For over 45 years, Dance Umbrella has been at the forefront of contemporary dance, a platform where creativity and boundary-pushing performances thrive.
Time Out calls Dance Umbrella “London’s boldest, brightest, most accessible festival of dance.” Our commitment to commissioning new work, supporting emerging talent, and creating space for diverse voices has made us a leader in the industry, attracting artists and audiences from all over the globe.
As we prepare for our 2024 festival, we need your support to ensure we can continue this vital work. This is why we’re launching our Shaping the Future of Dance campaign, which runs until 4 October. We’re asking our community to share their passion for dance by donating, so we can continue to provide a platform for emerging talent and present new, groundbreaking work.
What we do
Artistic Excellence at Dance Umbrella
One Drop by Sonya Lindfors (Cameroon/Finland), co-produced by Dance Umbrella as part of Big Pulse Dance Alliance. Presented at Battersea Arts Centre as part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2023. Credit Tuukka Ervasti.
Since our founding in 1978, Dance Umbrella has been driven by a confident, innovative vision. We’ve consistently championed choreographers who challenge the status quo, offering a platform for experimentation and growth. Our legacy includes collaborations with a wide range of global artists who present work which reflects London’s diverse identity. This year, we’ll be presenting 10 UK premieres across the capital’s stages and online.
“Leading the pack is the brilliant Dance Umbrella”
Commissioning New Work
Navy Blue by Oona Doherty (Northern Ireland), co-produced by Dance Umbrella as part of Big Pulse Dance Alliance. Presented at Sadler's Wells as part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2022. Credit Sinje Hasheider.
At Dance Umbrella, our passion for innovation drives everything we do. Central to this is our commitment to commissioning bold and visionary new work. We offer artists the space to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and share their creative journeys with London audiences. By providing this platform, we nurture emerging and established talent alike, ensuring that their imaginative work reaches the stage to captivate audiences.
Free Outdoor Performances
Square Dances by Rosemary Lee (UK), commissioned by Dance Umbrella. Presented at Brunswick Square, Woburn Square, Queen Square and Gordon Square as part of Dance Umbrella Festival 2011. Credit Hugo Glendinning.
We believe dance should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of background. That’s why our free outdoor performances bring the magic of live dance into public spaces, making the art form accessible to all. These open-air events introduce new audiences to the power of dance, allowing them to experience world-class performances in everyday locations.
Creative Learning Programme
Big Deal Intensive at Studio 3 Arts, a 3-day series of dance workships across different styles, at a community arts centre in Barking & Dagenham (2023). Credit Jimmy Lee.
Our Creative Learning programme creates meaningful connections between artists and communities. We engage young people and families, offering them the chance to watch, participate in, and explore high-quality dance. From intimate early years performances to large-scale, intergenerational productions, we design unique projects that reflect our core belief: dance is for everyone, no matter their age or experience. Through these initiatives, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of dance in people from all walks of life.
“This project was my happy place. I am so extremely grateful for the experience that I cannot really put it into words. I felt supported and accepted, thank you.”
Why We Need Your Help
Despite our success, the arts sector faces unprecedented financial challenges. Economic pressures and rising costs, combined with reduced financial support, threaten our ability to bring new and exciting performances to our audiences. As one of the leading dance festivals in the UK, we need your support more than ever.
By donating, you can help us continue to showcase cutting-edge performances, offer free outdoor events, and make accessible to more people. With your support, we can also nurture the next generation of talent and ensure that dance remains a vital part of the UK’s cultural landscape.
How to Donate
By supporting our Shaping the Future of Dance campaign, you become part of a community that values creativity, inclusivity, and the transformative power of the arts.
Anyone who donates £50 or more will be listed as a supporter on our website and will receive a Dance Umbrella 2024 tote bag.
Donate now +
Thank you for being part of our journey. With your generosity, we can continue to inspire, provoke, and innovate. Please share this campaign with your friends and networks, so that together we can keep dance inspiring for all.