Chisenhale Dance Space

Chisenhale Dance Space stands on the top floor of a former veneer factory in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The building sits near Victoria Park, sharing the converted factory with Chisenhale Gallery and Chisenhale Art Place. Founded in the early 1980s by members of the X6 Dance Collective, it opened as a public performance space in December 1984. Support came from dancer and choreographer Gill Clarke, who helped establish its early reputation. The organisation remains a member-led charitable body dedicated to independent dance. It is worth the journey because it focuses on artist development, experimentation and the creation of new dance works. Projects include programmes for young people such as Inspiring Young Londoners Through Dance, part of the 2012 Summer Olympics’ Transformers scheme. The 75-seater theatre hosts dance festivals, live performances and film screenings. In 2014, its 30th anniversary programme featured a screening of Hail the New Puritan, a film starring Michael Clark and directed by Charles Atlas. The space also collaborates with partners like East London Dance and Trinity Laban Conservatoire. Visitors find offices, dance studios and a small theatre inside the converted factory. The theatre space is used by professionals and community groups alike. Performances range from experimental dance to screenings of dance-related films. The building’s shared setting with Chisenhale Gallery and Art Place adds to the creative atmosphere. The organisation works closely with local schools and dance companies through partnerships in Tower Hamlets. Its work supports both emerging artists and wider community engagement in east London.