HUG

by Levantes Dance Theatre

Dance, Aerial, Theatre

An image of a woman wearing a pink wig and gloves, surrounded by pink toys and teddy bears.

“We need 4 hugs a day for survival and 12 hugs for growth.”

HUG & HUG EXPERIENCE is a vibrant contemporary circus theatre performance and living installation that promises to engage audiences in a unique exploration of relationships – between people, objects and the environment that surrounds us. Through a fusion of aerial dance, physical theatre and striking visuals audiences are invited to rediscover the power of touch, connection and the simple act of a hug.

Bodies fly, bend, flip, contort, suspend, climb and balance on a large HUG structure!

An image of three women intertwining wearing pink

An image of a female performer embracing children with toys and teddy bears

An image of a female dancer suspended on a pole and wearing a full skirted pink tutu with a blue sky background.

An image of large padded pink letters spelling our the word HUG with three female dancers stood and sat around the letter H

An image of a female dancer sat in the curve of the letter U which is pink and padded

“Theatrical close up magic”

British Theatre Guide

“HUG by Levantes Dance Theatre is exactly that: a big, pink, warm embrace of an outdoor show which wraps its audiences up in a world of exploring the ups and downs of friendship and inherent tensions and joy. The show features colourful designs with charismatic dance and circus performers and culminates with a visually striking solo sway pole moment.”

Andrew Loretto, Artistic Director-Chief Executive, Beat Carnival, Belfast

“Stylish design, endearing performers, and popular music combine to make HUG a very enjoyable piece of work”

Sho Shibata, Director, Outdoor Arts UK

“HUG is an extraordinary piece that engages audiences in a truly innovative and emotional way. The performance was both intimate and immersive, creating a powerful sense of connection in the space. Brilliantly performed, vibrant, and full of warmth, it captivated everyone who took part. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with several expressing how deeply it resonated with them. It was a beautiful and impactful addition to our NNF Festival programme. ”

Isabel Gollin, Programme Producer, Norflock & Norwich Festival

An full length portrait image of a female performer wearing a pink wig, silver gown with short tutu and pink tights

A portrait image of a female wearing a pink wig and dressed in a pink dress. She has many hands embracing her form behind.

About Levantes Dance Theatre

Levantes Dance Theatre is an award-winning female-led dance theatre company, known for our trademark bold visual design and blending this with aerial dance and physical theatre.

Our work ranges from immersive indoor performances to outdoor pop-up spectacles.

We have performed in spaces from theatres to garden parties, from large scale festivals to care homes. We create work for a multitude of different settings.

At the heart of our work is a passion for showcasing the extraordinary in the everyday. We specialize in visually striking performances – and we’re especially proud of how we amplify voices often unheard.

We offer opportunities for local communities to perform in our professional shows in each place we tour, building relationships with our audiences and enabling them to be part of the work.

Funding, commissioning and partner credits:

HUG is supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Certain Blacks, Birmingham Weekender, Brighton Festival, Stockton International Riverside Festival.