Experience ESD on stage
NEWS
CALL OUT FOR LOCAL ADULTS: JOIN ELIOT SMITH'S "SEA OF RED DANCERS"
POSTED 15 SEPTEMBER 2025​
Eliot Smith Dance is inviting adults living in South East Northumberland and the wider North East to take part in a powerful new community dance work titled Sea of Red Dancers – an adaptation of Eliot Smith’s work, POPPY.
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This piece reflects on themes of war, conflict, and remembrance, drawing inspiration from the enduring symbolism of the poppy flower and the poetry of John McCrae. As part of this project, participants will collaborate to create a new 15-minute performance that honours those who have served, those currently serving, and the impact on their families and communities.
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This opportunity is open to all adults, and we especially welcome veterans, serving military personnel, and family members of those in the armed forces. Whether you have a personal connection to military service or simply a passion for storytelling through movement, your voice and presence will help bring this commemorative work to life.
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Taking part in Sea of Red Dancers offers more than just a performance opportunity. It’s a chance to improve your health, fitness, and overall wellbeing, while boosting confidence, meeting new people, and exploring your creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment. No previous dance experience is necessary – just a willingness to be part of something meaningful and uplifting.
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Rehearsals will take place on Sunday 19 October and Sunday 26 October 2025, from 10:30am to 1:00pm at Woodhorn Museum, Ashington. The final performance will be held at the same venue on Saturday 1 November 2025 at 12:00pm, either indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather.
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Participation is free and is funded by National Lottery Project Grant administrated by Arts Council England, but places are limited. If you’re interested in joining this project, please register by 12 October 2025 by clicking here.​
ELIOT SMITH DANCE DANCER CALLOUT - POPPY
POSTED 27 AUGUST 2025​
Eliot Smith Dance is seeking two male-identifying, professional, freelance dancer based in the United Kingdom to join the company for the creation and tour of POPPY, a contemporary dance work by Eliot Smith originally created in 2018.
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Application Deadline:
Friday 26 September 2025 at 17:00 (GMT)
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To find out more please click here.​
ANNOUNCING AUTUMN 2025 AND SPRING 2026 SEASON PROGRAMME - POPPY
POSTED 20 AUGUST 2025​
Eliot Smith Dance announces its autumn 2025 and spring 2026 season with a bold reimagining of Eliot Smith's POPPY — a powerful reflection on war, conflict, and sacrifice.
Originally premiered in 2018, POPPY has been newly envisioned for the autumn 2025 and spring 2026 season. Featuring a new original score by multi-award winning composer Adam Johnson and performed by five exceptional dancers, this evocative piece draws on the enduring symbolism of the poppy flower of John McCrae.
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ESD acknowledges the support from Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant, especially in such challenging times for securing funding.
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To find out more please click here.​
ESD SELECTED FOR ITER 4
POSTED 10 AUGUST 2025​
Eliot Smith Dance is proud to be selected as a second-year participant in the International Touring & Environmental Responsibility (ITER) programme, now in its fourth year. This initiative is run by Julie’s Bicycle in partnership with In Futurum, supporting artists and arts organisations in the UK, Denmark, and Norway to develop sustainable, equitable, and innovative models of international touring.
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This year marks a new chapter in our ongoing collaboration with Danish composer and sound artist Liv Vester Larsen, which began with Coalfield to Landscape. The next phase of this partnership, titled Merging, will premiere in Denmark in August 2025.
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We are honoured to be part of a growing community dedicated to combining artistic creativity with environmental responsibility in international cultural exchange. As the programme unfolds, we’ll be sharing stories and reflections from our journey, exploring new touring models that care for both people and the planet.
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To learn more and meet the other participants, visit:
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To find out more please click here.​
DANCE WITH PRIDE
POSTED 19 JULY 2025​
Eliot Smith Dance was proud to take part in our third Northern Pride march—right here in Newcastle, the city we call home.
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To find out more please click here.​
ESD PERFORMS IN DENMARK
POSTED 16 APRIL 2025​
In August 2025, Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) will collaborate with Danish-based artists Liv Vester Larsen (musician, composer, and sound artist) and visual artist Nanna Rosenfeldt-Olsen to create MERGING — a new cross-aesthetic performance exploring the intersection of dance, music, and visual art. The project is produced in partnership with Åsen Teater and Maskinhallen in Vendsyssel, Denmark.
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Find out more by clicking here.
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For Press Release, please click here.
ELIOT SMITH DANCE 2025 SUMMER SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT
POSTED 14 FEBRUARY 2025​
ESD is excited to announce its 2025 Summer Season, featuring a captivating candlelight performance, the return of ESD Presents, an international collaboration in Denmark, and community outreach.
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Human | Candlelight
Immerse yourself in an intimate, candlelit experience with Human | Candlelight, a solo performance by Eliot Smith, performed by Yamit Salazar and accompanied by an original score by Adam Johnson. This debut performance at Newcastle’s Alphabetti Theatre takes place on June 4th at 7:30 PM, followed by a post-show talk.
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Community Outreach
ESD will re-stage HAWAY THE LASSES with community participants from South-East Northumberland and deliver Pit-Dance workshops for local children in June.
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ESD Presents 2025
In July, ESD Presents returns to Dance City, Newcastle, celebrating dance innovation. Details and the announcement of the dance celebrant will be released in March 2025.
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MERGE
ESD will co-create an interdisciplinary performance in Denmark, exploring sustainable transformation with Danish artists Liv Vester Larsen and Nanna Rossenfeldt. This international project promotes sustainable touring practices.
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Human Online
A new recording of Human will be available online in June for those unable to attend in person.
Find out more and stay connected for updates and ticket information by clicking here.
ELIOT SMITH DANCE RECEIVE FUNDING FROM ABDERRAHIM CRICKMAY CHARITABLE TRUST FOR ESD PRESENTS
POSTED 07 FEBRUARY 2025
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Eliot Smith Dance is thrilled to receive funding from the Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement to support the upcoming ESD Presents event in summer 2025. The event will take place in July 2025 at Dance City’s state-of-the-art dance facility in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. The featured dance celebrant and additional event details will be announced in early March 2025.
To find out more, please click here.
ANNOUNCING PITMAN Re-Discovered on ESD Online
POSTED 16 JANUARY 2025
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Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) is proud to announce Eliot Smith acclaimed staged work, PITMAN into a cinematic experience.
To find out more, please click here.
Press Release, please click here.
ANNOUNCING SPRING 2025 SEASON 'PITMAN'
POSTED 07 JANUARY 2025
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Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) is back on the road this spring, with Eliot Smith's signature works, PITMAN. Experience the world of the Pitmen Painters, the famous amateur art group from Ashington, through powerful and entertaining contemporary dance.
To find out more, please click here.
Press Release, please click here.
