MERGING
Image: MERGING. Photographer Eliot Smith Dance
Overview
“Merging” (the title meaning “to fuse together”) premiered in august 2025, uniting music, sound, text, movement, and visual art in a 45-minute interdisciplinary performance.
This work expanded upon the 2023 project MERGE, developed following Eliot Smith Dance’s participation in the International Touring Environmental Responsibility Round Two programme led by Julie’s Bicycle. Building on those foundations, Merging explored new methods of sustainable, collaborative creation across England and Denmark.
In collaboration with Danish composer and sound artist Liv Vester Larsen and visual artist Nanna Rosenfeldt‑Olsen, Eliot Smith Dance created a deeply immersive shared creation in North Jutland, Denmark. Supported by Åsen Teater and Maskinhallen, the project included local creative participation and community engagement.
The Project in Action
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Two workshops — Including sound, material‑exploration, movement, and creative writing—took place at Maskinhallen (Frederikshavn) and Åsen Teater (Jerslev), connecting artists with local residents.
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The culminating three performances were held at Åsen Teater on 29th and 30th August 2025, bringing together professional dancers Olivia Kirk, Yamit Salazar, collaborators, and community participants in a vibrant, cross-disciplinary dialogue.
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Eliot Smith Dance travelled from Newcastle (England) to Jerselv (Denmark) via ferry, train, and bus rather than plane.
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Costumes and Set Design recycled, no stage lighting — to reduce carbon footprint and being mindful of the environment.
Creative Team & Contributors
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Eliot Smith – Choreographer & Creative Director
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Liv Vester Larsen – Composer & Sound Artist
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Nanna Rosenfeldt‑Olsen – Visual Artist & Scenographer
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Olivia Kirk – Dancer
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Yamit Salazar – Dancer & Rehearsal Director
What comes next
During autumn 2025, we will be unveiling further insights into the creative research, workshop outcomes, and critical reflections from Merging. This will include a new film for audience to watch from home, behind-the-scenes content, artist interviews, and descriptions of the participatory methodologies that informed the final performance.
Stay tuned for a dedicated research section, launching later this year.
Funders
Statens Kunstfond, Dansk Artist forbund, William Demant fonden
with further support from Åsen Teater and Maskinhallen