ABOUT US
A prominent contemporary dance company based in North East England since 2011
Eliot Smith presented his first choreographed dance work on 16 February 2011 at Westminster Cathedral in London, during his time at the London Contemporary Dance School. Upon his return home to the North East, that modest performance marked the beginning of a profound, uninterrupted creative output that shaped the formation of Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) and continues to this day.
Recognised for its inclusive approach and high quality performances, particularly in underserved areas. The company operates out of Newcastle's Dance City and has achieved acclaim for its innovative works, including performances in New York, Rome, and Paris.
ESD has a strong commitment to making contemporary dance accessible to diverse audiences, especially those with limited access to the arts. The company's mission extends beyond performances to include award winning wellness dance workshops for children, young people, and adults.
ESD's dancers come from around the world, and the company has embraced digital formats for its works, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. One notable piece, Seacole + Nightingale, received praise for its timely exploration of Mary Seacole's legacy during the Black Lives Matter movement and in the context of the pandemic's impact on ethnically minoritised NHS workers.
In recent years, ESD has turned its focus to raising awareness about climate change, with outreach programs in schools and communities. This shift led to the company's receipt of the inaugural "Green Dance Award" at the One Dance UK Awards in 2022. Additionally, ESD produces ESD Presents, a biennial event celebrating influential dance makers.
Overcoming the challenges of dyslexia, to pursue his passion for dance
Eliot Smith, has spent his life overcoming the challenges of dyslexia, to pursue his passion for dance. Now a prominent figure in the dance community.
Smith's journey into dance is especially inspiring given that he has spent much of his life overcoming the challenges of dyslexia and attending Speech and Therapy from a young age. Despite the difficulties that dyslexia often presents, particularly in academic settings, Smith was determined to pursue his passion for dance. His ability to navigate these challenges while succeeding in a highly competitive and physically demanding field speaks to his resilience and commitment.
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Dyslexia may have shaped his approach to learning and creativity, but it did not deter him from following his artistic path. Instead, it fuelled his desire to express himself through movement, a medium where he could communicate in ways that go beyond traditional verbal or written language.
Rooted in the North East
Eliot Smith’s strong connection to his roots in the North East has been a defining feature of his career and the evolution of Eliot Smith Dance (ESD).
From the very beginning, Smith identified himself as a North East artist, and this sense of place has deeply influenced the development of his company. His commitment to performing and choreographing in his hometown and surrounding areas has remained a priority throughout his career.
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The company's early years were marked by performances in rural venues in Northumberland, performing in a wide variety of spaces such as community centres, memorial halls, and museums. This grassroots approach brought contemporary dance to areas that might not typically have access to such performances, offering new cultural experiences to diverse audiences.
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In 2014, Smith took a significant step forward with his vision for Eliot Smith Dance. He launched a season of performances that not only featured his own works but also included new commissions from guest choreographers. This move broadened the company’s repertoire, enriching its offerings and making contemporary dance more accessible to a wider audience. By collaborating with other choreographers and diversifying the company’s programming, Smith created a platform for innovation while continuing his mission to make contemporary dance a vital part of the cultural landscape in the North East.
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In addition to the performances, ESD’s residency at Woodhorn Museum, a former colliery now serving as a cultural venue, became a significant chapter in the company's history. Here, ESD rehearsed and performed regularly, building a loyal audience and attracting critical acclaim. The rural setting of the museum added to the company's distinctiveness and reinforced its commitment to bringing high-quality contemporary dance to non-traditional venues.
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Smith’s vision of a diverse, community-focused dance company, rooted in the North East, has not only helped foster a deeper appreciation for contemporary dance in the region but also contributed to the broader national conversation about the importance of local and accessible art forms.
Rooted in Martha Graham
Upon graduating from the London Contemporary Dance School, and following advice from the late Sir Robert Cohan, Eliot Smith studied briefly at The Martha Graham School (MGDS) in New York in 2013.
He returned to MGDS in 2017 as part of his independent project, Inviting Martha Graham Back to the UK, supported by Arts Council England’s Artists’ International Development Fund. That same year, he self-published Martha & Me, a book tracing his deep passion for Martha Graham’s work.
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In 2018, with the endorsement of The Martha Graham Dance Company, Eliot founded and directed Graham in UK, a platform dedicated to dancers and others passionate about the life and legacy of the great American choreographer. Eliot continues to practice and teach Graham based technique, incorporating it into both his company classes and his movement vocabulary.
Welcoming World-class Dance to the North East
Eliot Smith’s creation of ESD Presents in 2021 reflects his deep commitment to both celebrating the history of contemporary dance and nurturing the future of the art form.
Driven by his admiration for iconic figures like Martha Graham, ESD Presents has become a biennial dance event produced by Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) with the aim of informing, celebrating, and encouraging creative conversations around the most influential dance makers. This initiative highlights Smith’s desire to bring world-class contemporary dance to the North East of England while honoring the legacy of dance pioneers.
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Through ESD Presents, Smith has formed valuable partnerships with leading dance companies and institutions. In 2021, ESD collaborated with the Martha Graham Dance Company, presenting the works of the American dance pioneer Martha Graham.
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In 2023, ESD Presents continued its mission to celebrate dance legends by partnering with the Paul Taylor Dance Company. This collaboration brought the works of Paul Taylor, one of the most important American choreographers of the 20th century, to the North East, offering local audiences and dance professionals the opportunity to engage with Taylor’s distinctive choreographic style.
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In 2025, ESD Presents is set to partner with the Sir Robert Cohan Dance Legacy in an upcoming presentation, celebrating the work of Robert Cohan, another towering figure in contemporary dance. Cohan, who was a key figure in the development of contemporary dance in the UK.
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The ESD Presents initiative has not only enriched the cultural landscape of the North East but has also led to the inclusion of works by dance pioneers such as Paul Taylor in the ESD repertoire. These works have been performed across the North East and beyond, expanding the reach of contemporary dance and solidifying Smith’s role as a key figure in its promotion and evolution in the region.
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By offering a platform for such important works and artists, Smith continues to bring world-class dance to communities, making it an accessible and integral part of the local cultural fabric. His efforts through ESD Presents reinforce the idea that contemporary dance is not just an art form but a living, breathing presence that connects audiences with the past, present, and future of dance.
Inspiring Dance in the Community
For over fourteen years, Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) has played a pivotal role in Smith's broader mission to share his passion for dance and make it accessible to everyone, regardless of age or background.
Through a comprehensive range of outreach programs, including masterclasses, workshops, intensives, and community projects, ESD has reached a diverse audience across the North East and beyond. These initiatives have made contemporary dance an integral part of local communities, offering both participants and audiences the opportunity to engage with dance in meaningful ways.
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One of the key components of ESD’s outreach efforts is its commitment to working with children, young people, adults, and professionals. Whether through school projects or collaborations with community dance works, ESD provides a platform for individuals of all ages to explore their creative potential. These programs are carefully tailored to meet the needs of different groups, ensuring that dance is accessible, engaging, and impactful for all participants.
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Additionally, ESD’s outreach programs have extended to professionals in the dance community. Masterclasses and workshops provide experienced dancers with opportunities to expand their technical and creative abilities while learning from Smith and other leading choreographers and teachers.
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Through these outreach efforts, ESD has made a significant and lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the North East, promoting dance as a means of personal expression, physical well-being, and community connection. By prioritising inclusivity and accessibility, Smith’s company has ensured that dance is not confined to the stage, but is a living, dynamic presence in people’s lives—one that fosters creativity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.