ESD Presents is a biennial dance event produced by Eliot Smith Dance (ESD). The event aims to inform, celebrate, and foster creative conversations around the work of influential dance makers. Previous celebrants include Martha Graham and Paul Taylor.
Taking place every two years, the next ESD Presents will be held from 28 July – 03 August 2025 at Dance City in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It offers unique opportunities for both dancers in training and professionals to engage in an intensive program, alongside lectures, forums, and performances for the public to enjoy.
The ESD Presents 2025 event acknowledge the support from Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement, Dance City, Friends of ESD, and Richard Chen See.
Image: ESD Presents Paul Taylor (2023). Photographer Eliot Smith
Overview on the 2025 dance celebrant, Sir Robert Cohan CBE
Sir Robert Paul Cohan CBE, born in New York in 1925, joined the Martha Graham Dance Company in 1947 before moving to London in 1968. There, he became the founding Artistic Director of The Place and the London Contemporary Dance Theatre, significantly shaping the trajectory of British dance.
A passionate advocate for contemporary dance, Sir Robert worked tirelessly to expand global audiences and nurture generations of dancers and choreographers. His works continue to inspire and resonate in the world of dance today.
“His importance and influence is almost incalculable.”
-Debra Craine, chief dance critic of The London Times
“Dance can and should be in some way cathartic. It can speak to you. This is what I’ve tried to do. Even if it’s simple.”-
– Robert Cohan
Image: Cohan in 2005. Sueddeutsche Zeitung Photo / Alamy Stock Photo
ESD Presents Robert Cohan: Intensive
28 July – 02 August 2025
The Summer Intensive is designed for dancers-in-training and professionals aged 18+, offering a strong focus on the Cohan method of Graham-based technique, Cohan Repertory, Ballet, Performance, Lectures, and more!
Classes are led by world-class dance professionals, including former Cohan dancers Anne Donnelly and Kenneth Tharp, who are leaders in their field.
All classes are held in-person at Dance City’s state-of-the-art dance facility, located in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
For further information about ESD Presents Robert Cohan and to register for the intensive visit:
www.eliotsmithdance.com/esdpresents-summerintenisive
Image: Dancer Yamit Salazar. Photographer Darren Irwin
Public Events
ESD Presents Robert Cohan: Lecture – Brief History of Robert Cohan
Monday 28 July 2025, 3:30pm
Duration: 1 hour
General Admission: £6
Join us for a one-hour lecture on the life and legacy of Sir Robert Cohan CBE, one of
the dance world’s most influential figures and the founding figure of British
contemporary dance.
Led by Paul R W. Jackson, this talk, using unique materials,
will explore Cohan’s groundbreaking contributions to contemporary dance, including
his pioneering work with the Martha Graham Dance Company, the founding of the
London Contemporary Dance Theatre, to his glorious Indian Summer of creativity
through his work with the Yorke Dance Project.
Image: Cohan Rehearsing. Anthony Crickmay supplied by the Sir Robert Cohan Dance Legacy with permission of the V&A Museum and Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement
ESD Presents Robert Cohan: Gala Performance
Saturday 02 August 2025, 7pm
Duration 1 hour
Ticket Price: General Admission £15
Join us for an evening of celebration as we honour the legacy of Sir Robert Cohan CBE.
This Gala Performance marks the grand finale of a week-long event at Dance City celebrating Cohan, widely regarded as the founding father of British contemporary dance. The evening will feature excerpts from Cohan’s masterworks, performed by a dynamic mix of intergenerational dancers, including professional dancers from Eliot Smith Dance.
As part of the 100th anniversary celebration of Sir Robert Cohan in 2025, this event offers a unique opportunity to reflect on his profound impact on the dance world.
Ticket holders will also have exclusive access to an Open Forum Discussion following the performance.
Image: Robert Cohan, Aug 1987 II © Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement
ESD Presents Robert Cohan: Open Forum Discussion
Saturday 2 August 2025, 8:30pm
Duration: 45 minutes
General Admission: £6 (free for ticket holders attending the Gala Performance)
Join us for an engaging and insightful Open Forum Discussion, where we will explore the life and legacy of Sir Robert Cohan CBE, one of the most influential figures in contemporary dance.
The panel will feature distinguished speakers including Dr. Roy M. Vestrich, Chair of the Sir Robert Cohan Dance Legacy, Kenneth Tharp CBE and Anne Donnelly, former Cohan dancers, Paul R W. Jackson, author of The Last Guru: Robert Cohan’s Life in Dance from Martha Graham to LCDT, and Eliot Smith, Creative Director of Eliot Smith Dance.
The discussion will provide a brief yet insightful look into Cohan’s profound contributions to the world of dance, spanning his time with Martha Graham and his role in founding the London Contemporary Dance Theatre (LCDT). This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from experts who have worked closely with and studied Cohan’s legacy.
Following the discussion, audience members will have the chance to ask questions, creating an interactive and thought-provoking exchange that allows us all to reflect on the lasting impact of Sir Robert Cohan on contemporary dance.
Image: Robert Cohan, Aug 1987 II © Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement
