VERVE, the international touring dance company of Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD), is thrilled to announce its 2026 tour featuring a captivating triple bill of contemporary dance works. With a premiere at Riley Theatre in Leeds on 6th March, the tour promises to inspire, challenge and engage audiences through bold, inspiring choreography that redefines the boundaries of contemporary dance.
Each year, VERVE brings together visionary international choreographers to elevate and reimagine the limits of movement and storytelling. For 2026, VERVE is delighted to collaborate with three pioneering artists: Alethia Antonia, Andrea Costanzo Martini and Oona Doherty, who each bring their unique vision and artistic voice to the stage. This trio of contemporary works demonstrates the range of the dance form, inviting audiences into experiences that deeply resonate, inspire reflection and provoke thought.
VERVE is the postgraduate company of Northern School of Contemporary Dance and features 18 exceptionally talented dancers from nine different countries. These young artists, trained at some of the world’s most prestigious conservatoires, are on the cusp of launching their professional careers and their dynamic performances are at the heart of this diverse and boundary-pushing programme.
Artistic Director Matteo Marfoglia said: “We’re incredibly excited to share this new triple bill with audiences on tour. Each choreographer offers a bold and distinctive voice, and we can’t wait to see how these works spark connection and conversation. It’s a chance for the dancers to stretch their artistry and for audiences to discover something powerful and unexpected in contemporary dance.”
The VERVE 2026 Tour will visit multiple cities across the UK and internationally. With each performance, VERVE aims to not only push the limits of physical expression but also to spark conversation and reflection on the ever-changing nature of contemporary performance.
Tour runs from 6th March – 25th May, touring to venues such as Riley Theatre (premiere), Midlands Art Centre and The Place. Find out more here. Header image by Elly Welford.