Phoenix Dance Company was formed in 1981 by David Hamilton (Artistic Director), Donald Edwards and Vilmore James, three young men who had their enthusiasm for dance sparked by the tuition they received in school, particularly from teachers John Auty at Intake High School and Nadine Senior at Harehills Middle School who went on to found Northern School of Contemporary Dance, and following her retirement in 2001, was Chair of Phoenixs Board of Trustees for six years. Over the last 30 years, from small beginnings in inner-city Leeds, Phoenix Dance Theatre has grown to be one of Britain's leading contemporary dance companies. From their home in Leeds, the company tours nationally and internationally, with the aim of bringing inspiring and entertaining dance to the widest possible audience.