Experience ESD on stage
FROM NORTHUMBERLAND
TO THE WORLD.
OUR 10 YEAR VISION | 2026 – 2036
Over the next decade, Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) aims to create a world-class dance house in rural Northumberland — a home for dance, creativity, festivals and cultural exchange.
THE VISION
A PLACE WHERE
DANCE LIVES.
For 15 years, Eliot Smith Dance has created contemporary dance experiences that inspire, develop talent and connect people through dance.
Now, we are looking ahead.
Our vision is to create a new dance house in Northumberland — not simply a studio, and not simply a theatre, but a place where artists, communities and audiences can come together.
Photo: Still from IN MOTION (2026), featuring Eliot Smith at Northumberland Coastline. Photo by Elijah McDonnell.
OUR JOURNEY
2011
2016
2026
2036
THE VISION BEGINS
Eliot Smith Dance is founded with a vision to inspire through dance.
Creating opportunities for artists, communities and young people.
Building strong foundations for an ambitious future.
BUILDING MORE THAN DANCE
Delivering performances, education and community programmes across the region. Developing lasting partnerships and creative collaborations. Growing a reputation for excellence, innovation and impact.
THE VISION IS UNVEILED
After 15 years of work, Eliot Smith Dance launches its 10-Year Vision for a world-class dance house.
Reimagining Northumberland as a destination for creativity and culture.
From Northumberland to the world.
TURNING VISION INTO REALITY
A globally recognised home for dance and creativity.
International festivals, artist residencies and groundbreaking performances.
Opportunities for artists, audiences, young people and communities. Home to Eliot Smith Dance.
A lasting cultural legacy for generations to come.
THE DANCE HOUSE
NOT SIMPLY A STUDIO.
NOT SIMPLY A THEATRE.
Imagine an indoor theatre alongside artist studios, spaces for learning, places for communities to connect, and outdoor areas where dance can happen in nature — including an amphitheatre inspired by the ancient grandstand at Yeavering.
A vast, sustainable green house, emerging from the landscape and visible from afar — shaped by the surrounding nature, its history and people.
A place of national significance, rooted in Northumberland and reaching the world.
Photo: Still from IN MOTION (2026), featuring Eliot Smith at Yeavering, Northumberland. Photo by Elijah McDonnell.
THIS IS AN EMERGING VISION
Whether you’re a dancer, artist, audience member, creative, business, community organisation or someone who believes that we all deserve to access and enjoy the performing arts — register your interest and help shape Northumberland's dance house.
HELP SHAPE THE NEXT CHAPTER.
Register your interest by clicking the button below.
0191 269 5579
Social Media @eliotsmithdance
The Eliot Smith Dance 10 Year Vision was launched on 24 September 2026 at The Common Room, Newcastle upon Tyne, as part of Vision in Motion, our 15th Anniversary Celebration.
Below, you can explore and download the publications that accompanied the launch.
15TH ANNIVERSARY BROCHURE
A look back at 15 years of Eliot Smith Dance, alongside our ambitions for the future.
10-YEAR VISION ADVERT
Our 10-Year Vision, From Northumberland to the World.
Published 24 September 2026
This publication presents an emerging vision for Eliot Smith Dance and does not represent a finalised development proposal. The vision may evolve as the project develops and as we continue to work with colleagues, partners and suppliers.
© 2026 Eliot Smith Dance. All rights reserved.