Professional Contemporary Training
Our Professional Training programme is designed for professional dance artists – including recent graduates and those in training – who want to maintain and develop their skills, expand their practice, and connect with peers. It’s a space to move, to reflect, and to be part of a supportive professional community.
From 2026, we’re moving to Tuesday evenings at 6pm to make classes more accessible for those with daytime commitments. This change comes as a result of feedback from a recent consultation with local dancers, which also showed a hunger for stronger focus on technique-based training, delivered in blocks that allow time to develop with each teacher.
As part of our commitment to giving artists the opportunity to design programmes for artists, we invite a different artist each year to curate the line-up. This year, dancer, choreographer and movement director Liam Francis takes the helm. Having trained in a plethora of dance genres, Liam’s contemporary class explores an array of movement approaches. His class uses improvisation as the glue to connect exercises focused on alignment, coordination and rhythm. You will tendu, curve, roll, groove and dance! Liam has shaped a diverse and exciting roster of guest artists, each bringing their own distinct approach.
Here’s a few words from Liam about his vision for the season:
“Over the last 15 years, I’ve learned that adaptability, versatility, and hybridity are not just valuable skills for a dancer — they are essential. With this in mind, I have curated a programme of professional classes designed to nurture these traits. The roster brings together an exceptional group of artists: some I have marvelled at on stage, others I have had the privilege to share the stage with, and many whose classes have served as a place of reset, challenge, and inspiration in my own practice.
"Each of these teachers brings a unique approach to building adaptability and versatility, offering participants the opportunity to expand their movement vocabulary and deepen their artistry. I’m thrilled to share their work with the South East Dance community and hope these classes will ignite the same inspiration in you that they have consistently sparked in me.”
Due to safety and warm-up requirements, late arrivals (15+ minutes) will not be permitted.
This class is presented by South East Dance. Discounts are available for Welcome Card holders – find out more here.