Launched in 1994 to great acclaim, Richard Alston Dance Company has grown into one of Britain’s most celebrated contemporary companies.

Alston is one of the most inspiring and influential figures in British dance. He choreographed his first work in 1968 as one of the original students at London School of Contemporary Dance, directed this country’s first independent dance company, Strider, and was Artistic Director of Rambert Dance Company from 1986 to 1992.

"Since the death of Frederic Ashton in 1998, Richard Alston has been Britain’s foremost dancemaker"
Financial Times

In building its repertoire, Richard Alston Dance Company focuses on Alston’s new choreography but combines this with the re-creation of seminal works from his career, including recently Soda Lake (1981), Roughcut (1990), Rumours, Visions (1993) and Brisk Singing (1997). Music plays a vital part in the Company’s identity and Alston is rightly admired for the musicality of his work.

"A choreographer for whom every dance is a love affair with his chosen music"
The Times

The Company has participated in a range of musical collaborations including a Harrison Birtwistle retrospective with the London Sinfonietta and a commission to choreograph Rite of Spring for the BBC’s Masterworks series.

"Alston, one of Britain’s greatest choreographers, has been making sensual dances for 30 years. He is an outstandingly musical creative force"
Evening Standard

Richard Alston Dance Company tours throughout the UK and overseas, including annual London seasons at Sadler's Wells. The company made its US debut in New York in May 2004, and in January/February 2006 completed its first full US tour.

"[Alston] turns the stage into an expanse on which music and movement meet for a rewarding, refreshing, uplifting ride"
Newsday