Eliot Smith Dance announces anniversary season
New York residency and homegrown events headline summer programme
North East dance company, Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) has unveiled a wide-ranging summer programme to mark its 15th anniversary, spanning international work, digital projects and professional training opportunities.
The season begins with an international residency in New York from April 22 to May 3, where creative director Eliot Smith will develop HUNTER, a new solo work inspired by Wallsend’s industrial and shipbuilding heritage.
The piece also draws on the legacy of American choreographer Paul Taylor, marking Smith’s return to performance after almost five years. The residency continues ESD’s long-standing relationship with the Taylor organisation and is supported by The Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement and the Paul Taylor Dance Foundation.
In June, the company will premiere a new documentary, In Motion: Eliot Smith and the Story of ESD, offering insight into the company’s development over the past 15 years. Directed by filmmaker Elijah McDonnell, the film will be released via the company’s online platform.
The programme also features the return of internationally recognised choreographer Lorenzo Pagano, who will re-stage Interrupted Souls in Newcastle. Alongside the performance, Pagano will lead a Graham Technique masterclass at Dance City and host an open rehearsal of the work.
The season concludes with a three-day summer intensive at Newcastle Dance Centre from July 29 to 31, aimed at dancers in professional training. Additional youth workshops will take place across Northumberland, continuing ESD’s focus on community engagement.
All information and booking details are available via the ESD website.