opportunities, announcements, auditions and much more
NEWS
R.I.P FOUNDING GUEST DANCER AYMAN SAFIAH
Date posted - 28/05/2020
We recently learned the devastating news that former founding guest dancer of ESD Ayman Safiah has drowned whilst on a camping holiday in Israel.
Ayman (29) was a talented dancer originally from Kfar Yasif, Israel. His training at Rambert School was generously supported by the Clore Israel Foundation. Upon graduation in 2012, Ayman danced in "of Gods and Men" choreographed by Eliot Smith for Eliot Smith Dance's Opening Gala Performance at Dame Allan's School, Newcastle upon Tyne on 19 February. He went on to have a successful career, performing in 'Cats' in the West End and Les Ballet C de la B (Belgium) among other companies, before returning to Israel, where he was teaching, choreographing and performing.
Our thoughts are with his Family and Friends.
Friday's 29 May 2020 at 2pm, Live Tea & Talk on ESD's instagram will be dedicated to Ayman's memory.
CALL FOR FILMMAKER
Date posted - 12/05/2020
Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) is looking for a filmmaker to create a short documentary / film directed by Eliot Smith (Artistic Director of Eliot Smith Dance).
This interdisciplinary documentary prompted by the Covid-19 virus will include crossover art forms. We are looking for a filmmaker to document this process and the resulting performance.
We are looking for an outstanding (ideally aged 21-25) young filmmaker, if possible with North East connections, who can demonstrate a high level of commitment and enthusiasm for a collaborative project of this kind.
The resulting film will be screened on ESD’s website, and shared online via other partners and social media channels, regional and nationally.
This is an exciting offer for a filmmaker in the early stages of their career to work with experienced and award winning artists, as well as providing a unique opportunity to be involved with the delivery of work during self-isolation.
Filming will begin in June 2020 and the online premiere / release will be on 31 July 2020.
There is a fee of £1000 (inclusive of any VAT) available for the project, to include all filming, editing and post production.
To apply, please send a short statement detailing your interest in the project and why you think you are the right person for the job, a copy of your CV, and if possible web links to examples of relevant previous work.
Apply directly to Eliot Smith by email to
Please visit for more information about the Company.
Deadline for applications is noon Friday 29 May 2020.
Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) is offering an opportunity to an outstanding female dancer and we especially welcome dancers of diverse cultures (over 18 years old), if possible with a North East connection, who can demonstrate high levels of commitment, enthusiasm for Eliot Smith’s work and exceptional talent in Contemporary and Ballet technique to join ESD as a guest dancer on a new project in summer 2020.
The selected dancer will be part of a new interdisciplinary documentary directed by Eliot Smith (Artistic Director of Eliot Smith Dance).
This is an exciting opportunity for a female dancer to work with ESD and will rehearse with Eliot Smith and ESD Team through digital form during self-isolation.
Short Term –
Rehearsals: 6 working days spread across June / July 2020 online via Zoom.
Fee: £450
An audition will be held online: 31 May 2020 at midday
Dancers must live and work in the UK in order to participate.
We encourage applications from dancers who self-identify as black, Asian, minority ethnic, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or disabled.
To apply, please send your CV and a link to your dance showreel to
ESD AWARDED EMERGENCY FUNDING FROM ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND
Date posted - 6/05/2020
We are pleased to announce that Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) has been awarded a grant from Arts Council England (ACE) Emergency Fund and this will enable:
1. A new artistic project created by Eliot Smith (to be announced soon) about which we are particularly excited. It takes ESD and its artists off in a new direction and the community possibilities are endless.
2. Operational costs at ESD to be met for the next 6 months.
This will enable ESD to emerge stronger, more confident and ready to meet the challenges posed by Covid-19.
ESD is very grateful for this support from ACE.
ESD PRESENTS: MARTHA GRAHAM POSTPONED
Date posted - 17/04/2020
As a result of the evolving Covid-19 situation, and following the Government's guidelines and working with the rolling advice from Public Health England and other organisations, it is no longer possible for Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) to hold ESD Presents: Martha Graham on 27 July - 1 August 2020.
The safety and wellbeing of our artists, staff, participants, audience, and partners is of the utmost importance at Eliot Smith Dance.
ESD are now looking to reschedule the event next year on 26 - 31 July 2021. More details will be announced in Autumn 2020.
All participants will of course be entitled to a full refund and you will be contacted directly by ESD.
Thank you for your ongoing support and please take care. ESD looks forward to presenting Martha Graham in the very near future.
ELIOT SMITH DANCE LAUNCHES ESD DIGITAL
Date posted - 1/04/2020
In light of the outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19), a top story in the news across the world. Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) has refashioned its current season of activities into a digital form, tailored to allow people to continue engaging in and benefiting from dance and culture during a period of self-isolation.
ESD will deliver a range of exciting and informative contemporary dance works on its website and social media, delivered by ESD company dancers from around the world which will also offer some financial support during these challenging times.
This innovative platform will include: pre-recorded live performances from its current season, exclusive dance performances created by world-renowned choreographers from ESD's diverse repertoire, live streamed daily dance classes (from their homes) in Contemporary, Ballet, Kathak, Hip-Hop and Yoga, for people who have access to the internet, Q&A sessions and much, much, more!
As you will all be aware the outbreak of Coronavirus (Covid-19) is a top story in the news across the world.
The safety and well-being of our customers, our members, collaborators and our staff is of utmost importance at Eliot Smith Dance, and we're continuing to follow official guidance carefully from the UK Government, Public Health England and funders i.e Arts Council England.
With this guidance in mind, we have postponed all upcoming performances and events until further notice.
For ticket holders, if you would like to;
Donate your ticket money to Eliot Smith Dance
Receive a credit note for a future performance
Receive a refund
Please contact us at for the following performances below:
Dovecote Centre – Amble
Fri 24 April (7.30pm)
Bowes Museum – Barnard Castle
Thur 14 May (7pm)
Bamburgh Pavilion – Bamburgh
Sat 16 May (7pm)
Pegswood Community Hub
Fri 29 May (7.30pm)
If you have purchased tickets for the following performances:
Gosforth Civic Theatre – Newcastle
Sat 18 April (7.30pm)
The Maltings – Berwick upon Tweed
Fri 08 May (7.00pm)