Phoenix Dance Theatre are delighted to announce nominations in three prestigious UK awards.

Phoenix is nominated for the Dance Category of the South Bank Show Awards – the only awards to cover the UK’s full arts scene. Artistic Director, Javier De Frutos and Producer, Paul Crewes will rub shoulders with stars of screen and stage at the Awards ceremony at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday 23 January. The South Bank Show Awards will be transmitted on Sunday 28th January 2007 on ITV1.

Artistic Director, Javier De Frutos said: “I won the South Bank Show Award in 1997, so I know how important and influential the award has been on my career.  Almost 10 years later, I am delighted to be able to attend the awards again, this time as Artistic Director of Phoenix, and am looking forward to what I already know will be a fun afternoon.”

In the same week, Javier will also represent the company at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards. Phoenix are nominated for the ‘Company Prize for Outstanding Modern Repertoire’ - again for the Stories In Red mixed bill. Dubbed Britain’s ‘Dance Oscars’, these awards offer recognition for individuals and companies working in both classical and contemporary dance.
Phoenix was also nominated in the Dance category of the Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards.

The nominations are for Phoenix’s Stories In Red mixed bill, which toured the UK in Spring 2006. The programme included two Sadler’s Wells co-commissions and premiered at the top London dance-house, before touring to UK venues including Phoenix’s Leeds home – the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Stories In Red features the first Phoenix work by new Artistic Director, Javier De Frutos and was also the last curated by previous Artistic Director, Darshan Singh Bhuller.

Artistic Director, Javier De Frutos said “These award nominations came at a marvellous time for Phoenix – what a fantastic way to culminate our 25th anniversary celebrations, the company are all delighted.”

More information about the Critic’s Circle National Dance Awards can be found at: www.nationaldanceawards.com