Sussex Young Dance Artists
Advanced contemporary pre-vocational training, three Sundays a term
A new monthly training and development programme for passionate young dancers across Sussex, created through a collaboration between Brooks Dance Academy and Ceyda Tanc Dance.
The SYDA programme – running three Sundays a term at Brooks Dance Academy studios – has been established to bridge the gap between weekly dance training and pre-vocational opportunities, providing ambitious young dancers with access to high-quality contemporary dance training, professional artists, creative experiences and personalised development support.
Open to dancers from all schools and training backgrounds, SYDA: Sussex Young Dance Artists aims to nurture not only technical excellence, but also creativity, individuality, artistry and confidence. Through a series of monthly training days, workshops and enrichment opportunities, dancers will be encouraged to develop their own artistic voice whilst gaining insight into the contemporary dance profession.
Associates will train with leading dance artists, guest practitioners and emerging professionals, exploring a diverse range of contemporary practices and creative approaches. Alongside technical training, members will have access to mentoring opportunities, audition guidance, feedback sessions and specialist workshops designed to support their wider dance journey.
The collaboration brings together two youth dance leaders with a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of dance artists.
A collaborative approach
Brooks Dance Academy has been at the heart of dance training in Sussex for over 30 years, supporting young dancers to develop confidence, creativity and technical excellence. Now led by dance educator and choreographer Lucy Brooks, the academy has built a strong reputation for high-quality training, performance opportunities and progression pathways for young people. Alongside her teaching, Lucy has directed a contemporary youth dance company for over eight years, creating original work and providing performance opportunities for young dancers. Under her leadership, dancers have performed extensively throughout the region and participated in nationally recognised initiatives including Sadler's Wells' Making Moves programme and U.Dance. Through this work, she has developed a strong track record in mentoring young dancers, fostering creativity and supporting progression into pre-vocational and vocational training.
Ceyda Tanc Dance is a nationally recognised contemporary dance company led by award-winning choreographer Ceyda Tanc. Known for its distinctive movement language, the company creates contemporary dance inspired by Turkish folk traditions, celebrating strength, community and individuality. Alongside its professional touring programme, Ceyda Tanc Dance has developed a respected youth training offer, creating meaningful opportunities for young dancers to work with professional artists, develop their creative practice and engage with high-quality contemporary dance experiences.
Together, Brooks Dance Academy and Ceyda Tanc Dance share a vision of creating an inspiring contemporary training programme for young dancers across Sussex. By combining Brooks' expertise in youth development and dance education with Ceyda Tanc Dance's professional artistic practice, Sussex Contemporary Associates will provide ambitious young dancers with access to exceptional training, mentorship, creative experiences and pathways into the wider dance sector.
SYDA aims to become a vibrant regional hub for contemporary dance training, connecting young people with artists, ideas and opportunities whilst celebrating creativity, collaboration and excellence.
Meet our Dance Artists
announced so far
Isabella Doick, Regular Artist
Founder & CEO
Gabby Sanders, Regular Artist
Tech Lead
Colette Kite, Regular Artist
Office Manager
Jason Mabana, Guest Artist
Product Manager
More information
Over recent years, we have seen a growing number of young dancers we work with across Sussex develop a passion for contemporary dance and aspire to train at pre-vocational programmes, youth companies and conservatoires. While opportunities such as associate schemes and specialist training programmes exist, many require significant travel to London and beyond, creating financial and practical barriers for families.
SYDA has been created to bring high-quality contemporary dance training closer to home. Our aim is to provide ambitious young dancers with access to inspiring artists, specialist training and creative development opportunities without the need for long weekly journeys or additional pressure on already busy schedules.
The programme is designed to complement, not replace, a dancer's existing training. Open to dancers from all schools, companies and training backgrounds, associates can continue to enjoy and remain committed to their home dance communities whilst accessing additional contemporary training and artistic development opportunities.
Unlike a youth company, Sussex Contemporary Associates is not focused on performance commitments or intensive rehearsal schedules. Instead, it is a space for young people who love contemporary dance to come together, explore movement, develop their artistry and learn from professional artists in a supportive and inspiring environment one Sunday a month.
At its heart, the programme exists to nurture the artist as well as the dancer — encouraging curiosity, creativity, confidence and individuality whilst helping young people discover their own unique voice within contemporary dance.
2026—2027 Dates
SYDA AUDITIONS
Sunday 4 October, 10–2pm, Brooks
Please register here
–––
SYDA PROGRAMME DATES
AUTUMN TERM
Sunday 18 October, 10–1.30pm, Brooks
Sunday 15 November, 10–1.30pm, Brooks
Sunday 13 December, 10–1.30pm, Brooks
SPRING TERM
Sunday 3 January, 10–1.30pm, Brooks
Sunday 7 February, 10–1.30pm, Brooks
Sunday 14 March, 10–1.30pm, Brooks
SUMMER TERM
Sunday 18 April, 10–1.30pm, Brooks
Sunday 16 May, 10–1.30pm, Brooks
Sunday 14 June, 10–1.30pm, Brooks
–––
Age Guidance: 14–20
Any dancers who don't fit this age bracket will also be considered
Fees: £120 per term (£40 per session)
SYDA will run with two cohorts during our first pilot year, with approximately 12 spaces available in each cohort.
Dancers may miss one session per term where they have other commitments. However, please note that we are unable to offer refunds for any missed sessions.
Dancers at the top of our Waiting Lists will be offered opportunities to attend SYDA events throughout the year where additional spaces are available. They may also be offered a permanent place within a cohort at a later stage if a space becomes available because one of the original cohort members is no longer able to continue.
Contact Us
sussexyoungdanceartists@gmail.com
Co-Directed by Lucy Brooks & Ceyda Tanc