Andrew Hurst MBE to step down as Chief Executive of One Dance UK in Autumn 2026

The team at One Dance UK today announce that Chief Executive Andrew Hurst MBE will step down from the role in the Autumn of 2026, following ten years of providing leadership. 

In the years since his appointment, Andrew has led the organisation's broad strategic remit - from advocating for dance to government and officials - including recent work ensuring dance is clearly represented in the upcoming curriculum updates - and setting industry standards, to supporting the sector through Brexit's impact on touring and the impact of COVID-19, work recognised with the award of an MBE in 2021 "for services to Dance (particularly through the Covid response)". As a founding partner of the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science (NIDMS), One Dance UK has also  worked to help provide expanded support for the physical, mental health and wellbeing needs of dancers.  

Before joining One Dance UK, Andrew spent 15 years as a professional dancer touring internationally, then moved into arts management, holding posts at The Royal Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre. He was recruited to One Dance UK in 2016 to lead the newly formed organisation through the merger of four long-standing dance bodies - the Association of Dance of the African Diaspora (ADAD), Dance UK, the National Dance Teachers Association (NDTA) and Youth Dance England - into a single national voice working to represent everyone in the sector. He oversaw its 2019 relocation from London to the newly built Dance Hub at the Birmingham Hippodrome. 

Andrew's departure comes as the organisation marks its tenth anniversary. Speaking of his time in post, Andrew says:  

"Leading One Dance UK for the past decade has been a huge privilege. The UK dance sector has always been world-leading and over the past 10 years, I have seen my team work tirelessly to build projects, pathways and partnerships that have brought about lasting impacts on the dance landscape and the amazing people who work and study within it. From hosting conferences, award ceremonies and youth dance festivals, to working in the Houses of Parliament to effect change and our hands-on work on the ground with the people delivering dance in all its forms, there has never been a single moment when I have not been inspired by the enormous talent, creativity, and unique spirit of our sector. Along the way, strategic partnerships including BBC Dance Passion, our work with the House of Mugler and Trinity Laban to fund scholarships for young dancers, and our commitment to dedicated health and wellbeing support for dance professionals made available free of charge to those who need it most in partnership with the Dance Professionals Fund and BHSF, have shown what is possible when the sector comes together.  As we mark our tenth anniversary, this feels like the right time for me to pass the baton, and I leave knowing One Dance UK is on a strong footing and in the safe and highly capable hands of an extremely committed and passionate team, dedicated to the sector we serve."

Dr. Victor Fung, Chair of One Dance UK's board of Trustees, adds:  

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the team, I would like to thank Andrew for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the past ten years. He has established One Dance UK as a strong and resilient organisation, well-positioned as it enters its second decade. Andrew's contribution to dance, and to the wider arts and cultural sector, has been significant and enduring. We are grateful for his service and look forward with confidence to the next chapter for One Dance UK.”

Andrew will step away from the role in the Autumn of 2026, and the board of trustees will begin an open recruitment process for his successor later this year. Interim leadership will be provided, where needed, by Laura Nicholson, currently Head of Children and Young People’s Dance at One Dance UK.

Throughout this period of change, One Dance UK will continue to work for and with you, so please do not hesitate to reach out to the team at any time with your questions and needs. We have always been and will continue to be, here to serve you and are always ready to help.