In its first phase, 1969-77, it was used for experimental work in music and drama as well as dance. During that time The Place was the London venue for the RSC’s studio works, hence when that company opened a new studio theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, it was christened “The Other Place”.

Since 1982 The Place has focused singly on dance in its multiplicity of forms. The theatre continues to show the work of postgraduate and undergraduate dancers, choreographers and dance filmmakers from London Contemporary Dance School, alongside an extensive programme of professional danceworks from around the world.

This programme gave a platform for the early works of companies such as DV8, Adventures in Motion Pictures, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company and Random Dance – all former resident companies – and the UK debuts of such internationally celebrated dance artists as Wim Vandekeybus, Sasha Waltz and Rui Horta.

Through the 1990s, the twin seasons of Spring Loaded (for UK based works) and The Turning World (work from overseas) forged links between The Place and London’s other dance venues, working together to develop new audiences for dance. Both seasons were revived in 2007, and The Place remains a key venue for the annual, London-wide Dance Umbrella festival.

Since 1988, The Place has also presented the annual Resolution! platform season in which companies from the UK and Europe are selected from open applications. 100 companies perform over 6 weeks in January and February.

The Place’s lottery-funded redevelopment, completed in 2001, provided the theatre with improved front-of-house and backstage facilities. Its programme since reopening has included works by Wim Vandekeybus, Marie Chouinard, Jerome Bel and Ko Murobushi, and extended runs from companies including Random Dance, Jasmin Vardimon Dance Company, Protein Dance and Phoenix Dance Theatre.

The theatre continues to present the best in emerging and innovative contemporary dance, including the biennial performances for The Place Prize, the UK's most prestigious dance competition.