Binoche set for dance debut in London

Academy Award winner Juliet Binoche is putting her film career on hold to concentrate on dance. The French actress will make her contemporary dance debut at the National Theatre next month. Binoche, who won an Oscar for her role in The English Patient, is collaborating with British choreographer Akran Khan for a one-woman show will open at the National Theatre in the autumn.

Binoche has never received any formal dance training. She is being taught from scratch by Khan, who choreographed sections of Kylie Minogue's Showgirls tour. The actress stopped filming in June to concentrate on her dance lessons.

Khan, who is currently in China working with its National Ballet troupe, will join Binoche on stage, playing guitar and singing.