South African-born choreographer Dane Hurst will take up the artistic direction of Leeds-based Phoenix Dance Theatre in the spring.
Hurst will replace Sharon Watson, who early this year was named principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. The appointment comes in the run up to Phoenix's 40th anniversary next November.
Born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, he trained at Rambert School in London in 2003 and later joined Rambert Dance Company as the first recipient of the Sally Gilmour memorial trust bursary, in 2004.
As a dancer, he has made guest appearances with National Dance Company of Wales and Company Wayne McGregor, and was a company dancer for Phoenix from 2007 to 2009, and he is the founding artistic director of the Moving Assembly Project.
He said: “My aim is to celebrate and build on the foundations laid and successes achieved under Phoenix’s founders and previous directors.”
Phoenix chair Pamela Doherty said Hurst is an internationally renowned talent with an “extraordinary vision”.
“It’s difficult to imagine a better leader as Phoenix prepares for its 40th birthday," she added. "We’re honoured to have him return to Phoenix and we know his tremendous talent will take the company to new heights.”
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