Elinor Baker

Elinor trained at Laban and with EDge Dance Company. She joined Candoco in 2005 where she worked as the Foundation Course Administrative & Access Officer, Rehearsal Director for Candoco’s Youth Dance Company and ADAPT Project Coordinator. In 2008 Elinor performed with Candoco in Rafael Bonachela’s piece And Who Shall Go To The Ball?, and was delighted to join the company as a full time dancer later that year. She has also danced for Marc Brew, Abigail Marion Dance Company, Senza Tempo and A Works, as well as working on research and development projects with Ludus Dance and M6 Theatre. In addition, Elinor has worked as a ballet tutor at Coventry University, and has led dance projects for English National Opera and London Youth Dance.

Q&A with Ellie

How did you get into dance?

I got into dance reluctantly as a small child and would sit in the corner sulking and refusing to do anything! Thankfully I decided that it was worth joining in and have never looked back. (I will admit to occasionally still sulking in the corner if I can’t do something perfectly!). I can’t imagine what I would be doing if not dancing, it’s always been such a big part of my life.

Why dance/Why dance for Candoco?

After taking part in a Candoco residency in 2005, I was determined that this was the company I would dance for. It took a few attempts at the auditions over the years, but the perseverance was worth it. Dancing with and learning from people with so many different skills, experiences, opinions, physicalities, ways of moving and making movement is continually exciting and challenging, and I love performing such diverse repertory in theatres all over the world.

What has been your highlight/ favourite time with Candoco so far?

It’s hard to pick a highlight from so many, but our 2009 tour to Switzerland was incredible; sold out theatres, enthusiastic audiences, beautiful weather, swimming in icy lakes and rivers, BBQ’s and bear pits – amazing!

What/Who is inspiring you and why?

The dancers, choreographers, directors, students and teachers that I meet doing this job are a constant source of information and inspiration, and continue to provoke fresh ideas, opinions, questions and challenges for me. Before I joined Candoco I had learned how to dance, but now I am learning to be a dancer. Roll on season 2010/11!