Ensemble History

Richard Chappell Dance is a critically acclaimed ensemble, which creates memorable and moving dance at the forefront of theatre, interdisciplinary collaboration and site responsive performance. 

The company is the primary platform for award winning and internationally renowned choreographer Richard Chappell’s artistic research and performance work. RCD is an Associate Company at Exeter Northcott. RCD's creative process is rooted in collaboration, co-authorship and emotional connectivity and the ensemble’s values have been shaped by a close recurring combination of collaborators and dancers, most of which have worked together since 2017. Alongside touring nationally to theatres across the UK, RCD has presented work in Singapore, Germany and Israel. 

RCD has close partnerships with prestigious organisations, including Royal Opera House, Arts Council England, The Linbury Trust, BBC Arts, Arts Council Wales, British Council, Studio Wayne McGregor, Dancin’ Oxford, National Dance Company Wales, National Arts Council Singapore, Dance in Devon, Pavilion Dance South West and DanceEast, amongst others. RCD has a vibrant and flourishing participatory programme, which brings together intergenerational casts for performances or workshop series across communities in the UK. Prior programmes have been created in partnership with Dance Blast, Dance in Devon, Exeter City of Literature, Span Arts and Torbay Culture. As of summer 2021, RCD became a Community Interest Company.