New Artistic Director for Phoenix Dance Theatre

Photo: Hugo Glendinning

Phoenix Dance Theatre have announced the appointment of Texan dance and choreographer Marcus Jarrell Willis as their new Artistic Director. 

Delia Barker, Chair of the Board of Trustees said today: “We are delighted to make this announcement today of the appointment of Marcus Jarrell Willis. This is an exciting time for Phoenix as we are at the beginning of a new chapter for the company. Marcus’ appointment is key to a different way of working, nurturing and providing opportunities for talented individuals who may otherwise face barriers to securing leadership opportunities. Marcus’s depth of experience and his commitment to involving our many diverse communities, especially young people, match our ambition to create pathways for the development of artistic talent, particularly those from Black and other global majority communities. I am truly excited about what Marcus will bring to Phoenix, but also the role he will play in aiding Phoenix Dance Theatre to redefine leadership paths and development opportunities in the dance industry.”

Phoenix seem to have been through a period of instability and change since the departure of Sharon Watson - and many companies have especially struggled to cope with the challenges of Covid, a changing cultural climate and an increasingly hostile arts funding environment. Hopefully this does indeed mark a positive new era of creativity and stability for a company that used to be a favourite.