Experience ESD on stage
Image: Eliot Smith (2025) Photographer Darren Irwin
Since its founding in 2011, Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) has delivered more than 200 performances and premiered over 30 diverse works. The company has also led over 500 workshops and community engagements for children, young people, and adults across the North East of England and beyond. ESD’s innovative contemporary dance experiences continue to captivate audiences and inspire dance artists, choreographers, musicians, and composers.
In 2026, ESD celebrates its 15th anniversary with a landmark year of activity. This special programme features performances, intensives, exhibitions, a documentary premiere, and a dedicated anniversary event — honouring a decade and a half of bold, distinctive work led by Founding Creative Director and CEO Eliot Smith.
The year begins with a dynamic Winter Intensive in London (3–4 January), followed by the Spring Tour of POPPY (February–March), bringing one of Eliot Smith’s newest works to audiences across the North East and Tunbridge Wells. In May and June, ESD via the Lens showcases a striking photography exhibition by John Lyons, honouring the company’s dancers and repertory. On 26 June, the documentary In Conversation with Eliot Smith premieres, offering personal insight into Eliot’s creative life and the evolution of ESD.
Image: Eliot Smith (2017) Photographer Simon Drew
Summer features a three-day Summer Intensive (29–31 July), alongside ESD15: Motion in Vision (24 September), a special anniversary celebration at The Common Room in Newcastle, reflecting on the company’s journey and future vision. The year concludes on 3 December with Eliot Smith: Return, an intimate evening of three solo works performed by Eliot Smith. Additional events, performances, and community outreach activity in schools and local groups will be announced throughout the year.
Booking is now open for the Winter Intensive, the Spring Tour, and Eliot Smith: Return. All other events and performances will be available to book from spring 2026.
Support the 2026 Anniversary Year
As we mark this milestone, we invite audiences, supporters, and communities to help shape ESD’s future by contributing to our 2026 Crowdfunder campaign. Your support will directly enable this ambitious anniversary programme, the creation of new artistic work, and increased opportunities for dancers across the region.
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Background
Eliot Smith Dance (ESD), founded in 2011 and operating from Dance City in Newcastle upon Tyne, is a vibrant contemporary dance company rooted in the North East of England. Established by acclaimed choreographer Eliot Smith, ESD is known for its inclusive, accessible approach — bringing high quality performances to underserved communities through innovative works and outreach programs, including award‑winning wellness dance workshops for all ages. Internationally celebrated, ESD has performed in New York, Rome, Paris, and the North Denmark Region, and has earned recognition for its environmental advocacy, including the inaugural Green Dance Award at the One Dance UK Awards in 2022.