About Green Candle Dance Company

Green Candle makes shows for children, young adults and older people, performing in theatres, arts centres, schools, community centres, day centres, residential homes, and hospitals across London and beyond as well as running workshops and education projects for people of all ages and abilities.

Founded in 1987 by Artistic Director Fergus Early, Green Candle grew from a recognition of the lack of provision for young audiences identified by the then Greater London Arts. Initially working with young children with pieces such as Oonagh and Finn and Fiddle di Goop , the Company quickly extended its horizons, locating a need in many other groups in the community both to watch and to participate in innovative, high quality and accessible dance.

Fergus, a leading figure in British New Dance began his career with the Royal Ballet in the 1960's. An original member of the pioneering "Ballet for All", he left in the early 1970's to teach at the London School of Contemporary Dance. Contacts with many artists there led to the establishment of X6 Dance Space, New Dance Magazine and, in 1981, Chisenhale Dance Space. Fergus has since created dance pieces for many companies including Extemporary Dance Theatre, the Kosh and the Norwegian National Ballet and has a long association with the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester .

In September 1995 Rachel Elliott, Associate Director, joined the company (originally as Education Officer) contributing to the development of the Company's education work as well as extending it into new areas, notably with deaf young people and children in hospital.

The company's work often explores social and environmental themes. Sometimes these are experienced first hand by the communities the company works with, such as Your Prayer is Doubled When You Sing , the story of two pensioners' journeys from Poland and Jamaica to Hackney or Jack Be Nimble , which challenged stereotypes of older people. At other times they are global concerns as in Alanna and the Tree , which dealt with the destruction of the rain forests and The Road Home and Mina's Story , which dealt with the plight of refugees.

Green Candle demands many talents from its performers. Not only must they be able to dance but also to sing, act and teach. The complex blending of these skills and qualities has created a particular cross art form style for the company's work. This enables Green Candle to be a leader in its field, with a unique role and identity within British dance; propelling the art form into the lives of different people and new areas, making it a valuable and life enhancing experience for all