About Us
Who are we?
Suffolk Contemporary Dance is a community dance company that supports children, young people and adults to experience the joy of dance. We focus on developing creativity, building community and encourage person-led choreography.
Founded with over 20 years of working within the voluntary and community sector, we aim to provide a nurturing environment, where people develop the courage to participate and ultimately experience the joy that dance offers.
The company’s ethos is on building community through dance and does this through delivering company classes, performance opportunities, delivering in schools and running holiday clubs.
Our Vision
Our vision is that every child and young person across Suffolk has had a great experience of dance by the time they leave school.
MISSION STATEMENT
To create more opportunities for more children and young people to access dance across Suffolk.
Our Values
Nurture
To provide a safe and supportive space for children and young people to explore dance.
Courage
To harness an environment where children and young people work outside of their comfort zone, learn to fail well and to persevere.
Joy
To develop playful children and young people, full of imagination, confidence and self-esteem.
OUR TEAM
Faye Smith (she/her)
Hannah Banyard (she/her)
Janet Perry (she/her)
Company Founder
Director
Facilitator
Community Artist
Faye has been working within the voluntary and community sector for over 20 years. She set up 'Suffolk Contemporary Dance' in 2021 as the world was coming out of the Pandemic. The call to action came from her two primary aged children who established a desire to dance freely and cultiva
Company Founder
Director
Facilitator
Community Artist
Faye has been working within the voluntary and community sector for over 20 years. She set up 'Suffolk Contemporary Dance' in 2021 as the world was coming out of the Pandemic. The call to action came from her two primary aged children who established a desire to dance freely and cultivate creativity through movement.
Faye is a graduate of Middlesex University and an alumni of Matthew Bourne's, 'Overture' programme- supporting community dance artists across the UK.
Faye holds qualifications in teaching and project management and has been a primary school governor for 5 years.
Her training includes extensive Safeguarding training, Emotional Wellbeing in Children's Activities and Mental Health First Aid.
Faye enjoys walks in the countryside, the sound of the sea and going on holiday with her family.
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Janet Perry (she/her)
Hannah Banyard (she/her)
Janet Perry (she/her)
Director
I'm thrilled to take on the role of director at Suffolk Contemporary Dance CIC, especially after witnessing first-hand how much my daughter enjoys this child led approach to dance. It truly resonates with her creative and independent spirit. Alongside this new role, I also serve as a trustee and committee member for three charit
Director
I'm thrilled to take on the role of director at Suffolk Contemporary Dance CIC, especially after witnessing first-hand how much my daughter enjoys this child led approach to dance. It truly resonates with her creative and independent spirit. Alongside this new role, I also serve as a trustee and committee member for three charities in East Suffolk. Additionally, I work for a district council, where I focus on supporting cultural development within our community.
Sally Connick (she/her)
Hannah Banyard (she/her)
Hannah Banyard (she/her)
Director
With over 20 years working in the voluntary sector, I'm committed to community projects and the value of volunteering. I'm passionate about empowering individuals to engage with their local communities, pursue activities they love, and build skills and confidence. Having danced throughout my childhood, I know first hand the joy
Director
With over 20 years working in the voluntary sector, I'm committed to community projects and the value of volunteering. I'm passionate about empowering individuals to engage with their local communities, pursue activities they love, and build skills and confidence. Having danced throughout my childhood, I know first hand the joy and transformative power of movement and music. I am proud to be a part of Suffolk Contemporary Dance.
Hannah Banyard (she/her)
Hannah Banyard (she/her)
Hannah Banyard (she/her)
Director
I am Y2 teacher in a large primary school in Ipswich and a KS1 Phase Leader. My daughter has been a company member of Suffolk Contemporary Dance since it started in 2021. She loves the way it makes her feel free and creative. I love watching her grow in confidence and for her to flourish within the company and the community created.
Rhianna (she/her)
Our lovely Volunteers
Maisy (she/her)
Community Artist
Facilitator /Assistant
Rhianna has over 18 years experience within the performing arts and is an accomplished musician. She is currently completing her teacher training qualification.
"I fully support and believe in the SCD vision; to support, nurture and inspire young minds through the creative and freeing nature of contemp
Community Artist
Facilitator /Assistant
Rhianna has over 18 years experience within the performing arts and is an accomplished musician. She is currently completing her teacher training qualification.
"I fully support and believe in the SCD vision; to support, nurture and inspire young minds through the creative and freeing nature of contemporary dance. It never fails to bring a smile to my face seeing the joy our classes
bring to our children and their families."
Children LOVE Rhianna. She has a natural ability to make every child feel valued and welcomed.
Maisy (she/her)
Our lovely Volunteers
Maisy (she/her)
Assistant
Masie is in the final stretch of her dance degree at University of Suffolk /DanceEast. She is a community dance artist interested in bringing dance into the community. She is interested in how dance supports better health and well-being.
" I love working with SCD because it is child-led and provides children the opportunity to ex
Assistant
Masie is in the final stretch of her dance degree at University of Suffolk /DanceEast. She is a community dance artist interested in bringing dance into the community. She is interested in how dance supports better health and well-being.
" I love working with SCD because it is child-led and provides children the opportunity to express themselves through creative practice."
Masie is one of many wonderful freelancers we work with.
Our lovely Volunteers
Our lovely Volunteers
Our lovely Volunteers
Our lovely volunteers
Our lovely Volunteers
Our lovely Volunteers
Our lovely volunteers
Our lovely volunteers
Our lovely volunteers