Britain's Dance Umbrella was founded in 1978 to support and encourage the best of the new in contemporary dance work, both in Britain and overseas.

Dance Umbrella presents one of Europe's largest and longest running festivals of contemporary dance in London each Autumn. The festival has become one of Britain's most successful annual arts events, promoting dance from all over the world, introducing performers and audiences to the most innovative developments in the art form.

Dance Umbrella is renowned for presenting new talent. Many established companies and choreographers have made their British debuts under the Umbrella. These have included:

Michael Clark
Mark Morris
Doug Elkins
Stephen Petronio
Siobhan Davies Dance Company.

Dance Umbrella has a strong commitment to educational work, and promotes a wider understanding of dance with an extensive education programme including classes, workshops, seminars, dance films and videos, as well as Meet the Artist sessions.

Dance Umbrella operates a regular touring programme, offering British regional audiences year-round opportunities to see international artists.

Dance Umbrella has received numerous awards for its innovation and creativity. Artistic Director, Val Bourne, received an OBE in 1991 for her services to contemporary dance in Britain and was honoured as Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Government in 1996.

Dance Umbrella 96 runs from 28 September to 8 November at seven venues across London and features companies from Britain, France, Spain, Canada, USA and Zimbabwe.

Forthcoming projects include:

Woking Dance Umbrella from 25 February to 22 March 1997

June 1997 - The first London performances of the Mark Morris Dance Group in L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato. Presented in association with English National Opera.