Phoenix Dance Theatre is thrilled to announce its very first internal commission under the directorship of Sharon Watson.

Company Dancer Sandrine Monin has been commissioned to choreograph her first full length piece for the company for the 2017 touring season.

Sandrine was given the opportunity to show her creative abilities following a successful process during the Company’s inaugural Choreographers and Composers Lab in 2015. Designed for professional choreographers and composers at an early stage of their career the Lab offered a rare opportunity to focus on the creative process of research and experimentation with the emphasis on composition in music and dance.

Sandrine was born in France and trained at the Conservatory National Superior of Music and Dance in Lyon. In 2010 Sandrine graduated from Palucca Schule Dresden with a Masters Degree as Dancer Interpret. From 2009 to 2012 she was a member of TanzTheaterMünchen in Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz, where she performed work by many choreographers including H. Henning Paar, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, Christian Spuck and Fernando Melo. Sandrine joined Phoenix Dance Theatre in August 2012 and is currently on tour with the Company’s Triple Bill 2016.

Sandrine’s appointment comes at a time when female choreographers are in the minority, often expressing difficulties in developing their careers as choreographers.

The piece which Sandrine will choreograph is due to be revealed as part of the Phoenix Dance theatre Spring 2017 programme announcement later in the year.

Phoenix Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director Sharon Watson comments:

‘Sandrine has shown her creative abilities to be fitting of a young choreographer worthy of investment. Many female choreographers have expressed difficulties and frustration as they find it more and more challenging to secure any form of investment to support their careers as choreographers. This is a significant commission, sending a clear message to the dance world that Phoenix is committed to driving diversity in the sector‘.

Emerging Choreographer and Phoenix Company Dancer Sandrine Monin said:

‘I am so looking forward to developing my choreographic practice with Phoenix Dance Theatre. Phoenix is a family and working alongside my fellow dancers to develop a new and artistically exciting piece will be a real privilege’.