Timeline
It began with an idea in the mind of a young dancer. Corrine Bougaard wanted to shape contemporary dance to reflect the world around her. So, she gathered like-minded artists to form a brave new company. 26 international touring productions later, involving countless multinational artists, featuring hundreds of learning programme residencies and performances, Union Dance is still evolving. Formed around inclusivity and diversity Union Dance grew into one of the most important contemporary dance companies in the UK.
This is their story.
1983 - Visions of Rhythm
Union Dance Premiere | Battersea Arts Centre | London
Union Dance original members took to the stage for their debut of classical Indian, jazz, and modern contemporary dance. The programme included No Man’s Land and No Boundaries and was performed by Corrine Bougaard, Chitra Sundaram, Shobana Jeysingh, Jon Smart, Desmond Harris, and Henrietta Harris before continuing to tour successfully across Italy and Holland.
1993 - Driving Force
Spring Loaded Festival | The Place | London
Driving Force by Denise Wong and Bunty Matthias was premiered alongside British Jungle Dances, offering a witty take on British colonialism. Soon, by Bill T Jones was the third dance work in the trilogy. It’s a lasting tribute to Arnie Zane who died of Aids related lymphoma in 1989 leaving Jones mourning the loss of a professional partner and friend. Dancers included David Nurse, Hopal Romans, Charemaine Seet, Jason Germain, Nicola Hilton, Michael Joseph, Floyd Hendricks.
1996 - Motivate the Era
Germany | Indonesia | Peru | Cuba
The touring programme included A Knot Annulled by Doug Elkins, Soon by Bill T Jones, The Thrill is Gone by Charemaine Seet, British Jungle Dances by Jacob Marley, and Red, Blue and Ochre by David Nurse, plus Arroz Con Mangos by Isabel Bustos. From vignettes blending street dance with hip hop and Mozart to contemporary and capoeira filled across a colourful 2-year international tour. Dancers included Michael Joseph, David Nurse, Hopal Romans, Andrea Whiting, Simone Noblett, Garry Benjamin and Charemaine Seet.
2002 - Imaging the Invisible
Royal Opera House | Covent Garden
A multimedia installation featuring choreography by Andile Sotiya that showcased the world of illusions through the medium of projection and dance. The production team, (photographer, multi-media artist, installation designer, as well as the choreographic and performance team) demonstrated how the world is seen in different ways by different people, using movement as a trigger for memories.
2007 - Sense of Rapport
Bolzano | Italy
Our programme of work included Silence Disrupted by Rafael Bonachela, with its distinctive solos and duets created by company members titled Rapport. Helping to convey the empathy and trust we look for in our daily lives, were dancers Garry Benjamin, Susanna Cole, Michael Joseph, Dee Ovens, Will Thorburn and Hian Ruth Voon.
2008 - HEAVEN ON EARTH
The Royal Opera House | Covent Garden | London
This inspiring programme included Sublime Element by Tayeb Benamara, Two Bye Two by Anh Ngoc Nguyen, and Celestial Dawning by Michael Joseph. Heaven on Earth relates to all that exists with the beauty of grace. The creative theme driving this production is finding our place in the world and a space to believe in; bringing notions of empowerment in order to clarify experience.
2009 - Fit Fresh Start
Schools Programme | A digital resource | Accessible exercise programme
Union Dance mentored young people aged 12-18 through a programme of dance, health, fitness and nutrition. We provided digital assets with accessible exercises and supporting dietary information. Our aim was to generate interest and inspire healthy eating and wellbeing through a process of workshops and dance seminars. We also established a Physical Café in selected schools, with follow-up sessions of intensive weekly fitness days, delivered by experienced dance and fitness instructors.
2011 - Russian Art Week
Saatchi Gallery | Chelsea | London
A specially commissioned video, art and dance event where digital technology and live performance converge to give perceptions of tomorrow’s world. Live moving imagery captured the essence of contrasting worlds from within a multi-layered environment. Featuring photography, verse, music and digital artistry.
2012 - Plug in to Electric Late
Plug In Festival | Museum of London | London
Union Dance collaborated with Union Too Youth Group and Paddington Academy for a night of electrifying performance, involving a soundscape of live tracks, turntablism and dirty breaks. As part of the Plug In Festival, it was created for and by young people as part of Stories of the World; a major project at the heart of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
2014 - Anxiety Festival
The Mental Health Foundation | Brixton
The project raised awareness in preventative care by improving people’s lives through participation in a dance and movement initiative. This partnership encompassed the arts, medical science and education, directly relating to the London Art and Mental Health Festival 2014 themed around anxiety.
2016 - Pursuing independent Pathways
Abbey Community Centre | Cockpit Theatre | Westminster
Union Dance combined with Westminster residents’ groups, alongside PIP slow learners. It included a 2-week summer residency, Dance and Digital in Waltham Forest. The company also mentored students in Westbourne Park Family Centre. Participants were guided through activities, with discussions on cultural backgrounds and aspects of immigration. The session’s aim was to improve health and wellbeing through exercise with positive mind-building experiences culminating in a final presentation.
2016 - Awa’s Journey
The Arcola Theatre | Shonibare Studio Residency | London
Awa's Journey is a multi-media collaboration between playwright Beverly Andrews, Union Dance, BAFTA nominated video maker Dan Saul, African Express musician Mosi Conde and director Danielle Urbas. The piece looks at the plight of refugees - a key issue of our time. Storytelling through two different time frames, one set during current times and the other set during the reign of James I. The piece asks how attitudes are conditioned by the times in which we live.
2017 - Music Movement Oracle
The Gulbenkian Theatre | Canterbury
Contemporary dance united with saxophonist and composer, Steve Williamson to create a rich, sensory experience, combining digital art-visuals with choreography. Expertly performed and enhanced through close collaboration with digital innovators. Performance venues included The Urdang Academy, Central St Martins, Chelsea, and Rich Mix, Shoreditch.
2018 - Reflection Route
British Museum | The Great Hall | Covent Garden | London
Reflection Route marked the birth of Nelson Mandela with an open performance in the heart of the British Museum; an event of music, poetry, screenings and talks. This vibrant summer soirée featured a Contemporary Afro dance performance by choreographer Sarita Piotrowski, set to a hypnotic South African soundtrack. Our talented dancers performed alongside spoken word artist Leeto Thale.
2019 - People Power Passion
Luton Town Hall
Union Dance turned Creative Producers and lead choreographers for a performance event at Luton Town Hall, with over 100 participants, including music, dance, digital visuals, performed to an audience of 2000 people. This commission highlighted social and racial injustices, played out in conjunction with Black Lives Matter and Me Too. The choreography and performance included a rave and a riot, across two huge stages, involving lasers, pyrotechnics, projections, smoke bombs and flares.
2021 - Dance with Digital
Online lockdown Courses | Premiered at Urdang Academy | Islington | London
An inspiring free online resource for participants to keep fit during the pandemic. It combines dance movement with photography, video and spoken word. Participants socialise through Zoom chats, keeping mentally and physically fit under the guidance of skilled artists and mentors, in partnership with Westminster Adult Education Service.
2023 - Open Air
Union Sound production | Inside out Festival ‘23 | Workshops & Live Performance | St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Sq. | London
A celebratory dance event giving voice to a collective of young emerging Westminster musicians, collaborating with professional young dancers, creating a moving and captivating performance.
Meet the company
The idea that began in the mind of a young dancer is now a respected company of performers, choreographers, mentors, musicians and digital artists. Together they are Union Dance. You’re welcome to take a peek behind the scenes.