Latvia-created contemporary circus and dance production How a Spiral Works by Art for Rainy Days returned to Jacksons Lane in London on 16–17 September, opening the international Baltic Circus Now programme in the UK. The production was once again warmly received by London audiences, with enthusiastic reactions and ovations following the performances.

Combining aerial acrobatics and contemporary dance, How a Spiral Works explores the meeting of two different movement practices and invites audiences to slow down and experience time from a different perspective.

The production has already received significant recognition in Latvia. At the Latvian Dance Awards, How a Spiral Works was named the best contemporary genre production of the 2023–2024 season, while performer Alise Bokaldere received the award for best contemporary dance performer.

Its return to Jacksons Lane marked the opening of Baltic Circus Now, an international contemporary circus programme presenting artists from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to UK audiences.

Alongside the performance, a pitch session on 16 September introduced new and developing works by Baltic circus artists. The event created an opportunity for artists to present their projects, discuss different formats and explore possibilities for reaching international audiences.

The London performances also marked a return to a venue where How a Spiral Works had already met UK audiences before. This time, the production became part of a wider Baltic programme connecting performances, artistic exchange and professional encounters.

Baltic Circus Now aims to strengthen connections between the Baltic and UK contemporary circus sectors and to create longer-term opportunities for artists from the region to be seen internationally.

The programme continues in the UK this autumn. On 14–15 October, Lithuanian contemporary circus platform Teatronaswill present ITCH at Jacksons Lane, while on 29–30 October Estonia’s Big Wolf Company will bring Lightgarden to Circomedia in Bristol.

The project is organised by the Contemporary Circus Platform Teatronas in partnership with the Lithuanian Culture Institute and in collaboration with the Estonian Embassy in London. Baltic Circus Now is co-funded by the Baltic Culture Fund.

Photo: Donatas Ališauskas