The Place (dance and performance centre)
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| The Place (dance and performance centre) | |
|---|---|
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| Name | The Place |
| Established | 1969 |
| Type | Dance and performance centre |
| Location | London, England |
The Place (dance and performance centre) is a London-based institution that functions as a centre for contemporary dance, performance, training, production and presentation. Founded in the late 1960s, it has played a central role in the development of contemporary dance in the United Kingdom, hosting performances, commissioning new work, and running vocational training alongside public engagement. The organisation has strong links to international festivals, higher education institutions, touring networks and professional companies.
History
The organisation was established in 1969 during a period shaped by figures such as Merce Cunningham, Pina Bausch, Martha Graham, Jerome Robbins and institutions like Royal Ballet and Sadler's Wells Theatre, responding to a growing appetite for contemporary practice in London and Europe. Early leadership built relationships with venues including Southbank Centre and festivals such as Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Avignon Festival, while engaging choreographers from the networks of Twyla Tharp, Trisha Brown, Alvin Ailey and Rudolf Nureyev. Through the 1970s and 1980s it expanded links with training bodies like Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Royal Academy of Dance and universities including University of the Arts London and Goldsmiths, University of London. The 1990s and 2000s saw commissions from makers connected to DV8 Physical Theatre, Michael Clark Company, Random Dance and collaborations with curators from Barbican Centre. Major capital projects paralleled initiatives by funders such as Arts Council England and trusts like Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Recent decades featured international co-productions with companies linked to Holland Festival, Festival d'Automne à Paris and touring networks like Dance Europe.
Facilities and Campus
The Place occupies purpose-built and adapted spaces in central London, near cultural sites such as King's Cross and Bloomsbury. Its facilities include multiple studios, a theatre, rehearsal rooms and production workshops used by visiting choreographers, companies and educational partners. The campus supports technical systems compatible with touring standards used by venues like Royal Opera House and presenters associated with Culture24. Backstage and front-of-house amenities meet requirements familiar to producers from National Theatre and Young Vic, while administrative offices liaise with funders including Heritage Lottery Fund and philanthropic organisations such as Wellcome Trust.
Education and Training
The institution runs vocational and community courses alongside higher education validated in partnership with conservatoires and universities including Trinity Laban, University of Surrey and University of Greenwich. Programmes range from pre-professional trainee schemes to postgraduate diplomas and short courses aimed at practitioners influenced by traditions of Cunningham Technique, Graham Technique, Release Technique, and contemporary improvisation associated with Contact Improvisation pioneers. Its vocational training has fed into companies such as Random Dance, Rambert, Matthew Bourne's New Adventures and Siobhan Davies Dance. Guest tutors have included alumni and artists connected with Akram Khan Company, Kenrick H20, Richard Alston Dance Company and international studios from New York City Ballet alumni.
Performance Programming and Resident Companies
The centre curates a season that presents emerging and established choreographers, often commissioning new works and producing tours with partners such as Sadler's Wells, Southbank Centre, St. Ann's Warehouse and European festivals. Resident companies and collectives over time have included ensembles linked to Richard Alston, Siobhan Davies, Russell Maliphant, Boy Blue Entertainment and experimental groups in dialogue with institutions like TATE Modern and ICA. Programming mixes contemporary dance, interdisciplinary performance, film and music projects developed with collaborators from Royal College of Music and visual artists who have exhibited at Hayward Gallery and Serpentine Galleries.
Outreach and Community Engagement
The centre delivers community projects, participatory workshops and targeted initiatives addressing local audiences and marginalised groups, partnering with organisations such as National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, Citizens Advice, and health services represented by NHS England. Outreach extends into schools through partnerships with trusts like Teachers' Standards-aligned programmes and collaborations with education arms of V&A Museum and British Library. International exchange projects have connected London-based artists with networks in New York, Berlin and cities represented in festivals like Montreal Jazz Festival and Perth Festival.
Governance and Funding
The organisation operates under a board and executive model similar to cultural institutions like Royal Opera House and English National Ballet, with trustees drawn from arts professionals, legal and financial sectors. Core funding has historically come from bodies such as Arts Council England supplemented by project grants from foundations including Paul Hamlyn Foundation and corporate partnerships comparable to those supporting Royal Shakespeare Company. Revenue streams include tuition fees, ticket sales, venue hire, philanthropy, and commissioning income secured through partnerships with venues and festivals like Barbican Centre and European co-producers.
Notable Alumni and Faculty
Alumni and faculty associated with the centre have gone on to prominence in national and international contexts, linked to companies and institutions such as Rambert, English National Ballet, Wayne McGregor Random Dance, Akram Khan Company, Matthew Bourne's New Adventures, Siobhan Davies Dance, Boy Blue Entertainment, Richard Alston Dance Company, Russell Maliphant, DV8 Physical Theatre and academic appointments at Trinity Laban and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Internationally recognised choreographers, teachers and administrators who have worked there have also engaged with festivals including Edinburgh International Festival and commissions from venues like Sadler's Wells Theatre.
Category:Dance in London