Scottish Dance Theatre Announces New Artistic Director

Following an extensive search, the Board of Dundee Rep Theatre Ltd has announced the appointment of Fleur Darkin to the role of Artistic Director for Scottish Dance Theatre (SDT), Scotland's national contemporary dance company and part of Dundee Rep Theatre, effective Autumn 2012. Darkin will replace Janet Smith who has recently taken up the post of Principal at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. 

Darkin is former Associate Artist at Bristol Old Vic and has enjoyed choreographic stints at Laban and the Royal Opera House. Darkin's current touring work, the Blake Diptych, won the Jardin D'Europe commission and was co-commissioned in the UK by Southbank Centre, Laban, Salisbury Arts Centre, Pavilion Dance, Bristol Old Vic and Warwick Arts Centre. Internationally, Darkin's artistic excellence has been recognised with residencies at Junges Hundes (Germany), P.A.R.T.S. (Belgium) and Theatre Mono (Lebanon). 

Peter Inglis Chairman of Dundee Rep Theatre Ltd said

'I am delighted to announce the appointment of Fleur Darkin as Artistic Director of Scottish Dance Theatre. After a competitive, international search process by the board of Dundee Rep Theatre Ltd and external advisors, including a representative from Creative Scotland, I am confident that Fleur will bring a fresh, exciting and ambitious vision to the already groundbreaking and award-winning contemporary dance company.  I believe that with Fleur's vast experience, knowledge and celebrated choreography we have firmly positionEd Scottish Dance Theatre in the best possible place to continue delivering high quality contemporary dance to Dundee, Scotland and beyond'. 

New Artistic Director, Fleur Darkin said

'I am delighted to be joining Scottish Dance Theatre at this unique moment for Dundee and Scotland. The opportunity to develop the potential of this globally celebrated dance company fills me with inspiration.
SDT is a cultural leader, and its unique relationship to Dundee Rep is a tremendous breeding ground for collaborative practice and innovation. There is no other organisation like this in the UK! 
I am passionate about virtuosity and the power of dance to engage and liberate audiences. I look forward to broadening the possibilities of what an internationally touring dance rep company can be. Working with the exceptional SDT dancers, we will pioneer a dance inquiry that leads us into a new artistic era. 
I look forward to collaborating with artists from everywhere as we push the national dance agenda forward and create a space for artistic excellence - that can inspire Scotland and the world.'  

SDT is mid way through its Spring 2012 tour and is currently in London in preparation for performances at The Place on 9 & 10 March. The Spring 2012 repertoire includes work that celebrates the talent encouraged within the company; All in the Grip by Natalie Trewinnard, A Touch of Red by Nicole Guarino and Love Games by Joan Clevillé.  Completing the Spring rep is Pavlova's Dogs by Rachel Lopez de la Nieta which places the dancers on stage as test subjects, questioning how the audience view what they see on stage; Drift, an intensely physical piece by James Wilton; Lay Me Down Safe, a tender and sensual look at desire by Kate Weare and Idan Cohen's animalistic My Sweet Little Fur.

On April 11 & 12, SDT will premiere What on Earth!?, it's first work for children, at Dundee Rep Theatre's Easter Children's Festival.  What on Earth!? is a dynamic and playful adventure, with generous helpings of music, dance and animated worlds, creating a brilliant experience for all the family. For more information visit www.scottishdancetheatre.co.uk

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