The BBC has today (14 Jan 2015) launched The Year of Song and Dance 2015, exploring the extraordinary power of song and dance across a whole spectrum of eras and styles – and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is right at the heart of the action.

At the launch event at Sadler’s Wells, BBC Director-General Tony Hall announced a brand new BBC documentary Strictly Modern Dance, which will tell the story of contemporary dance through the journey of a group of Trinity Laban dancers. The BBC cameras will follow the students as they encounter some of the most iconic modern dances from the last 100 years, and document the process as they come to perform and understand the ideas of the choreographers whose work challenged audiences, made history and revolutionised dance.

Trinity Laban Principal, Professor Anthony Bowne – who was present at the launch event – comments: “Strictly Modern Dance is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our talent and quality to the world. I’m absolutely delighted that Trinity Laban has been selected to embody the wonderful world of contemporary dance, and open it up to a much wider audience.”

Other events in the BBC’s season prominently feature Trinity Laban staff and alumni.

In May, the final of the inaugural BBC Young Dancer 2015 will be judged by a distinguished panel of experts including Trinity Laban professor Wayne McGregor and alumnus Matthew Bourne. And BalletBoyz: The Talent will document the life and work of this ground-breaking independent dance company, which regularly includes Trinity Laban graduates. Leon Poulton, Trinity Laban alumnus and current BalletBoyz member, performed a duet from BalletBoyz’ current show at today’s launch.