Co Evo weave their magic at Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Co Evo, our adult contemporary dance company performed a magical show piece in the beautiful grounds of the Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum this month.

Inspired by the May Morris Art and Advocacy exhibition, Co Evo and their Aristic Director Claire Benson created and directed a stunning outdoor piece in and around the gardens and the balcony of the Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.  

A huge thanks to audience member Roger Turley for taking these fantastic photos of the performance, beautifully capturing the moment.

This is one of many performances from Co Evo throughout the year.  They meet weekly to rehearse and develop new pieces, with annual auditions for new members.  Next audtions take place at Pavilion Dance on 9th Septemer.

About the Exhibition

The Art & Advocacy exhibition showcases original embroidery and wallpaper designs from May’s career at Morris & Co., as well as her pioneering work in founding the Women’s Guild of Arts. The exhibition is on loan from The William Morris Society and highlights her contribution to making space for women artists in the creative world.  It shines a light on May’s individual talent in both craft and design and her achievements in enabling female artists and crafts makers to fully engage in the artistic community, giving her the recognition she richly deserves.  The exhibition runs until 5th October 2025.

About Co Evo

Co Evo is Pavilion Dance’s adult contemporary dance company, made up of advanced, trained dancers. The company is led by choreographer and Artistic Director Claire Benson, known for her expertise in partnering and aerial dance. Claire and Co Evo produce bold, imaginative works for both theatre and site-specific settings alike.  They regularly perform and rehearse weekly during term time at our venue by the sea.  You can find out more about Co Evo and upcoming auditions on 9th September.

About Russell-Cotes Museum

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a historic house and art gallery on Bournemouth’s East Cliff, overlooking the sea. Completed in 1901, this dream house was given by Sir Merton Russell-Cotes to his wife Annie for her 66th birthday. Called East Cliff Hall, the house was an extraordinary, extravagant birthday present, and Annie and Merton filled their exotic seaside villa with beautiful objects from their travels across the world, and lined the walls with a remarkable collection of British art, creating a unique atmosphere in a most dramatic setting.