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Image: Eliot Smith (2025) Photographer Darren Irwin
15 years ago, on 16 February, a remarkable journey began.
On that evening in 2011, Eliot Smith premiered his first major choreographic work, MISSA at the magnificent Westminster Cathedral in London, a powerful debut that marked the beginning of an extraordinary artistic path.
Later that same year, he founded Eliot Smith Dance (originally Eliot Smith Company), officially launching the company with a vibrant Gala Performance at Dame Allan’s School in Newcastle upon Tyne. From there, the company found its early home in residence at Warkworth Memorial Hall in Northumberland, where those formative years were filled with small-scale performances, public classes for children and adults, and a growing creative community.
From cathedral beginnings to community halls, and onward to mid-scale theatres, performing extensively across the North East of England and reaching audiences in London, Rome, New York and Paris — the journey has been extraordinary. The rest is history, and it remains part of our DNA.
As we celebrate 15 years of passion, perseverance, and dance for all, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported ESD along the way, our Board and Patrons, past and present Company Dancers, guest choreographers, Friends of ESD, funders, donors, partners, collaborators, and the wider community who continue to champion our work. Your belief, generosity and dedication have made this journey possible.
Keep an eye out for many exciting announcements as we celebrate our 15th anniversary throughout 2026 and be sure to explore all upcoming performances on our What’s On page to join us in celebrating this milestone year.
Image: Archive poster of MISSA (2011)
Top Left: Missa Privata (2013), performed at Westminster Cathedral. Dancers: Ellis Saul, Eliot Smith, Yamit Salazar.
Top Right: Backstage following a performance at Westminster Cathedral. Dancers: Ellis Saul, Eliot Smith, Yamit Salazar, with former Advisory Board member Alex Howard.
Bottom Left: Persecuted and Forgotten (2012), performed at Westminster Cathedral. Dancers: Nicci Kinsler, Gemma Paganelli, Eliot Smith.
Bottom Right: Youth workshop in Northumberland led by Eliot Smith.
Honouring Our Legacy, Inspiring Our Future
As we celebrate 15 years of Eliot Smith Dance (ESD), we invite you to be part of the next chapter. Your gift will help us continue creating powerful performances, nurturing young talent, and bringing inspiring dance projects to communities across the North East and beyond.
Together, we can ensure that bold, imaginative, and meaningful dance continues to thrive for years to come.
With Thanks to Our Crowdfunder Supporters
Eliot Smith Dance is deeply grateful to those who pledged their support on our Crowdfunder page and who collectively raised £1,015 to contribute towards Eliot Smith Dance’s 15th anniversary year of events in 2026.
Sue Ashworth, Linda Barrett, Joy Bottomley, Joan Conn, Rachel Fenton, Gabija, John Horsfield, Jenny Pelosi, Renzo Pini, June Svenson, Joan Watson, Carole Wears, Carol Wilson, and all those who wish to remain anonymous.
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