WAINSGATE DANCES
Wainsgate Dances is run by artists for artists and the wider community. From inside the old chapel, we host workshops, residencies, performances and daily practices that bring people together to move, watch, and share.
It’s not a polished arts centre—it’s a working space where things are tested, exchanged, and sometimes transformed. The atmosphere is welcoming and informal, while the work itself can be bold, challenging, or quietly attentive.
At its heart, Wainsgate Dances is about people meeting through dance, and about what becomes possible when that happens.
Scroll down to find out more, or click here to visit the Wainsgate Dances website
What people say about Waiinsgate Dances...
"a wellspring of dance"
Lyndsey Winship
The Guardian
“Performing at Wainsgate Chapel has reminded me how contemporary dance performance can motivate a
diverse group of people to work collectively and with confidence, towards a shared event which blesses
people with a momentary sense that this is the place to be, and these are the people to be with. “
Jonathan Burrows
Performing artist
“ Just wanted to let you know that feedback from yesterday has been GREAT!
Thank you so much once again. The children were buzzing when they came back. One boy in particular
(who has only recently joined us and has been struggling to settle in a bit) was especially enthusiastic (a big
change for him!)…which is what it’s all about really – dance sparks something that other subjects can’t touch
I guess!”
Sally Smith
Teacher, Old Town Primary School
“Thank you Charlie! Best school trip ever! My favourite part of the day was when we were pretending to be
apes and doing forward rolls across the floor.”
Arabella
Pupil, Old Town Primary School
I love that Wainsgate handles serious ideas and has a sense of humour.
It has been made into a generous and necessary place and it will evolve as everyone learns what a dance based place with a clear focus can bring both to a community and the growth of an art form.
It is just the kind of place I want to meet people in and watch dance and dancers in that wonderful big, square high room.
Siobhan Davies
Choreographer
“The morning dance practice at Wainsgate has been a fantastic addition to my life.
It is inclusive and welcoming to a non-dancer, and I really value this opportunity. In a rural area, this kind of
dance provision is rare and appreciated.”
Anne Caldwell
Local resident
“With an international reputation and an already rich history of supporting hundreds of artists, Wainsgate
Chapel is now a key part of the cultural landscape in the North and its ongoing brilliance makes me deeply
proud and thankful to be a Hebden Bridge local.”
Theo Clinkard
Choreographer
“A welcoming and supportive environment to explore movement to music with a teacher who facilitates and encourages all without any discrimination against those of us who have never dared to dance in public. An amazing way to start a day.”
Ingrid Corcos
Local resident
“Wainsgate is a brilliant context to make dance work in and I cherish my time there. Whether you are
working alone or with collaborators, in the context of the UKs dance ecology, Wainsgate Dances provides a
much needed space for reflection and intensive practice with few distractions.”
Roberta Jean
Resident artist
“I came because I drive the bus to school and one of the Mum’s told me about it. I didn’t know what to
expect and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was really relaxing. Brilliant! I had a great night, and I’ll
definitely be back”
Ken
School Bus Driver - local resident
“The highlight of my year! Organised and curated with great care and attention to detail. The space is
fantastic and the large audiences were very mixed and wildly enthusiastic.”
Matteo Fargion
Performing artist
“I’ve got very little experience of dance, but the evening of dance at Wainsgate was a brilliant adventure. I
loved it, and I feel so lucky to have this so close by”
Jane Morris
Local resident
“I don't think I could have loved being at Wainsgate more. I felt that we were tremendously well-hosted, both
in terms of the beautiful and friendly home you shared with us, but also with the interest in what we were
doing, the practical support, and the sense of artistic collegiality that was serious but undemanding. It was
wonderful to be able to have eyes on the work and to have generous responses from a mixed community of people.
Gillie Kleiman
Residency artist
“What a fabulous weekend of performances up at Wainsgate… I saw all of the shows and felt hugely
inspired and heartened. It feels so welcoming and inclusive, and the quality of the work amazing.”
Caroline Scott
Local resident
“There was never a sense of exclusivity or of not "getting it". Everybody was very relaxed and welcoming.
There were no unnecessary or off-putting formalities. My feeling was of being welcomed unconditionally into
a group of people. This could not have taken place anywhere else in quite the same way.”
Tom Jeffreys
Audience member
Wainsgate Dances is co-organised by Charlie Morrissey and Rob Hopper, and curated in collaboration with Lucy Suggate, Charlie Ford and Katye Coe with input from local and visiting artists.
If you’d like to know more, take a look around our website and/or get in touch at [email protected]