Wayfinding

Are you an early-career dance artist with curiosity at the heart of your practice? Do you have a vision for how you'd like to grow?

Whether you're developing your practice after graduation, returning to dance after a break, or finding your feet in the industry, Wayfinding offers space and structure at a key moment in your artistic journey.

What does the programme include?

A rich and varied programme of:

• 1-to-1 and group coaching with a professional coach
• Artist support sessions with the South East Dance producing team
• Tailored shadowing opportunities across South East Dance activity
• Cohort-curated skills workshops
• Free weekly professional class
• Informal networking with fellow artists and industry professionals
• Shared studio time for movement exploration and collaboration
• Access to sharings and performances at The Dance Space
• Use of our co-working space alongside fellow creatives

We’re especially keen to hear from artists who want to build their knowledge in specific areas - such as inclusive practice, participation, working with children and young people or making/creating. 

Who is it for?

This opportunity is for early-career dance artists, typically within the first five years of their practice, based in the South East region of England, including Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent but not London. We also warmly welcome applications from those who:

• are underrepresented in the dance sector, including working class, Global Majority artists and/or artists who have physical or hidden disabilities
• are returning to dance after time away
• have struggled to gain traction in the sector post-pandemic
• want to upskill or grow in confidence
• don’t have formal training but have a strong passion for dance
• are aged 18+ and able to attend in-person activity at The Dance Space in Brighton

What will I gain?

• Skills and insight relevant to your interests
• Dedicated time and space to develop your practice
• Meaningful self-reflection and goal-setting through coaching
• Personalised support from South East Dance staff
• A supportive peer group and creative network
• Access to professional class, studio space and performance activity
• A small travel budget, where needed

When is it?

The programme runs from September 2025 to March 2026. The schedule will be shaped with the selected cohort and designed to work around your availability. Most sessions take place in person at The Dance Space and most activity is planned flexibly.

What’s the commitment?

To get the most from Wayfinding, we ask that you commit to:

• Attending group and individual coaching sessions
• Taking part in a series of shadowing opportunities
• Participating in 2 x cohort-led skills workshops

We'll co-create a personalised ‘menu’ of shadowing and learning opportunities with you. These could include supporting a dementia-friendly dance class, observing a creative residency, assisting with a performance get-in, or working with our communications team to interview an artist.

How do I apply?

Step 1 – Complete a short application form telling us about you, your practice, and how this opportunity would support your development.
Step 2 – Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal chat with South East Dance staff and a contributing artist.

Apply here: Wayfinding application form

Deadline: 9am, Monday 21 July

You’ll hear from us by: Monday 28 July

Questions? Email: programming@southeastdance.org.uk

More About the Programme:

• Coaching with Anne Colvin: Work with dance artist and coach Anne Colvin to build confidence, clarify your goals, and strengthen your artistic voice. 
• Tailored Artist Support:
  Meet regularly with the South East Dance producing team to co-design a plan that aligns with your interests and opens up relevant opportunities.
• Shadowing Opportunities: Observe and support activity across The Dance Space - such as participatory classes, rehearsals, R&D residencies, or production work.
• Professional Class & Artist Meetups: Access free weekly professional class followed by informal coffee-and-biscuit sessions to connect with your cohort and local artists.
• Cohort-Led Skills Workshops: Shape two workshops focused on topics that matter to you - such as fundraising, producing, self-promotion, or showreel creation.
• Studio Time & Shared Practice: Explore, reflect and collaborate in shared studio sessions with your Wayfinding peers.
• Building Your Network: Attend performances, sharings and events while building meaningful relationships with artists and producers across the South East.
• Co-Working Access: Need desk space? Use our co-working facilities at The Dance Space alongside other creatives.