Eliot Smith Dance

“The enterprising company” - THE GUARDIAN

Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) is one of the North East’s leading dance companies, creating unforgettable contemporary dance experiences that inspire.

ESD is led by its Founder and Creative Director, Eliot Smith.

We commission, develop, produce and present new work by Eliot Smith and guest choreographers in partnerships with collaborators – aiming to create works that are dynamic, diverse, and relevant. ESD prides itself on bringing new audiences to contemporary dance with its accessible dance programmes alongside its Education and Beyond programme in both urban and rural settings.

We believe dance can support people in helping them to understand themselves and each other, and to change lives.

We are a proud Newcastle upon Tyne based company with a regional profile; we tour our work across North East England and other parts of the UK, and have performed by invitation in Paris, Rome, and New York.

ESD's work has produced numerous nominations for awards: Winner of the 'Green Dance Award' at the One Dance UK Awards; Awarded Dance City's 'Associate Artist'; The Bowes Museum 'Artist in Residence' ; Finalist at The Journal Culture Awards 'Performing Artist of the Year' ; Finalist at One Dance UK 'Dance Personality of The Year' ; Shortlisted at One Dance UK 'People’s Choice Award' .

Most recently, created a new virtual space, VIRTUAL ESD in light of the pandemic in early 2020, tailored to allow people to continue engaging in and benefiting from dance and culture.

ESD returned to live performances in July 2021 and celebrated their 10th anniversary.

"In the era of Black Lives Matter, and the tragic loss of many Bame NHS workers, it is apt to reclaim Seacole’s legacy." ★★★★ - iNews on Seacole + Nightingale