Nadine Senior MBE

4 October 1939 to 28 January 2016

It is with great pain and sadness we announce the passing of Nadine Senior and pay a heartfelt tribute to an extraordinary woman.

The long history of Phoenix Dance Theatre begins with Nadine. Her unwavering support for the Company was the inspiration that underscored the spirit and driving force of Phoenix Dance Theatre, which continues until today.

Phoenix Dance Theatre was formed in 1981 by David Hamilton, Donald Edwards and Vilmore James; three young men who had their enthusiasm for dance sparked by the tuition they received by Nadine Senior at Harehills Middle School. Nadine then went on to found Northern School of Contemporary Dance, and following her retirement in 2001, was Chair of Phoenix’s Board of Trustees for six years.

It’s right to remember the impact that Nadine’s natural gift of seeing the best in young people has had on the cultural institutions of the Leeds region and the national dance landscape. Nadine was committed to ensuring there was a place for talent in Leeds. Her legacy will forever remain embedded in the heart of this city and the wider dance industry, as one of the finest dance champions of her time.

Nadine’s death has profoundly impacted the Phoenix Dance Theatre family. Phoenix’s Artistic Director Sharon Watson was another of Nadine’s students, who like many was inspired by the pioneering work that Nadine did within Harehills Middle School.

Sharon Watson said:

‘Like so many others I would not be doing what I do today if it wasn’t for the nurturing caring and inspiring role she played. What Nadine did for one she did for all. I’m truly saddened that my long term mentor and guru is no longer with us. So many have been inspired by her work and many more will continue to be supported by her legacy. The strength of her actions were often the things you didn’t see but formed an instrumental part of the city’s DNA, which continues to influence in our ever changing world. She has passed on the mantle to many whom I know continue to deliver and work with an ethos gifted to us by this wonderful woman. Her legacy sits in all four corners of the world. I have experienced great leadership through Nadine but first and foremost I’ve lost a truly great friend.’

Phoenix Dance Theatre is enormously proud to have shared so much with Nadine over the years and at this emotional time for the Company, would like to acknowledge her strength of spirit and thank her for all she has given over the years.

Phoenix Dance Theatre extends sincere condolences to Nadine’s family.

For more information about Northern School of Contemporary Dance and to read their tribute to Nadine, the founder of their School click here. Messages of condolences can be sent to sian.dudley@phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk and will be passed on to Nadine’s family.