Dance Umbrella Festival's Change Tempo programme brings a double bill that introduces two distinctive international artists set to make their mark, while challenging expectations of dance.
See two vibrant UK premieres in one night.
Siren Dance by Stockholm-based Australian artist and Cullberg dancer Lilian Steiner plays with seduction, illusion and shifting truths. A siren beckons – an invitation laced with desire and deception. The dance unfolds, morphs and adapts, slipping between honesty and artifice, drawing the audience into its magnetic pull. It’s a mesmerising exploration of power, transformation, and the fine line between authenticity and disguise.
Random Taranto by Spanish flamenco dancer María del Mar Suárez (La Chachi), turns the everyday into something extraordinary. Two women share a moment – eating sunflower seeds, exchanging glances – until flamenco erupts, raw and electric. Stripped back to voice and movement, this playful take on the Taranto form pulses with irreverence and unexpected humour.
Part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2025, London’s leading festival of international dance, this show brings bold choreography and fresh perspectives to the stage.
Age guidance: 12+
Running time: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a 20 minute interval
Content warnings:
Siren Dance includes a small amount of nudity and one loud scream (approximately 20 minutes into the show).
In Random Taranto, sunflower seeds are eaten on stage.
Les Arts Florissants & Amala Dianor Company
Gesualdo Passione presented with Dance Umbrella
Thu 16 Oct, Hall
Blending a cappella singing with expressive movement, Gesualdo Passione crowns Paul Agnew and Les Arts Florissants' work on Carlo Gesualdo, in a modern creation by choreographer Amala Dianor.
Presented by Dance Umbrella and the Barbican.
The early research and premiere of Siren Dance was supported by Deltebre Dansa & B.Motion (Operaestate Veneto, Bassano del Grappa), Dancehouse Melbourne, Besen Foundation and Lucy Guerin Inc.
Siren Dance
Random Taranto
Ticket prices
Members and Members Plus enjoy 20% off ticket prices for this show.
No booking fee. Subject to availability.
Corporate Members enjoy discounted ticket prices to this performance.
2 tickets max per booking. Subject to availability.
£10
Subject to availability.
Wheelchair spaces, free companion seats may now be booked online.
Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.
Booking a wheelchair space:
Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select wheelchair user ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected.
Booking essential companion tickets:
Please select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket.
Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats:
Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs.
If you'd like to hear more about accessible events at the Barbican, sign-up to our Access newsletter.
Groups (10+)
Groups can book at a 20% discount, subject to availability. Contact [email protected] to make a group booking.
Schools
£12*, subject to availability.
Students
50% off on Wednesday performances only, subject to availability.
Under 16’s
Save 50%, subject to availability.
*If you are a teacher or group leader planning a trip, you can receive up to £300 towards the cost of a visit to a wide variety of inspiring venues managed by the City of London Corporation. Find out more.
Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Reviews
The Pit
Location
The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
The Pit floor (level minus 2) can be reached via the main lifts – please note that only two of the four lifts go to this floor. Access Step-free access from the Pit floor foyer to any front-row seat. All other seats lead off stepped aisles.
Mobility
Spaces for two wheelchair users in the front row (at stage level), with companion seats. Front row seats are also suitable for people with limited mobility.
Assistance dogs
Because space in the auditorium is limited, we recommend that you leave your dog to be cared for by a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Amplified sound
Amplified sound is provided through a headset for people with impaired hearing. Audio-described performances use a wireless network to relay through a headset a live description of the scenery, costumes, facial expressions and action. Headsets are available. You can obtain one 30 minutes before the performance from the programme desk inside the Pit Theatre entrance.
Large-print exhibition information
To request a large print copy, please call the Theatre on 020 7638 8891 before your visit.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
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