State of Emergency's History
State of Emergency has pursued a passionate long-term vision over the past twenty years to support the development of black dance in the UK.
The company was established at the time of the state of emergency imposed by the apartheid government in South Africa during the mid 1980s, with the aim of being on the alert and ready for any situation, breaking down barriers to the development of Black dance in the UK.
State of Emergency is an arts production and management company with a commitment to developing and profiling Black choreographic work, including contemporary and other dance forms, and is at the forefront of pushing the boundaries in the profile and the development of Black dance in the UK. The company seeks to make positive changes in the national dance ecology and works both nationally and internationally towards creating a strong place for Black dance in the national culture.
State of Emergency pursues this vision through the driving force of the nationally acclaimed Mission Programme, a unique umbrella that provides: performances and showcases, tours and festivals, artists’ training, professional development and consultancy on diversity.
Since 1986, State of Emergency has gone from strength to strength, providing opportunities for hundreds of performing artists in the field of dance and music covering a wide range of projects. The company has a proven track record in selecting and developing talent and is proud of its associations with some of the leading names in the contemporary arts scene.
