Curator of Dance

Company: Victoria and Albert Museum

Location: London (South Kensington and Stratford)

Level: Curator

Salary: £35,561 - £41,488 pro rata per annum

Contract Type: Permanent (0.8FTE)

Closing Date: 08 Apr 26

Job Description:

The V&A is seeking to appoint a permanent Curator of Dance (0.8 FTE). The post-holder will form part of the team responsible for the care, research, display, and interpretation of the Theatre and Performance Collections and form part of the wider curatorial team in the Department of Performance, Furniture, Textiles and Fashion. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in contemporary dance alongside a solid understanding of the history of dance in the UK. As the V&A holds one of the world’s leading collections of tutus and Ballets Russes material, informed knowledge of these forms, companies, and their historical significance will be essential for the role. The Theatre and Performance collections are dedicated to the history, craft and practice of the performing arts both live and recorded. Their emphasis is on drama, dance, music, popular entertainment and film. Founded in 1924 by Gabrielle Enthoven, the collection constitutes one of the oldest and most significant in the world. It is widely acknowledged as the UK’s National Collection of Performing Arts. The earliest material in the collection dates from the 17th Century, although the V&A’s holdings are strongest from the 19th Century to the present day. The collection comprises a diverse range of material types including playbills, posters, programmes, photographs, paintings, costume, designs, stage properties, stagecraft, letters, legal documents, published books, unpublished manuscripts, prompt books, scripts, scores, set models, puppets, backcloths, performance recordings, born digital material and files on practitioners, companies, theatres and productions. The postholder will be expected to represent the museum at the highest level and play an active role in the field of theatre and performance both nationally and internationally. As a member of PFTF Department, the postholder will also play a role in the wider work of the V&A, contributing to policy, supporting fundraising /income generation, and assisting senior colleagues in the running of the Department, including creating a positive environment, encouraging collaboration across the museum, contributing to change, and sharing knowledge, expertise and best practice. We would like the successful candidate to join us from Summer 2026.