THE curtain is set to rise on a performance by an African dance company tonight.

Sakoba Dance Theatre will perform at the Arc in Stockton. The group is fronted by Bode Lawal, a Nigerian-born choreographer who has recently relocated his dance company to the North-East.

Sakoba Dance Theatre is also delivering workshops with Tees Valley schools during the week of the premiere.

The workshops are taking place at the Arc and will enable young people to learn and develop new dance skills.

The workshops are a part of Sakoba Dance Theatre's extensive education programme, aimed at increasing the awareness of dance with young people.

Mr Lawal said: "The North-East is Sakoba Dance Theatre's new spiritual home.

"We are warming to the great reception the company has received from the North-East people."

Tonight's show will mark the start of a six-month UK tour, taking in venues up and down the country.

Tickets for the performances, at 7.30pm tonight and tomorrow, cost £7 and £8, and are available from Arc.

Published: 14/10/2004