who we are
SMASH Global is redefining what dance training can be.
Founded in 2018, SMASH was built on a simple belief: talented dancers deserve access to world-class training, industry insight, and career opportunities, regardless of where they come from.
What began as a series of industry-led workshops quickly became a movement. Dancers across the UK were hungry for more than traditional training, they wanted real knowledge, real connections, and a clearer pathway into the professional industry. The response was overwhelming, with more than 1,000 young dancers attending SMASH events and workshops regularly.
In January 2024, we launched our first full-time Continuing Professional Development programme, enabling dancers to invest in themselves and accelerate their careers. Building on its success, we have developed a new generation of training programmes that combine elite education with global industry access, including a faculty of internationally respected professionals based in Los Angeles. Through student finance support, these opportunities are now more accessible than ever, helping to remove financial barriers that have historically prevented talented dancers from reaching their potential.
Today, SMASH is leading a new era of dance education across the North of England, South West Scotland and the Borders. Our mission is to level the playing field by bringing world-class training, international opportunities and direct industry connections to regions that have traditionally been overlooked.
We are committed to reducing regional inequality within the creative industries, breaking down barriers to access and creating pathways that allow young people to build sustainable careers in the arts.
At the heart of everything we do is a belief in the transformative power of dance - not only as an art form, but as a vehicle for confidence, connection, ambition and personal growth. We cultivate a supportive and inclusive community where individuality is celebrated, potential is nurtured and passion is matched with professionalism.
Most importantly, we believe the future of dance education lies in industry-led training. The people shaping the industry today should be helping to shape the artists of tomorrow.
This is more than training.
This is SMASH.
Where talent meets opportunity and ambition meets the world.
what we do
SMASH Global has been designed in direct response to the evolving demands of the modern entertainment industry.
Today's dancers are expected to be more than exceptional performers. They must be adaptable, commercially aware, resilient, creative collaborators and confident self-employed professionals. Our programmes have therefore been built to develop the whole artist, preparing students not only for employment, but for long-term success within the creative industries.
Students receive intensive training from internationally recognised faculty currently working across music, television, film, theatre and live events. Learning is enriched through masterclasses delivered by professionals whose credits include Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Coldplay, Pink, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez and One Direction, providing invaluable insight into the standards and expectations of the global industry.
Professional development sits at the core of the programme. Students gain practical knowledge in areas often absent from traditional dance training, including contracts, self-employment, tax responsibilities, personal branding, professional conduct and business development. These essential skills empower graduates to confidently navigate the realities of a freelance career.
A defining feature of the SMASH experience is direct access to industry professionals. Students receive personal mentorship from internationally acclaimed choreographer and creative director Alyx Steele, benefiting from honest feedback, career guidance and individual support rarely available within traditional training environments.
Industry readiness is further enhanced through professional portfolio development. Students collaborate with leading photographers, movement directors, stylists and makeup artists to create high-quality industry materials that reflect current professional standards and support future employment opportunities.
Recognising the unique pressures faced by performers, SMASH also incorporates a bespoke wellbeing programme developed alongside leading psychologists. Through specialised mindfulness techniques, breathwork and performance-focused practices, students learn tools that support confidence, focus, resilience and personal wellbeing throughout their training and professional careers.
Students also gain access to exclusive industry conversations through our "Let's Talk" series, where leading creatives share honest insights into their journeys, challenges and successes. These sessions provide invaluable knowledge, inspiration and perspective from professionals actively shaping the entertainment industry today.
The result is a training experience that develops skilled performers, confident professionals and industry-ready artists equipped to thrive in an ever-changing creative landscape.