Today, Dance City announces that Anand Bhatt will be stepping down as Artistic Director and Chief Executive to take up a new role as Director of Creative Programmes at Birmingham Hippodrome in March 2026.
Anand joined Dance City in 2020 and commandeered the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the organisation was awarded ‘Outstanding’ by Arts Council England on Creative Case for Diversity and finalist at the North East Chamber of Commerce for Business in Inclusion and Diversity category.
During his tenure, Anand oversaw the biggest commissioning and residency programme at Dance City and the acquisition of artist accommodation. The organisation has supported residencies including internationally renowned artists and producer from Farooq Chaudhry OBE, Aditi Mangaldas and Humanhood and commissioned Kwame Adjei Asafo’s Family Honor which went on to be nominated for an Olivier Award.
Anand also led Dance City’s 40th Birthday celebrations in May 2025 and the launch of the ambitious 40 Million Minutes campaign, pledging to deliver 40 million minutes of dance and raise £4 million over the next decade. He was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in 2021 for services to Dance and Community.
Anand Bhatt said:
“It has been an incredible privilege
to lead Dance City over the past six years. I am immensely proud of what we
have achieved together – from supporting artists and commissioning new work to
engaging communities and celebrating our 40th anniversary. Dance City will
always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to seeing the
organisation continue to thrive.”
Dance City Chair, Lyndsey Turner-Swift,
added:
“Anand has made an outstanding
contribution to Dance City and the wider dance sector. His vision and
dedication have strengthened Dance City’s position as the North East’s leading
development organisation for dance and his leadership, creativity and
commitment have left a lasting legacy. We wish him every success in his new
role at Birmingham Hippodrome.”
Recruitment for Anand’s successor will begin shortly.
