SMIKLE YOUTH DANCE (SYD:B)

Smikle Dance Project exists to showcase the talent of young performers, train them to become stronger and prepare them for vocational training and to connect young dancers with the professional dance industry through workshops, performances and choreographic collaboration. The project encompasses a selection of training programmes, performance companies, pop-up projects, holiday courses and intensives and workshops. Retiring from a decorated performing career, Lee Smikle elected to devote his time to his true passion of encouraging future performers.  

Smikle Dance Project hosts a collection of programmes which aim to encourage young dancers who are enthusiastic about considering a career in contemporary dance. The following programmes have been developed to strengthen both body and mind. We aim to inspire creativity through stimulating the students' choreographic imagination. Through Contemporary Dance and Ballet technique classes they will gain knowledge of different methods and styles and strengthen their muscles. 

The Smikle Dance Project aims to connect with our community through community projects in schools and performances in local theatres. We host Intensives and Courses during academic holidays and half-term holidays whereby students will participate in technique classes and creative sessions, often collaborating on a piece of choreographic work which may be performed in front of our local community. Alumni of Smikle Dance Project are often invited to collaborate with our students in creating work and providing a variety of techniques and teaching and learning styles.

SYD:B CREATIVE ACADEMIES

SYD:B Creative Academy was developed as an offshoot of Lee Smikle’s established youth dance company, as a programme which aims to nurture the creativity and talent of aspiring young dancers. The academies follow the academic year, with weekly training sessions hosted at Smikle Dance Studio.

PERFORMANCE COMPANIES

SYD:B Performance Companies consist of young performers who have a solid background in Contemporary dance. The programme exists to provide a platform for aspiring young dancers to learn and practice specialised performance skills and techniques. The academies follow the academic year, with weekly training sessions hosted at Smikle Dance Studio. Work created in these sessions will be developed for performance; we will facilitate regular opportunities to showcase these pieces.

BATCH

The BATCH programme is a unique pre-vocational, industry-focused, part-time dance training programme, based in Brighton, for aspiring young dancers aged 16 to 18 years old. The programme offers dance training sessions in Contemporary, Ballet and strength and conditioning classes. Alongside their physical training, students have access to consistent guidance in regard to preparing for auditions and future planning.