Eliot Smith Dance Opens 15th Anniversary Year with POPPY Spring 2026 Tour

Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) is proud to announce the Spring 2026 tour of POPPY, opening the company’s 15th anniversary year and launching a programme of celebratory activity marking fifteen years of contemporary dance making.

First created in 2018, POPPY returns in a newly reimagined production, touring venues across the North East and Tunbridge Wells from February to March 2026. The tour marks the opening chapter of ESD’s anniversary year, celebrating the company’s artistic journey while looking confidently towards its future.

Choreographed by Eliot Smith and performed by five outstanding dancers, POPPY features an original score by multi-award-winning composer Adam Johnson. Inspired by the symbolism of the poppy and the poetry of John McCrae, the work explores themes of love, loss, conflict and resilience, following a couple separated by the outbreak of the First World War. 

“Opening our 15th anniversary year with POPPY feels incredibly meaningful,” said Eliot Smith, Creative Director of Eliot Smith Dance. “It’s a work that reflects on memory, humanity and connection — themes that resonate deeply with our journey as a company and the communities we work with.” 

Spring 2026 Tour Dates 

Hexham — Queen’s Hall | 12 February Warkworth — Memorial Hall | 14 February Newbiggin — Maritime Centre | 18 February Newcastle — Gosforth Civic Theatre | 19 February Spennymoor — Settlement Theatre | 28 February Tunbridge Wells — Trinity Theatre | 7 March

Celebrating 15 Years of Eliot Smith Dance

Founded in 2011 and based at Dance City in Newcastle upon Tyne, Eliot Smith Dance has grown into a nationally and internationally recognised contemporary dance company. Over the past 15 years, ESD has presented work across the UK and internationally, alongside delivering award-winning engagement programmes that use dance to improve wellbeing and strengthen community connections.

The 15th anniversary year will include performances, workshops, community projects and a special celebratory event later in 2026, honouring the company’s legacy and the people who have shaped its journey.

15th Anniversary Year Highlights

• POPPY Spring 2026 UK tour opening the anniversary year
• A programme of performances and participatory activity throughout 2026
• Eliot Smith: Return — an intimate evening of three solo works performed by Eliot Smith
• A special 15th anniversary celebration event later in the year 

To find out more about the POPPY tour, visit: www.eliotsmithdance.com/spring2026

To find out more about 15th anniversary events, visit: www.eliotsmithdance.com/15