Shoreditch Youth Dance Company (SYD) was an independent creative youth dance project for talented 15 to 21 year olds interested in pursuing a career in dance, performing and the arts. This innovative youth company successfully mentored and supported the artistic development of young people interested in dance, transitioning graduate dancers and emerging choreographers dance artists for ten years.
Lee, supported by his rehearsal assistant Michaela Ellis (who joined in 2011) met every Sunday during school term times and holidays to train, explore and create. The original Company consisted of Lee and six dancers (one girl and five boys). Over the years SYD became a second home for these young dancers and somewhere they developed their artistry technical and creative ability, confidence, alongside making life long friends. The dancers took part in performance and collaborative opportunities, weekly class and practical training, mentoring and professional development, networking with other professionals from the dance industry. SYD Company toured internationally, collaborated with musicians, designers and film artists and each year they produce a youth dance platform to showcase their work alongside other youth groups and professionals. SYD are very proud of the achievments of their alumni dancers who are currently dancing and training in professional companies and conservatoires around the World. Training:
Rambert School, London School of Contemporary Dance, Trinity Laban, PARTS (Belgium) and SEAD (Austria) and Verve (MA performance company, Leeds). Professional Companies:
Richard Alston Dance Company
Two Faced Dance
National Dance Company Wales
Artist's SYD dancers have worked with: James Wilton Dance, Lea Anderson, John Ross Dance, Thomasin Gulgec (Russel Maliphant), Estela Merlos (Rambert), Glenn Graham (New Adventures), Taylor Benjamin (DV8, Ballet Boyz), Khamlane Halsackda (Richard Alston, Random Dance), Renaud Wiser Dance Company, Aaron Vickers (James Cousins Dance Company), Maciej Kuzminski, Mathalda Deville (Jasmin Vardimon), Eric Beauchesne (Kidd Pivot), Art of Spectra (Sweden)
SYD:B is the sibling Performance Company and Academy based in Brighton & Hove continuing the legacy and spirit of the original dancers and creative learning. Having relocated from London, Lee continues is teaching and mentoring work with the next generation of aspiring young dancers and creating movement work with both children and adults in the local community from his dance studio in Hove.
