WEST Yorkshire Playhouse will play host to an inspiring evening of dance on October 8 when Phoenix Dance Theatre and Northern School of Contemporary Dance pay tribute to Nadine Senior MBE.

The Scarborough-born dance pioneer and founding principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, in Leeds, died in January 2016, and the evening promises to be a dazzling celebration of this influential champion of dance, whose educational vision, teaching and leadership inspired generations of dancers, choreographers, teachers and dance leaders.

Next month's gala in Leeds will feature performances from Phoenix Dance Theatre, Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD), Darshan Singh-Bhuller and RJC Dance.

Taking part too will be many guest artists, both national and international, who worked with Nadine over the past 40 years, such as Birmingham's ACE Music and Dance and Balbir Singh Dance Company, plus Company Wayne McGregor performing work for NSCD’s Centre for Advanced Training students.

The evening also will embrace live music, film, poetry and guest speakers including Akram Khan; all contributing in their own way to honour the life and work of an extraordinary woman.

A special performance of Robert North's Troy Game – one of Nadine's favourites – will be re-staged by Julian Moss and performed by Phoenix Dance Theatre, RJC and Northern School of Contemporary Dance with guests Martin Hilton, Paul Liburd and Hugh Davies. This tongue-in-cheek tribute to male machismo has been danced by companies throughout the world since its 1974 premiere.

Sharon Watson, Phoenix Dance Theatre’s artistic director, acknowledges Nadine’s crucial role in her own career. "Like so many others, I would not be doing what I do today if it wasn’t for the inspiring leadership Nadine gave," she says. "I’m delighted that we can pay tribute to such a motivating and influential woman with an evening of amazing dance talent, all of whom she inspired."

Janet Smith, principal of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, says: "I am delighted that Northern School of Contemporary Dance is collaborating with dance partners across the city and artists from the UK, Europe and the United States in celebrating the visionary leadership of our founding principal, Nadine Senior, and the continually resounding impact of her work.

"This will be a very special event for us in paying tribute to an extraordinary woman who championed the value of arts education from a young age in achieving the highest aspirations for all."

Even with her passing, Nadine’s legacy will continue with proceeds from the 7pm event in the Quarry Theatre going towards a bursary to support young dancers. Tickets for the Celebration Gala for Nadine Senior MBE cost £15 to £25 at wyp.org.uk or on 0113 213 7700.