DeNada Dance Theatre is delighted to announce the appointment of Eckhard Thiemann as its first Chair. A distinguished cultural leader with an international reputation in dance, Eckhard will lead the Board as the company enters an ambitious new phase -expanding its reach, deepening its impact, and growing audiences for its bold, theatrical work.

Eckhard brings extensive experience across programming, commissioning and international touring, alongside a deep understanding of how to connect artists and audiences across borders. His appointment marks an important step in strengthening the company’s leadership and future growth. He is familiar with DeNada, having programmed the company’s repertoire in the past; the knowledge and rigor he brings to the company will light new sparks as it continues to fuel the drama.

About Eckhard Thiemann

Eckhard Thiemann is a cultural manager and programmer specialising in international dance and festivals. From 2014 to 2025 he was Programming Associate for Dance at The Lowry, Salford, where he curated an award-winning international programme. He has worked closely with artists including Collective Ma’louba, Thick & Tight and Colette Sadler, supporting commissions, partnerships and touring.

In 2024 he was Creative Associate for Buckinghamshire Culture, a selector for the Sadler’s Wells Rose International Dance Prize, and a jury member for the Made in Scotland showcase. Previous roles include Artistic Director & CEO of Shubbak, London’s largest festival of contemporary Arab cultures; Associate Artistic Curator for CODA Oslo International Dance Festival; and producer for the London 2012 Festival and Cultural Olympiad.

He is currently Chair of the advisory board of MARSM and supports the international development of Rabat Dance Festival in Morocco.

Speaking about his appointment, Eckhard Thiemann said:

“I am delighted to be joining DeNada at such an exciting moment. The company has built a powerful reputation for bold, theatrical and deeply engaging work that resonates with audiences. In a challenging climate for touring and the arts, I look forward to supporting Carlos and the team to strengthen the company’s foundations, broaden its reach and connect with ever wider audiences, while staying true to its distinctive artistic voice.”

Artistic Director, Carlos Pons Guerra, added:

‘I have always valued Eckhard’s support and keen artistic insight. I have also admired his excellent work in creating programmes and curating festivals that voice the underrepresented; these often include queerness and transculturality- which is exactly what DeNada is about. I am very excited a about the next three years ahead, and this new adventure we’re embarking on. I’m confident that with Eckhard at the helm we will reach great new heights of impact, dancing, and of course, flashes of sequins. ¡Vámonos!’

Creative Producers, Spin Arts, said:

“Having supported DeNada from its origins, we look forward to welcoming Eckhard as Chair of the company’s inaugural Board and to this new chapter for the company. Eckhard’s sector expertise is the perfect catalyst to help us orchestrate DeNada’s growth, ensuring the company’s work continues to reach new audiences and leave a lasting impact within the communities we serve.”

The appointment follows a successful public recruitment process that attracted a strong field of applicants. As DeNada Dance Theatre continues to build its Board of Trustees, the company will be seeking further visionary individuals to help shape its future and support its mission to create work that is both artistically ambitious and widely accessible.

“DeNada Dance Theatre combines lacerating social comment with outrageous showmaship. It’s witty, it’s penetrating, and it’s personal.” —THE OBERSVER

DeNada Dance Theatre Appoints Eckhard Thiemann as Inaugural Chair