An article from The Independent newspaper considers how proposed changes to UK immigration policy could change the face of dance performances, limiting the ability of dance companies and productions to employ dancers from outside the EU.
Britain's leading contemporary dance companies have expressed dismay over stringent Home Office immigration proposals that will make it almost impossible for dancers from outside the European Union to perform in the UK.
While classically trained ballet dancers – such as the Cuban Carlos Acosta – look likely to be exempt from the new regulations, contemporary dancers will not be.
It means audiences for leading contemporary dance companies such as Rambert or Sadler's Wells and even West End shows such as The Lion King – which featured international dancers – will lose out.
There is growing concern that the proposed regulations will affect all corners of the arts world, from theatre to dance. Last month three musicians were unable to enter the UK to perform at the world music festival Womad.