ELIOT SMITH
Founder & Creative Director
Pronoun He / Him
Eliot Smith is a critically acclaimed British dancer, choreographer, and the founder and creative director of Eliot Smith Dance (ESD), a company renowned for its inclusive and impactful contemporary dance works. Born in 1990 in Newcastle upon Tyne, Eliot's artistic journey has been marked by a deep commitment to creating dynamic, diverse, and socially relevant dance productions.
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Artistic Background and Influences
Eliot's choreographic style is influenced by traditional techniques, particularly the modern dance foundations of Martha Graham. His work integrates these classical principles with cutting-edge collaborations with award-winning composers, musicians, and designers, resulting in performances that blend technical mastery with emotional depth. His pieces are known for their diversity, often addressing pressing social issues, and have been performed in a variety of settings, from traditional stages to outdoor venues and non-conventional spaces.
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Awards and Recognition
Eliot's contributions to the dance sector have been widely recognised. He was shortlisted for One Dance UK’s People’s Choice Award in 2018 and nominated for Dance Personality of the Year in 2019. In 2022, he and ESD were awarded the Green Dance Award at the One Dance UK Awards for their environmental advocacy through dance, marking a significant milestone in his career. His innovative and socially conscious approach to choreography continues to attract support from leading UK dance agencies, venues, and funding organisations.
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Training and International Experience
Eliot's professional training began at The London Contemporary Dance School, followed by a period of study at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance in New York. In 2017, he returned to the Graham School to lead his successful project Inviting Martha Graham Back to the UK, which was supported by the Arts Council England's Artists' International Development Fund. This initiative culminated in Eliot self-publishing the book Martha & Me, which traces his personal journey and passion for Graham’s work. His dedication to Graham's legacy led him to found Graham in the UK in 2018, a platform celebrating Martha Graham’s impact on contemporary dance.
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Leadership and Vision
Eliot has always been deeply involved in shaping the future of contemporary dance. On behalf of ESD, he has commissioned award-winning international choreographers to create new works, expanding the artistic horizons of the company and offering audiences fresh perspectives on the art form.
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He has held several significant roles, including Associate Artist at Dance City in 2017 and Artist in Residence at The Bowes Museum in 2018. He also joined the Board of Trustees of The Bowes Museum in 2021, further cementing his influence within the UK arts scene.
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In October 2022, Eliot was honored with the title Honorary Friend of the British Federation of Festivals in recognition of his ongoing contribution to the performing arts.
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Transition to Future
After a pause from dancing in summer 2021, Eliot shifted his full focus to leadingESD and pursuing his choreographic interests. His decision to step away from performing was driven by a desire to invest more time in directing the company and creating new work, continuing his commitment to inspiring, educating, and challenging audiences through the art of dance.
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Through ESD, Eliot remains at the forefront of both the dance community and the wider cultural conversation, using contemporary dance to foster social change, inclusivity, and environmental awareness.
