Apply for a bursary to learn the Simb Lion Dance

Apply by Monday 17 August, 9am for one of 10 £100 bursaries for a 12-week training programme in the Simb Senegalese Lion Dance. 

 

Palaye Seck wearing traditional Simb Lion Dance costume.

Senegalese cultural practitioner, dancer and choreographer Palaye Seck is looking for 10 early career dancers of African heritage, or dance artists living on low incomes, to take part in a 12-week programme to learn the Simb folkloric Senegalese Lion Dance.

The programme consists of 12 weekly workshops in which participants will learn a unique physical vocabulary blending movement, theatre & percussion. 

The workshops culminate in a large-scale Simb performance at The Dance Space on Sunday 6 December, offering participants the opportunity to perform alongside five professional Lion Dancers and an ensemble of Senegalese drummers and musicians.

The performance is part of a full-day symposium, including workshops and a Q&A, providing the dancers with professional showcase experience and sector visibility.

Workshop dates:

Fridays 19:00 - 20:30

11, 18, 25 September

2, 9, 16, 23 October

6, 13, 20, 27 November

4 December

The £100 bursaries will be awarded on a first come first served basis to those who meet these essential criteria:

  1. Aged 16 and over (maximum 3 under 18s)
  2. Dancers of African heritage and/or on low income
  3. Able to attend a minimum of 6 out of the 12 workshops

 

Find out more about the programme here.

Apply for a bursary here

A figure stands on a stage arms folded wearing brightly coloured African print costume with a lion mask with a furry headdress.

Simb Lion Dance workshops

12-week traditional West African dance programme with Palaye Seck

Friday 11 September - Friday 04 December 2026
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Simb Lion Dance workshops
A woman dressed in dark drapey costume performs on a dark stage.

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