowell Boulevard. The engraved prompt ‘Hello, let’s make a portrait together’ invites you to sit, reflect and use the bench as a prop to create your own portrait and share using #PortraitsOnTheLine.
Read an extended interview with the artist in Made In Shoreditch magazine here.

🍞 The Mr Toastman & His Wee Pals Exhibition by London-based Glaswegian artist Rab showcases characters from a work-in-progress animated story. The story blends fiction and reality, exploring our relationship with escapism. Rab will be down at the show at Two More Years on Wed 9th Apr from 7.30pm selling prints and sharing some background to the Toastman Universe. Prints start at £25 and all profits will be going to the City and East London Bereavement Service - a charity close to Rab. Exhibitions runs until 13th Apr.

🪮 Delve into the world of hair at Indra Gallery on Sun 13th Apr at The Hair Summit London, a jam-packed event full of tips, tricks, and trends for textured hair. Hairstylists and beauty enthusiasts can enjoy live demos, science-backed hair care, masterclasses, and networking, with exclusive shopping, giveaways, and prizes, too.

🖼️ The long-running Trellis art programme, which brings together artists, UCL researchers and East London’s communities to co-create work is currently showing its fifth exhibition at UCL East Marshgate. A Place of Our Making is a multisensory experience which includes a chance to smell a ‘bagel brick’, shake hands with a 7ft high puppet or join in sensory walks, film screenings and creative workshops. Runs to 13th Apr.

New on thisisthewick.com this week…

🎂 It’s Number 90s big 11th birthday bash this Sat 5th Apr with the likes of Lulah Francis, Cinthie, Just Jam, Jive Talk and Jhobei proving the tunes across three spaces including a takeover of the boat by the legendary Oneman, and Terry Francis playing an exclusive set for the first time at the venue, showcasing the old school tech house sound which has been so influential on the London scene.

🌐 Join the World Music Big Band tomorrow, Thurs 3rd Apr for a night of jazz fusion, African and Latin grooves plus dancing, food and drinks at Fabwick.

🔊 The 26-year-old Bristolian drum and bass star A Little Sound comes to London for her biggest headline show yet and her new party concept: A Lotta Noise! It’s running in the early session 7pm-10pm at Colour Factory this Sat 5th Apr.

🎺 A unique musical experience that breaks the mould, Not The Usual Jam Session is hosted by David (The Orbalist, Hackney Rhythm) and is accessible for everyone—no more pay-to-play, no more rehearsed sets. A space where synths, sequencers, MPCs, and E-drums harmonise with guitars, basses, keys, and acoustic drums at Grow on Sun 6th Apr.

⚽ The Baller League is the high-octane 6-a-side, influencer-led football tournament headlined by KSI with celebrity managers and coaches Gary Lineker, John Terry and Luis Figo, Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires. Former Premier League players, futsal players and celebrities face one another in 12 teams for short games with rule twists, light shows and more at The Copper Box Arena from now until June. Next match is Mon 7th Apr, tickets here.

🏊🏻‍♀️ The 2025 Aquatics GB Swimming Championships is a six-day, fully-integrated para-swimming and swimming programme of incredible action, following on from the success of the 2024 event, which saw sell-out crowds in the stands to watch world-class racing and a series of British and World records fall. Taking place at the QEOP’s iconic London Aquatics Centre from 15th - 20th Apr, there’s an allocation of complimentary tickets available for schools, not-for-profit community organisations and charities supporting children, young people and groups in London, so apply now.

🎨 Head to The Ecology Pavilion in Mile End Park tomorrow, Thurs 3rd Apr to Tower Hamlets Arts Sharing & Networking Event 2025 to learn more about opportunities for Tower Hamlets-based arts sector professionals. You’ll hear from a range of speakers inc Arts Council England, Queen Mary University London, Oitij-jo Collective and the Council’s Voluntary and Community Sector Team about the latest grants and research, plus plenty of networking with like-minded locals.

🔮 Join a dynamic group of policymakers, innovators, industry leaders, and investors for an afternoon of discussion, debate, and knowledge-sharing at the SHIFT Innovation Forum on Tues 23d Apr at Plexal. The event will focus around how innovation can source local solutions to national challenges - with a special spotlight on the Future Industries Demonstrator (FID) and other programmes driving impact across London.

🫂 After 18 successful months, the current iteration of community business mentoring and support initiative Hackney Impact is coming to an end, so join the Hackney Impact Wrap-Up Celebration for an evening of inspiring conversations, and a chance to connect with fellow business owners, councillors, and programme supporters over great food and music by Stoke Newington Music School. It all happens on Thurs 3rd Apr at Hoxton Arches.

💡 Cultural Hackney is a fund that supports communities in Hackney to plan and deliver culture-led projects that can develop, reflect and celebrate their community interests, diversity or heritage. .Round 3 of the community grant scheme offers up to £4k to deliver projects that are culturally-led and community focused. Deadline 11th Apr.