A world-class dance performance is coming to a Kent shopping centre next week.

Internationally-renowned choreographer Jasmin Vardimon is debuting an immersive show at the Ashford Designer Outlet from Tuesday, May 18.

Entitled Canvas, the performance will see young dancers guide an audience one-by-one through two repurposed units.

The theatre piece will culminate in a "spectacular centre-stage finale", according to the Jasmin Vardimon Company.

Canvas' runtime is 20 minutes and entry is free, with voluntary donations collected in aid of two nominated charities.

Those being supported are the Friends of the William Harvey Hospital and the designer outlet's 2021 charity partner, the RNLI.

Performances - which must be booked in advance - are at 6pm from May 18 to May 23, with additional afternoon showings on May 21 and 22.

The cast of Canvas comprises 14 dancers from JV2 - Miss Vardimon's programme for aspiring dancers.

In training at their studio in the designer outlet since October, the cast includes talent from Italy, Russia, France, Cyprus, Bolivia, Spain, Switzerland, USA as well as the UK.

Among those taking part in the production will be George Perez, a Kent-based dancer who was awarded the JV2 bursary grant in partnership with the McArthurGlen outlet.

The £2,500 grant sought to encourage performing arts in the Ashford borough and has been used to support George in attaining the JV2 Professional Development Diploma.

He and the rest of the dancers are treating Canvas like a final exam, as all those involved graduate immediately afterwards.

Miss Vardimon said:“It is a pleasure to present this group of talented young dancers and I am proud of the hard work and commitment they have shown over the past weeks.

"Nurturing young talent is at the core of JV2 and we are delighted to have the opportunity to perform at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford and share our work with the local community.”

Outlet manager Peter Corr commented: “We’re thrilled to introduce such a unique and inspiring experience at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford in partnership with Jasmin Vardimon.

"After a difficult year, we are proud to continue to support the performing arts industry, as well as showcase up-and-coming local creative talent.

"These live performances will also help benefit the local community though their voluntary charitable donations, which is a core belief in all that we do at McArthurGlen.”

Jasmin Vardimon Company has been based at the Designer Outlet since January 2020, as it prepares to move into its new, under-construction 'creative laboratory on Javelin Way.

For more information, or to book tickets, click here.

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