VERVE DANCE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2026 TOUR FEATURING TRIPLE BILL OF BOLD CONTEMPORARY DANCE WORKS
Leeds-based company presents new works by Alethia Antonia, Andrea Costanzo Martini and Oona Doherty.
VERVE, the international touring dance company of NSCD, is thrilled to announce its 2026 tour featuring a captivating triple bill of contemporary dance works. Beginning with a highly anticipated premiere at the Riley Theatre in Leeds on 6th and 7th March, the tour promises to inspire, challenge and engage audiences through bold, thought-provoking choreography that redefines the boundaries of contemporary dance.
Each year, VERVE commissions renowned international choreographers to push the limits of movement and storytelling. For 2026, VERVE is proud to collaborate with three ground-breaking artists, who each bring their unique vision and artistic voice to the stage.
This year, the programme includes collaborations with Alethia Antonia, Andrea Costanzo Martini and Oona Doherty
These three contemporary dance works showcase the breadth and variety of the genre, offering audiences a range of experiences that evoke and challenge.
Alethia Antonia (They/Her) is a British Caribbean, West Yorkshire based independent choreographer, performer, teacher and researcher. Alethia's practice incorporates various movement practices/music/singing, and academic frames to explore artistic/socio-political questions related to identity. Their practice also explores accessibility, decolonisation and using dance as a place to reimagine and heal.
Andrea Costanzo Martini, born and raised in Italy, began his dance training at Danzicherie in Cuneo, Teatro Nuovo in Turin, and the Heinz Bost Stiftung Ballet Academy. He has performed with renowned companies such as Aalto-Theater, Cullberg Ballet, Inbal Pinto and Avshalom Pollak Dance Company, and danced with both the Batsheva Ensemble and Batsheva Dance Company.
Oona Doherty studied at St Louise’s comprehensive college in Belfast, The London School of Contemporary Dance, University of Ulster and LABAN London. From 2010 she has performed with various companies and was, Ballet Preljocaj artist in residence 2023/24. In 2021 Oona was awarded with Venice Biennale Silver Lion.
VERVE is the postgraduate company of Northern School of Contemporary Dance and features 18 exceptionally talented dancers from 8 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.
The company aims to inspire, provoke, and captivate audiences on its upcoming international tour, beginning with a world premiere at the Riley Theatre in Leeds on 6th and 7th March 2026.
Artistic Director of VERVE, Matteo Marfoglia said:
“I’m thrilled to announce our Spring 2026 tour, which will take VERVE to both national and international stages, presenting an exciting programme featuring choreographies by UK artists and internationally renowned makers. This year, I’m especially delighted to welcome back VERVE alumnus Alethia Antonia, whose participation reflects the rich creative journey that begins with VERVE and continues beyond it. We are also honoured to work with Andrea Costanzo Martini, whose creations are performed by leading dance companies across Europe, and Oona Doherty, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of her acclaimed work Hope Hunt."
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.
For their 2026 tour, the company will perform across 17 dates at 11 different venues.
VERVE 2026 Tour Dates:
13 & 14 February: Bâtiment des Forces Motrice, Geneva PREVIEW
6 & 7 March: Riley Theatre, Leeds PREMIERE
11 March: JVHome, Kent
20 & 21 March: The Place, London
24 March: Nuffield Theatre, Lancaster
24 April: Midlands Art Centre, Birmingham
1 May: Theatr Richard Burton Theatre, Caerdydd | Cardiff
6 May: Leeds Playhouse
Wed 13 May: Harrogate Theatre
16 May: New Adelphi Theatre, Salford
21 May: VERVE x Equilibrio Dinamico at Riley Theatre, Leeds
Coming soon: Bari, Italy
More tour information and about VERVE here.
