SWINDON YOUTH DANCE COMPANY (SYDCO)
TAKE YOUR DANCE SKILLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Swindon Youth Dance Company or SYDCO is our flagship youth dance company offering technical, choreographic and extensive performance opportunities across the southwest. It provides a unique pathway for aspiring young dancers ages 13 – 19 years.
The company aims to develop confidence and physical ability in contemporary dance, inspire creativity, technicality and musicality, encourage choreographic input and offer high quality performance opportunities.
CLASS TIMES
Tuesdays 6.15pm - 8.15pm
All classes take part during term time only
WHAT TO EXPECT
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1 Open Evening
If you are interested in becoming a part of SYDCO, we highly recommend that you come along to our Open Evening on Tuesday 4th June 2024 from 6.15pm – 8.5pm. It is a wonderful opportunity to find out more about SYDCO, see current students in action and ask any questions you might have about auditioning. Book your place using the form below
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2 Audition
Entry into SYDCO is audition based. It will involve a practical dance class consisting of Contemporary technique and a short creative task. You will NOT need to perform a solo
2024 AUDITION DATE:
Tuesday 16th July 2024 - 6.45pm to 8.15pm
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3 Included In Your Course
Weekly dance sessions led by the group leader in contemporary and choreographic work
A creative intensive led by a regionally/nationally renowned guest dance artist to create a new work on the company
The chance to take part in additional workshops when the opportunity arises
The opportunity to perform locally, regionally and nationally at least twice a year
The opportunity to watch professional dance performances
The sharing of work for family and friends at the end of each term
Receive a company t-shirt or hoodie each year
The opportunity to attend an end-of-year company meal to celebrate your achievements
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4 Term Content
Sep - Dec term Welcome to the company, group building and student led contract. Contemporary technique & fitness. Commissioned work weekend (led by Guest artist). End of term sharing
Jan - March term Contemporary technique & fitness. Rehearsal of commissioned work. Creation of second piece by Group Leader. Student social. Platforms & performances - dependent on successful applications. Dance House performance
Apr - July term Contemporary technique & fitness. Rehearsal of performance pieces. Platforms & performances - dependent on successful applications. Open evening for prospective students. End of year students meal
Activities are subject to change and platforms/performance opportunities will vary each year dependent on our successful applications and funding
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5 Sharing Days
We will invite parents/carers to an end of term sharing displayed by SYDCO demonstrating class work. The term of the sharing will be determined by the performance opportunities SYDCO have that year. We shall inform and invite you to any sharings in advance.
Meet your team
Sarah Fletcher
HEAD OF EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT
Sarah trained at Swindon Dance Centre for Advanced Training and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. After completing an MA with Transitions Dance Company, she became a freelance dance artist. Sarah joined the Swindon Dance team in 2016 working in various roles before joining the Education Team, working her way up from Assistant Coordinator to Programme Manager and now Head of Education & Development. Sarah is also a member of Swerve Dance Theatre Company and Flickerr Dance Company. Sarah most recently gained a level 6 diploma in Dance Pedagogy.
Meet your tutor
Emma Carter
GROUP LEADER
Emma trained at Swindon Dance and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, going on to perform with DansConnect Performance-led Dance Education Company and Motionhouse Dance Theatre. She has performed in Festivals with Kitsch n Sync Collective, has jointly created and performed a site-specific duet with Michael Mitchell of Dance Aware. Emma has also worked as Dance Education and Access Officer at Swindon Dance, and Dance Artist for youth dance in Hampshire, she is now working as a freelance dance artist teaching and performing. Emma is a founding member of Swerve Dance Theatre Company.
Meet your team
Pip Furley
COORDINATOR
In 2009, Pip completed intense training at Urdang Academy for Performing Arts in London. She later pursued a BA (hons) in Dance and Culture Studies at the University of Surrey, with a placement at Birmingham Royal Ballet. Following graduation, Pip obtained a PGCE in Secondary Dance from the University of Exeter, becoming a Dance Subject Leader at a secondary school for over 6 years. Concurrently, she taught Contemporary dance at TFD health and fitness, shaping 'TFD Dance'. In 2023, she joined Swindon Dance, initially as Student Liaison, later becoming Coordinator in Education and Development..
Testimonials
FAQs
What do the fees cover?
All SYDCO training sessions; performance trip ticket & a Swindon Dance T-shirt is included in your fee.
What is the cost per year?
The annual fee for 2024/25 is £330 / £270* There maybe a slight increase for 2024/25. This will be confirmed nearer the time.*concessionary rate
What are the payment options?
Fees can be paid in full at the beginning of the SYDCO year or in 3 equal instalments:
By 10th Sept 2024
By 7th Jan 2025
By 22nd Apr 2025
Are there any additional costs?
Cost of travel to performances or events may need to be covered by the SYDCo member. We may ask for a contribution to travel and shall endeavour to keep the costs as low as possible. Fundraising may be arranged whenever this occurs.
We will attempt to provide costumes needed for performances however, we may ask that you source items from home or contribute towards costume purchases.
What does it mean to belong & work with a professional Dance Company?
The SYDCo team aims to provide company members with the experience and knowledge of being involved in a professional dance company. Whilst we aim to provide and teach participants the values of belonging to a professional company, we expect SYDCo to behave professionally and maturely as if working in the industry. We therefore expect regular communication (where needed) and the continuation of professional and mature behaviour, both in and outside of class.
We ask that company members attend at least 1 other technique class per week (preferably in Contemporary, Ballet or Jazz). SYDCo does not replace an individual's technical training, and we advise they continue with additional classes to maintain their technical foundations.
What are the expectations of its members?
To show respect and courtesy towards their teachers, Swindon Dance staff and towards their fellow company members;
All parents/carers to encourage company members to show that respect and support to each other.
Company members to value and respect each other
Company members to listen to the teacher and to each other
Company members to support each other during class
Company members to behave sensibly and safely during classes & in water breaks
Required attendance?
Swindon Youth Dance Company requires 100% commitment from all of the members in order to develop the company and produce work of the highest artistic quality. It is essential that you contact the coordinator in advance if you are unable to attend the weekly class or the intensive. Attendance will be assessed each term by the Head of Education & Development, and they will be in contact with you if they would like to discuss your attendance. Poor attendance or a lack of communication with us can result in you losing your place.
To report absences please contact our coordinator Pip Furley on pip.furley@swindondance.org.uk / 01793 601700
What should I wear?
Black leotard or tight-fitting vest and tights/leggings OR tight-fitting vest/t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms/shorts. A Swindon Dance t-shirt is included in the fees. Please ensure all hair is tied back, no jewellery and no socks are worn.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
For further information contact our Education and Development team
on sarah.fletcher@swindondance.org.uk / 01793 601700
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN OUR SYDCO PROGRAMME
The SYDCO Archives
Enjoy some of our past student’s work
Describing Swindon Dance in one word
The SYDCO Archives
Enjoy some of our past student’s work
The SYDCO Archives
Enjoy some of our past student’s work
The SYDCO Archives
Enjoy some of our past student’s work
The SYDCO Archives
Enjoy some of our past student’s work