Dance City (Dance North Ltd.)

Who we are

Dance City is the biggest dance house in the north of England. Based in Newcastle city centre but working across the northeast of England, we have been a catalyst, convener and creator of dance and movement experiences in the region for more than 40 years.

Employing around 130 core staff, freelancers and artists, Dance City is a vibrant and friendly place where people come together to experience dance. Professional and aspiring dancers meet here to learn and train, audiences come to watch world class dance performances, and people from all walks of life come to socialise, learn new skills and to keep fit and active.

We offer more than 70 public classes in all forms of dance, attracting more than 800 people per week. We present a regular programme of dance performances from contemporary to ballet, world dance styles to breakdance bringing leading northeast, national and international artists and companies to Newcastle.

We also commission original new works, which premiere in our theatre. Each year we welcome 2,000 people to our theatre.

We offer specialist training for gifted and talented young people from the age of 10 through our Centre for Advanced Dance Training (CAT), managed in partnership with the Department for Education (DFE).

Dance City’s engagement team aims to get people moving and to make dance accessible, working from our home base and in schools, hospitals and local communities across the region and creating and distinctive events where people can experience and enjoy dance regardless of their background or circumstances.

Each year we work with more than 8,000 people of all ages in a variety of settings. We aim to be at the heart of art form development, supporting professional dancers through a programme of free classes, commissioning opportunities, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), free studio space and much more.  

Our culture and values

We believe that dance can inspire people and unite communities.

Our mission is to ensure the northeast of England is the best place to dance and to experience dance.

Our values are:

• Integrity

• Inclusion

• Equity

• Boldness

• Kindness

• Joy 

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

We believe that dance belongs to everyone. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion shapes everything we do, from our creative programming and community engagement to our workplace culture and recruitment practices. We recognise that people’s experiences, identities and backgrounds enrich our organisation, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued and supported.

As an employer, we are committed to fair, transparent and equitable recruitment. We encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the arts and cultural sectors. We specifically welcome applications from women, disabled people and those from Black, Asian, ethnically diverse, LGBTQ+ and international backgrounds with the right to work in the UK. We welcome conversations about adjustments or support needs at any stage of the recruitment process.

We are continually reflecting, learning and improving to ensure our organisation remains a place where everyone can thrive.