The National Dance Awards is presented by the dance section of the Critic’s Circle. The awards celebrate productions from the previous year and are voted for by a panel of 60 dance critics. The winners this year included Russell Maliphant winning the prestigious De Valois award for outstanding achievement, Lauren Cuthbertson for Best female dancer, William Bracewell for the Dancing Times award for best male dancer and London City Ballet for Best independent company. You can read the full list of winners here.
The Emerging Artist award recognises promising dancers and choreographers in the earlier stages of their career who are making outstanding contributions to the dance industry. Liam was nominated as a choreographer, although he had a celebrated career as a dancer since graduating from INTOTO Dance on the LSC Contemporary Dance pathway. The other nominees in the category were Kayla Mak (as dancer), Marco Masciari (as dancer), Georgia Tegou (as choreographer) and Arthur Wille (as dancer).
Liam Francis performs in ‘Lyre Liar’, a self-choreographed piece for Alchemy, Liam Francis Dance Company 2025
In 2025, Liam embarked on the first tour of Alchemy, the debut production of his new company, Liam Francis Dance Company. Soon after, he took his solo show, ‘Lyre Liar’ (one of the segments of Alchemy) to select venues, including The Place where it was followed by an on-stage discussion with Choreographer Ben Duke.
Liam’s growing contributions to UK Contemporary Dance as both a dancer and now as a choreographer are proving to be inspiring and valuable. LSC is delighted to see him recognised with such a fitting award at this year’s National Dance Awards.