Dance, George, the Younger (1741–1825)

English architect. He is best remembered for his unorthodox designs for Newgate Prison (1770–80), London (demolished 1902). An exponent of the neoclassical tradition, he retained a highly individual and innovative style, and was to exert a lasting influence on his pupil, John Soane. His design for All-Hallows Church, London Wall (1765–7), can be seen as a precursor of Soane's refined classicism.

His later buildings included the domed Council Chamber, Guildhall (1777; demolished 1906); St Luke's Hospital, Old Street (1782–4); the south front of the Guildhall, London (1788–9); Stratton Park (1803–04); and the College of Surgeons, London (1806–13).

Dance was born in London. In 1758 he went to Italy and five years later, at the age of 22, he won a gold medal at Parma with a neoclassical design for a Public Gallery. On his return to England his first building was All Hallows. In 1768 he became one of the first four Royal Academicians, an indication of the great esteem in which he was held, and in the same year he succeeded his father, George Dance, the Elder, as Clerk of the City Works.