History

Chisenhale Dance Space grew out of the X6 collective. This was a group of five dance artists who wanted to work independently of any established company or organisation. At that time, 1976, virtually no facilities or structures existed for dancers outside the mainstream of ballet and contemporary dance companies. In order to pursue their own ideas they found their own space in which to work – a disused warehouse in Butlers Wharf which was known as the X6 Dance Space.

After five years, during which time X6 became the focus for the emerging “New Dance” scene, the collective were forced to leave the building due to redevelopment. In 1980 the evicted artists found new premises at the Chisenhale works in Bow, a derelict varnish factory.

Since its beginnings Chisenhale has had many forms but its focus has always been independent artist and company development, experimentation, research and the the creation of new and exciting dance and movement works. Naturally this work has spilled into experimental theatre and live art over the past few years and the space is now a hub of artist activity across many genres.

This page of our site is currently under construction and over the coming months the Chisenhale Dance Space staff will be adding some examples of the work and projects that have come from this unique space over its 25 year existence so please do visit again.