The Brief Encounters series was initiated in 2005 by Val Bourne and Betsy Gregory, and is one in which short works by talented new choreographers or established artists are performed prior to main stage shows. It has proved to be a highly successful context in which to introduce the work of younger artists into the Dance Umbrella programme and reflects our commitment to artists at an early stage in their careers.

The series provides an important stepping stone for young artists to bring their work to a wider audience. Since its inception, 18 different short works by talented choreographers have been presented as Brief Encounters during Dance Umbrella festivals. Two of the artists, Ben Wright and Charlotte Vincent, have subsequently created pieces which have been programmed as main stage festival events.  All the others have continued in their choreographic development and many have received invitations to present their work from national and international programmers as a direct result of their Brief Encounters performances.

As part of this programme, Dance Umbrella works with choreographers to provide artistic, marketing, and technical support, as required, and continues to nurture them with creative and business advice following their festival appearances.

Four choreographers present their work as Brief Encounters in the 2011 festival: Claire Cunningham, Matthias Sperling, and Mathurin Bolze & Hedi Thabet.