2:51 PM 8th February 2022

Phoenix Dance Theatre Mark 40 Years

Family - photo credit Foteini Christofilopoulou
Family - photo credit Foteini Christofilopoulou
Phoenix Dance Theatre present their exciting birthday programme at Leeds Playhouse this week. To celebrate their milestone 40th birthday they are bringing together a range of work from across the Company’s illustrious history, culminating in a special celebratory gala.

40 Years of Phoenix features an eclectic selection of work by internationally acclaimed, award-winning choreographers, including former Artistic Directors and collaborators.

Artistic Director Dane Hurst says:
“The 40 Years of Phoenix programme encapsulates the depth, breadth and complexity of dance in five key works that is a distillation of the energy, exuberance and spirit of Phoenix through the decades.

"In honour of forty years since Phoenix’s founding, we’re excited to bring back these iconic pieces, each of which has a unique place in the Company’s history. It’s been an honour and a joy to welcome these choreographers and creatives back into the studio (either virtually or in person) and see the works come to life, which together demonstrate the breadth and range that the Company’s repertoire has explored over the last four decades.”

Phoenix Dance Theatre end the week with a one-off 40th Birthday Celebration Gala at Leeds Playhouse.

Signal - photo credit Foteini Christofilopoulou
Signal - photo credit Foteini Christofilopoulou
Phoenix will perform works choreographed by former Artistic Directors Sharon Watson MBE DL, joined by students from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, and Darshan Singh Bhuller. Guest artists include Northern Ballet, Company Chameleon, DeNada Dance Theatre, Scottish Ballet, Mark Bruce Company, ACE dance and music, FUBUNATION, and Yorke Dance Project, who will also be joined by guest artists from The Royal Ballet.

Talking about the 40th Birthday Celebration Gala, Artistic Director Dane Hurst says:
“The 40th Birthday Celebration Gala is a celebration of the impact and legacy of Phoenix Dance Theatre and a salute to the enduring power and relevance of dance within arts and culture.

"The Gala will feature performances from artists and companies from around the country, all coming together to share and celebrate the incredible depth, breadth and diversity of dance today.

"For one night only, audiences will get to see some of the best dance artists from around the UK coming together under one roof at Leeds Playhouse. It promises to be an unforgettable evening in celebration of 40 years of dance.”

40 Years of Phoenix
Leeds Playhouse, 9-11 February
Box Office: 0113 213 7700
Booking link: https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/40-years-of-phoenix/

40th Birthday Celebration Gala
Leeds Playhouse, 12 February
Box Office: 0113 213 7700
Booking link: https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/phoenix-dance-theatre-40th-birthday-celebration-gala/

40 YEARS OF PHOENIX – UK Tour dates in the North

7 April - Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield

21 April - CAST, Doncaster

28 April - The Civic, Barnsley

20 May - Northern Stage, Newcastle