LISE SMITH

Performing arts management, teaching and writing

ABOUT ME

I'm an an Independent Dance Manager representing both emerging and more established dance artists.

I have 15 years experience of producing professional touring theatre and participatory projects at all scales, with a portfolio of clients including Joon Dance, Fly No Filter, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, Wayne Parsons Dance, Jess and Morgs Films and Kamala Devam Company.

Recent clients on completed tours include Akademi South Asian Dance, Scarabeus Aerial Theatre, Kate Flatt Projects, Mari Frogner (Nutshell Dance) and Tara Pilbrow Dance. 

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I am also a co-director (alongside Anna Buonomo and Irene Wernli) of Bricolage Dance UK.

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Image (above): Fly No Filter by Mitzi de Margaray

Image (right): Kamala Devam Company by Vipul Sangoi

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FUNDING

Identifying and applying for funding from sources including Arts Council England and other lottery funders; grant-making trusts; and artist development funds.

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I have recently made successful funding bids to Arts Council England (Project Grants), Awards for All, Wellcome Trust, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Big Lottery Reaching Communities, Stavros Niarchos Foundation and John Lyons Charity. I have also led on several successful crowdfunding campaigns.

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Image (left): Bricolage Dance UK by Chantal Guevara

MARKETING

Marketing, copywriting, press and media liaison. 

I have recently designed or co-designed print and online publicity for Scarabeus Aerial Theatre, Kamala Devam Company and Bricolage Dance UK. 

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As well as marketing and communications for my clients, I also write dance reviews and features for a range of online and print publications. See my writing samples here. 

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Image (right): Shobana Jeyasingh Dance by Foteini Christofilopoulou

PRODUCING AND TOUR BOOKING

Working with venues to book shows and develop opportunities for performance; researching and applying for artist development opportunities.

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I have recently produced UK tours for Kamala Devam Company, Fly No Filter and Shobana Jeyasingh Dance. I also managed the Autumn 2018 UK tour of The Troth (Akademi South Asian Dance) and booked UK performances for the Netherlands-based Bollylicious. 

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Image (left): Bricolage Dance UK by Alex Nothis

Great communication with Lise and the company throughout. It made my work smoother.

Daniel Broadbent, PDSW

Once we were in contact with Lise everyting went smoothly

Penny King, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

Thanks to you for taking such good care of us!!

Dancer, Jess and Morgs Films

Strong, realistic and very well planned.

Arts Council England

I'm an experienced dance teacher offering creative and contemporary dance technique workshops (KS1-4 and adult), choreography for events, competitions and performances. All levels welcome.

"The dance sessions impacted positively on both the children and teaching staff." - KS1 Teacher, London

​I also teach wedding first dances including: 

- Traditional partner dances

- Showdances and non-partner styles

- Dances for Best Men and Bridesmaids

- Hen parties and group teaching

- Wide range of styles

- Beginners welcome

I'm very happy to discuss your first dance or other event requirements - please contact me for more information.

DANCE AND OTHER WRITING

I contribute regular reviews, news and features to online and print publications including Pulse magazine and Londonist. I previously contributed regularly to both DanceTabs and Londondance.com (where I was Youth Zone Editor from 2014-15).

I have also contributed features and reviews to arts and tech publications including Arts Professional, Dance Umbrella (lighting and music video features), The Independent (IDF 2012 special feature), Expert Reviews, MacFormat, Tap! magazine, Computer Buyer, Den of Geek and PC Pro. I previously worked for Associated Northcliffe Digital's localpeople.co.uk as a Community Publisher, managing two local news sites until AND's closure in 2010.

Click here for a selection of recent writing samples.

Click here for a selection of my dance photography.

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Image (right): Bricolage Dance UK by Lise Smith

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