GradLab

2021 programme
GradLab 2021 is an exciting paid opportunity for dance graduates from 2020 & 2021, supporting those from the South East and South West regions in making or performing in their first professional work.
GradLab’s focus is the development of dance graduates; aiming to support the next generation of talent who will contribute to the vibrant dance ecology within the south. The project aims to equip graduates with a deeper understanding of the pathways to a successful career within the dance sector.
The programme offers bespoke artistic development, career planning and performance opportunities. The programme is particularly interested in working with graduates who may have faced barriers in developing their careers so far and from diverse backgrounds. We are also keen to work with choreographers who are interested in developing new dance languages and approaches using different genres of dance or a fusion of styles.
New Cohort Selected For 2021
We're delighted that our new cohort of participants have now been selected, and are as follows:
Company one:
Choreographer - Courtney Mccarthy (Chichester graduate)
Dancers – Tilly Woodward (Rambert School graduate) and Georgia Akin (Falmouth graduate and Ex HYDC Member)
Company two:
Choreographer – Phoebe Tompsett (Chichester graduate)
Dancers – Connie Mace (Chichester graduate), Gabby Sanders (LSCD graduate) and Karishma Young (Rambert School graduate)
“We are so excited to share the new cohort with everyone and see these promising young graduates create new work with us. After a very tough final year we are hoping to support the dancers and choreographers as much as possible with rehearsal space, mentoring and individual support. Watch this space for upcoming sharings soon!”
- Vicki Hargreaves, Artist Development Producer
Career planning and artistic development
Choreographic mentorship
Studio space to develop their own work
A range of workshops in marketing, freelancing, employability and company set-up
Experience of professional performance
The opportunity to develop relationships with venues touring work to a number of different spaces

Looking back
Harry Parr, “Peak”
This work explores my language of movement which is influenced from my background in hip-hop and contemporary dance. I’ve focused on connecting rhythm in the torso with a more expansive use of space. This work is a continuation of research into my idiosyncratic vocabulary. Peak is an abstract work which looks to use this language to connect the space, the dancers and the audience with a rousing energy in a shared experience of flow- capturing a very visceral feeling which is hard to capture in words but is richly palpable in the space.
Choreographer: Harry Parr
Dancers: Adélie Lavail, Corrie McKenzie, Harry Parr
Photography: Dougie Evans
Videography: Jake Seymour, Anchor Productions
Costumes: Sonia Odedra, Maggie Campbell
Music: Ut - Marcos Balter, Nadia Sirota
Etude 1 – Nico Muhly, Nadia Sirota.
Anjos – Julianna Barwick
Sound: Calum Lintott
With special thanks to the team at Gradlab, The Point, Abi Mortimer, Jason Mabana, Ryan Archer, Amy Turner & The Linbury Trust.
SBB DANCE, “14.06.17”
This debut work explores the stories surrounding the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower. It focuses on the stories of the survivors as well as questioning the efforts of the government on aiding those affected.
Company: SBB DANCE
Choreographer: Shaquille Brathwaite-Blaggrove
Dancers: Ashleigh Kinchin, Beth Veitch, Tyler Jones-Holbon, Sasha Vallis
Photography: Dougie Evans
Music: Bing & Ruth – Dorsal
Into Warner Air - Hildur Guðnadóttir
Untitled – Stormzy
With thanks to Hayley Barker, KJ Mortimer, Vicki Hargreaves, Abi Mortimer, The Point, University of Chichester, University of Winchester.
The project is generously supported by; The Linbury Trust, Eastleigh Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, The Place, University of Chichester, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, University of Winchester and MÓTUS and from South East Dance (SED), giving graduates the opportunity to develop their connections with other regional dance networks and receive additional mentoring support from SED producers.