Jasmin Vardimon Company

Jasmin Vardimon, a leading force in British dance theatre, has built a reputation for challenging, exciting and visually stunning dance. The Jasmin Vardimon Company was founded in London almost 25 years ago and has become renowned nationally and internationally – and it has continued to go from strength to strength following its relocation to Ashford in 2011.

The dance company came to Ashford as the resident arts organisation at Ashford Borough Council’s Stour Centre, where it resided for nine years before embarking in constructing its own premises. As its much-anticipated new creative hub, JVHome takes shape, it promises a state-of-the-art facility for the company to expand its activities locally, nationally and on the global stage.

A CGI of Jasmin Vardimon Company's much-anticipated new creative hub, JVHome
A CGI of Jasmin Vardimon Company's much-anticipated new creative hub, JVHome

Ian Ross, Executive Director, explains the vision behind the new 13,530 sq ft Creative Laboratory at Javelin Way: “Construction started in January 2021, and we have made rapid progress. Once finished, it will include space to create and rehearse for our touring productions, as well as dedicated studios to accommodate our educational programmes which have rapidly grown in popularity. There will also be capacity for community classes, plus incubator space for small creative businesses.

“The main creation space will also be available to hire by external creative companies, and will offer 19m x 22m studio space with over eight metres of grid height, a fully sprung dance floor, lighting, sound and AV rig. A new café and meeting rooms will also be available which will provide flexible spaces for the local community to get together.”

“We are proud to be part of the success story of Ashford as we recognise the potential of the area and want to play a leading role in its creatively-led regeneration.”

Ian Ross, Executive Director at Jasmin Vardimon Company

In anticipation of the opening of the new premises in late Spring 2022, Jasmin Vardimon Company set up two studios at the McArthurGlen Ashford Designer Outlet, enabled by Kent County Council. The rehearsal and office spaces, along with a temporary performance space, have resulted in a highly productive partnership between McArthurGlen and Jasmin Vardimon Company, providing the local community with a preview of what they can expect when the JVHome launches.

A free immersive performance choreographed by Jasmin Vardimon herself and performed by her JV2 company inspired local people to engage with the company as it begins to relaunch its programme of public classes. The ‘Alice in VR Wonderland’ performance is a re-imagined take on Lewis Carroll’s iconic story, in which the audience is immersed in a 360-degree experience using virtual reality technology. As well as pushing the creative boundaries of dance, building strong community relationships is important, and it continues to build associations with around 60 schools and colleges in Kent, as well as connecting with creative and community organisations across the region.

The Jasmin Vardimon Company is a strong champion of Ashford and Kent, Ian Ross continues, “After nine successful years in Kent from our base at the Stour Centre Ashford, the council has supported us in securing the site of our new home. We are proud to be part of the success story of Ashford as we recognise the potential of the area and want to play a leading role in its creatively-led regeneration.

“Ashford’s connectivity to London, the continent and its central position in Kent make it the ideal place to reach audiences from further afield, whilst offering our dancers and staff an appealing and promising place to live, create, play, study and visit.

“Ashford is a fast-changing town and borough - creativity plays an important role in this transformation. There’s a burgeoning creative community and a vibrant cultural offer that will enhance the staff and customers of any business from any sector. Ashford has a mood of promise, potential, optimism and a strong desire to play a vital role in the economic and creative offer in Kent and the South East.”

Discover more about the plans for Jasmin Vardimon Company’s new creative home, JVHome in Ashford here: https://jasminvardimon.com/about-us/jasmin-vardimon-company/