Liam Francis Leaves Ballet to Launch New Dance Company

Julia Wagner · 2026-06-16

### A Bold Leap from Principal Dancer to Founder Liam Francis, a name many in the dance world know well, just made a move that's equal parts terrifying and thrilling. He's stepping away from the safety of a established ballet career to build something entirely his own. And honestly? That takes guts. You might recognize Francis from his years as a principal dancer with companies like Northern Ballet and Rambert. He's spent over a decade on some of the most prestigious stages in the UK and beyond. But now, he's trading in his pointe shoes for a producer's hat—and a stack of paperwork. ### Why Start a New Company Now? So why would someone at the top of their game walk away? According to Francis, it's about creative freedom. "I've loved every minute of performing," he says, "but I've been itching to shape work from the ground up. To build a team, a culture, a repertoire that speaks to what dance can be today." That itch is familiar to many artists. You reach a point where interpreting others' visions isn't enough anymore. You want to leave your own fingerprint on the art form. Francis is doing exactly that. ### What We Know About the New Venture The company doesn't have a name yet—or at least, not one they're sharing publicly. But we do know a few things: - It will be a contemporary dance company, blending classical technique with modern movement. - Francis plans to collaborate with emerging choreographers and composers. - The first performance is slated for early 2025, likely in London before touring. - Funding will come from a mix of private donors, grants, and ticket sales. It's an ambitious plan. Launching a dance company in today's economy is no small feat. But if anyone can pull it off, it's someone with Francis's reputation and network. ### The Challenges Ahead Let's be real: starting a company is hard. You need money, space, dancers, and an audience. And you need to stand out in a crowded field. Francis knows this. "I'm not naive," he laughs. "I've seen the spreadsheets. But I also know there's an appetite for work that feels alive, risky, and deeply human." He's banking on that appetite. And he's not alone. Several former colleagues have already signed on to help, either as dancers or advisors. That kind of loyalty says a lot about the man. ### What This Means for the Dance Community For dancers, choreographers, and studio owners, Francis's move is a reminder that careers can pivot. You don't have to stay in one lane forever. Sometimes the biggest growth comes from leaving the familiar behind. It's also a signal that the contemporary dance scene is still evolving. New voices are emerging, and audiences are hungry for fresh perspectives. If Francis's company succeeds, it could open doors for others who've been dreaming of doing their own thing. ### The Road Ahead Francis is currently in the planning stages—securing funding, scouting rehearsal spaces, and workshopping ideas. He's documenting the journey on social media, which gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a company from scratch. Will it be easy? No. Will it be worth it? He thinks so. "I'd rather try and fail than wonder what if," he says. "And I don't plan on failing." That's the spirit. We'll be watching closely—and rooting for him. --- *This article is based on information from Bachtrack and public statements. No external links are included.*