Your friendly neighbourhood dance studio in Brighton & Hove. A thriving creative community united by movement and dance – and one you’ll definitely want to be part of.
Tucked away on cobbled Kings Mews in central Hove, Smikle Dance Studio is a vibrant and welcoming space founded by professional dancer and teacher Lee Smikle. Originally from Bradford, Lee’s journey is not unlike the story of Billy Elliot – the hit film he later appeared in as a professional dancer. His career has taken him from performing worldwide with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures to appearing in pop videos for Kylie Minogue, and teaching at leading national and international dance institutions. Since opening its doors in January 2020, the studio has grown into a thriving hub for dancers of all ages and abilities – bringing world-class training and a creative spark right into the heart of the community.
Smikle offers a buzzing schedule of kids’, youth and adult classes, special events and performance opportunities throughout the year. Weekly classes run in line with local school terms and holidays.
For children, the Creative Dance and Kids Academy introduces movement through playful, imaginative sessions. These popular after-school and weekend classes nurture confidence, encourage creative learning and support social connection – helping children develop movement skills, play together in groups and express themselves freely.
Adults are welcomed too, with Contemporary Dance and Ballet classes focused on feeling good, moving well and reconnecting with the body. Why should kids have all the fun? Adults can play, explore, unwind and move with joy.
For aspiring young dancers, the studio’s youth performance companies and pre-vocational training offer advanced classes, mentoring, and exciting local and national performance opportunities. Alumni have gone on to study at top conservatoires such as Rambert and The Place.
With summer schools and workshops running throughout July and August, there is the perfect opportunity to discover what Smikle Dance Studio is all about – just in time for the new autumn timetable launching in September. Add to that Origins Dance Fest ’25 – the studio’s annual showcase at The Old Market (5–6 July) – a joyous celebration of the studio’s vibrant community. Smikle Dance Studio is the friendly neighbourhood dance studio you need in your life.
www.smikledancestudio.com
