Sadler’s Wells East review – all the right moves

Sadler's Wells East, a new dance theatre in Stratford, London, was designed by O'Donnell + Tuomey. The building uses Italian red brick and features six dance studios and an elegant auditorium. Some architects believe buildings should visually represent their function, but this is not always beneficial. The design avoids mimicking dance movements, prioritizing functionality over stylistic representation. Instead, the architects chose a design based on rectangular boxes. This approach provides dancers with clear, stable spatial references. The architects, known for their work at the London School of Economics, aimed for a practical and functional design. Sadler's Wells East is described as a "powerhouse for dance," emphasizing its purpose. The building's design emphasizes clean lines and right angles, beneficial for dance performance. The theatre offers a welcoming environment for the dance community.