This spring, we're looking to Sadler's Wells to fulfil most of our dance needs, however we really do urge everyone to book tickets to see Liam Scarlett's latest creation for the Royal Ballet - as soon as tickets go on sale on 7 February. British Dance Exchange returns in early February, offering us reminders of who's dominating the UK dance scene with tasters of their work.


Sadler's Wells

6 - 9 March: Nederlands Dans Theater 2
Tickets & details: www.sadlerswells.com/show/Nederlands-Dans-Theater-2-Mixed-Bill

Often described as one of the world's best contemporary dance / modern ballet companies, NDT2's dancers are only aged 17 - 23, and yet they can outperform many dancers older than themselves! In fact, in last year's 50th Anniversary Tour, featuring performances by both NDT1 (the main company) and NDT2, the highlight of each night was easily NDT2's. This time, they will be performing one of Jirí Kylián’s best-known works, Gods and Dogs, and a work by the new artistic director of NDT, Paul Lightfoot.

If you only see one dance show this year, make sure it's this one.


26 - 28 April: Scottish Ballet, A Streetcar Named Desire
Tickets & details: www.sadlerswells.com/show/Scottish-Ballet-A-Streetcar-Named-Desire

Scottish Ballet's repertoire covers a vast range from the classics to some of the leading contemporary dance choreographers; this is a new adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play, collaborating with theatre and film director Nancy Meckler and international choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa to create a powerful infusion of drama and dance.


15 - 19 May: Rambert Dance Company
Tickets & details: www.sadlerswells.com/show/Rambert-Dance-Company-LApres-midi-dun-faune-What-Wild-Ecstasy

Rambert's spring programme reminds us of why they're such a well-loved company - not least for reviving Siobhan Davies's Art of Touch, which was last performed at Sadler's Wells in May 2010. Also on this programme is Artistic Director Mark Baldwin's reworking of Nijinsky's L’Après-midi d’un faune, and "a battlefield of relentlessly sparring testosterone" from Itzik Galili, the choreographer who previously created A Linha Curva for Rambert.


Matthew Bourne Retrospective
Early Adventures (21 - 26 May): www.sadlerswells.com/show/Matthew-Bournes-Early-Adventures
Play Without Words (12 Jul - 5 Aug): www.sadlerswells.com/show/Matthew-Bournes-Play-Without-Words

With Matthew Bourne celebrating New Adventures’ 25th anniversary this year, it's all too easy to forget the impact his work has had on the dance industry, from his groundbreaking Swan Lake to his recognisable signature style. This retrospective gives us the opportunity to revisit where he started, with a triple-bill of his earliest works (Spitfire, Town and Country and The Infernal Galop) in May, and his 2002 collaboration with National Theatre, Play Without Words, in July and August.


Royal Opera House

Ongoing until end March: Romeo & Juliet
Tickets & details (returns & day tickets only for most shows): www.roh.org.uk/whatson/production.aspx?pid=17623


When the Royal Ballet decided to take over the O2 last summer, they chose to perform Romeo & Juliet - and now, in the comparatively intimate setting of the Royal Opera House, you can see why, and benefit from the full emotional impact of this much-loved ballet.

Tamara Rojo and Carlos Acosta performed the lead roles on opening night, and will perform again on 19 January - do what you can to get a ticket! Other performances to catch are Alina Cojocaru & Johan Kobborg (3 & 7 March), Marianela Nuñez & Thiago Soares (13 January) and Lauren Cuthbertson & Sergei Polunin (10 & 22 March)


5 - 23 April: New Scarlett/Polyphonia/New McGregor
Tickets & details: www.roh.org.uk/whatson/production.aspx?pid=18146 (tickets on sale from 7 February)

This triple bill celebrates the Royal Ballet's three leading contemporary choreographers, with new commissions from both Wayne McGregor and Liam Scarlett while reviving Christopher Wheeldon's Polyphonia (2001). Following the astounding Asphodel Meadows, there is much excitement about seeing what Liam Scarlett will create next; the rest of the programme will struggle to compete with his new work!


Barbican & Sadler's Wells

6 June - 9 July: Tanztheater Wuppertal World Cities 2010
Tickets & details: www.sadlerswells.com/show/Pina-Bausch-World-Cities-2012

This month-long season of works by Pina Bausch is presented by Sadler’s Wells and the Barbican to celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic year’s global focus. Accordingly, each of the 10 works on offer was created following a period of residency in specific cities around the world, reflecting the company's  impressions of their stay. Cities represented in this season range from Budapest to Santiago de Chile and Istanbul.


Various locations

2 - 5 February: British Dance Exchange
Tickets & details: www.britishdanceedition.com/artists/

Over four days, 29 leading companies will be presenting samples of their work at a range of venues across London including Sadler's Wells, Royal Opera House, Laban  Centre and South Bank Centre. Participating companies and choreographers include Ballet Black, Russell Maliphant, Michael Clark Company, Richard Alston Dance Company and National Dance Company Wales. Visit BDE's website for full details.


Palace Theatre

4 February onwards: Singin' In The Rain
Tickets & details: singinintherain.co.uk

Although this isn't exactly a dance show, it stars the wonderful Adam Cooper - loved by many as the original Swan in Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, and as the grown-up Billy in the film of Billy Elliot.

This production of Singin' In The Rain has transferred to the West End from Chichester Festival Theatre, where it enjoyed a critically-acclaimed sell-out run.