PHOENIX Dance Theatre will revive one of their earliest works from 1983 as part of their 35th anniversary celebration. Phoenix @ Home. at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Quarry Hill, Leeds, this autumn.

Choreographed by Edward Lynch, who danced in the Leeds company's original production, Nightlife At The Flamingo will be performed for dour nights only, from September 28 to October 1 at 7.30pm.

Premiered in Leeds in 1983, under the company’s first artistic director, David Hamilton, Nightlife was set in an American night club, with Lynch's piece integrating popular culture and modern dance, performed by five dancers in scenes depicting 1940s' dance hall alongside typical 1980s' club dance.

Widely interpreted as a positive view of black masculinity, it took its inspiration from a pioneering African American dance team, the Nicholas Brothers, as well as identifying with British jazz, soul and reggae cultures.

For this revived anniversary performance, Nightlife will be updated by Edward Lynch himself and will feature up to 35 dancers, drawn from Phoenix company dancers present and past, apprentice dancers and Phoenix Youth Academy members.

Influenced by their school dance teachers in Harehills, Leeds, notably the late Nadine Senior, the Phoenix Dance Company was formed in 1981 by David Hamilton, Donald Edwards and Vilmore James. Phoenix quickly built a following beyond its humble Harehills origins to achieve national and international status.

Now re-named Phoenix Dance Theatre, Phoenix is Britain's longest-running contemporary dance company outside London and has launched its most ambitious ever fundraising campaign, Give 35 For 35 Years, to ensure its longevity after a series of cuts to its core funding.

Artistic Director Sharon Watson says: "In 1989, I was one of the first female dancers to join Phoenix and it's a privilege to lead the company in these challenging but artistically vibrant times.

"Recommissioning Nightlife At The Flamingo is a nod to the company spirit, and affirms our deserved place as prominent agents for change in the arts. It's right that we recognise just how revolutionary the Phoenix phenomenon is and the ground-breaking work the our early members achieved."

As he returns to Nightlife, choreographer Edward Lynch says: "Nightlife At The Flamingo was inspired by the power of rhythm, style and physical expression; I can’t think of a more fitting piece of company repertoire to celebrate 35 years of Phoenix.

"Phoenix has a long-standing history in promoting the development of young northern dancers, I’m excited to welcome the next generation of talent to perform alongside the professional company.

"It's important to recognise that in the Eighties, Phoenix Dance Company changed the cultural context of British dance and it’s an honour to be reviving this piece for the same transformative company 35 years on. May the Phoenix flame remain alight."

Tickets are on sale on 0113 222 8008 or at theatreleeds.com