Hubert Essakow stands as one of London’s most distinctive choreographic voices, crafting work that seamlessly weaves together classical precision and contemporary innovation. Drawing on his rich performance background with two of Britain’s most prestigious dance companies, Essakow has developed a choreographic language that honors tradition while boldly pushing boundaries.
From Performer to Creator
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Essakow’s journey in dance began at an early age. His exceptional talent led him to The Royal Ballet, where he rose through the ranks to become a First Artist. During his tenure with this esteemed company, Essakow performed in numerous productions of the classical repertoire, developing the technical mastery and artistic sensibility that would later inform his choreographic approach.
Following his time at The Royal Ballet, Essakow joined Rambert Dance Company, Britain’s oldest dance company and a pioneering force in contemporary dance. This transition marked a significant evolution in his artistic development, exposing him to contemporary techniques and experimental approaches that expanded his movement vocabulary and creative vision.
Choreographic Vision
Essakow’s choreography is characterized by its striking visual aesthetic, emotional depth, and sophisticated movement language. His work often explores complex human themes through an intricate blend of classical technique and contemporary expression. What distinguishes his artistic voice is his ability to create work that feels both timeless and urgently relevant.
Critics have noted Essakow’s gift for creating powerful theatrical experiences that transcend traditional dance categories. His pieces often incorporate elements of visual art, music, and theatrical design to create immersive performance environments that enhance the communicative power of movement.
Notable Works
Among Essakow’s most acclaimed works is his elemental series, a collection of pieces inspired by the classical elements of earth, water, fire, and air. This ambitious project showcased his ability to translate abstract concepts into compelling physical narratives, with each element providing a unique creative stimulus for movement exploration.
“Flow,” his water-themed creation, transformed The Print Room venue with a specially designed pool in which dancers performed, creating a mesmerizing interplay between body and water. “Ignis,” exploring fire, delved into themes of passion and transformation through dynamic choreography that pushed dancers to physical extremes.
Other significant works include collaborations with visual artists, composers, and designers, demonstrating Essakow’s commitment to cross-disciplinary artistic dialogue. His site-specific works have activated unusual spaces, challenging conventional notions about where and how dance can be experienced.
Teaching and Mentorship
Beyond his creative work, Essakow is also dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dance artists. He regularly teaches master classes and workshops, sharing his unique perspective and approach with emerging dancers and choreographers. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of technical foundation while encouraging individual artistic voice and creative risk-taking.
Legacy and Influence
Essakow represents a vital bridge between classical ballet tradition and contemporary dance innovation in the UK dance landscape. His work demonstrates how rigorous technical training can serve as a foundation for bold artistic experimentation, challenging the perceived boundaries between dance forms.
As he continues to create new work and develop his artistic voice, Essakow remains committed to dance as a powerful medium for human expression and connection. His contributions to London’s vibrant dance scene reflect both deep respect for the art form’s heritage and an unwavering commitment to its future evolution.
For dance audiences, critics, and fellow artists alike, Hubert Essakow’s work offers a compelling vision of what dance can be: technically virtuosic, emotionally resonant, and aesthetically adventurous. Through his distinctive choreographic practice, he continues to enrich Britain’s cultural landscape and affirm dance’s place among the contemporary arts.