ABOUT US

For Dancers Who Refuse To Be Invisible

1Syllable is a contemporary dance company built for dancers who have been overlooked, underestimated or simply never seen themselves reflected in the spaces they've trained in. Unlike traditional dance training, we place identity, lived experience and cultural background at the centre of everything we do. From our annual company programme for emerging dancers aged 18–25, to open public classes, bespoke workshops and commissioned performances, we create the spaces, pathways and community that the dance sector has been missing.

Join Our Movement

Whether you're an emerging dancer, an educator or someone who simply believes dance should reflect the world we actually live in, we welcome you to connect with 1Syllable. Follow our journey, attend our performances, join a class or bring us into your organisation. Become part of a community that's building something different for the future of dance.

A dancer presses a pink 1Syllable poster against a painted wall while a camera films the moment in SE8
Vision

Our vision is a contemporary dance world where every dancer’s identity is celebrated and diverse voices shape the future of the art form, creating a culturally expansive community where diverse voices are central to the evolution of contemporary dance.

Aerial view of a group of people gathered in an outdoor courtyard space
Mission

1Syllable dismantles frameworks that stifle identity-centered practice, providing training and opportunities so individuals gain distinct artistic voices, develop skills and increase sector representation.

Two young women standing close together against a white brick wall, both wearing denim jackets
Values

We Live By ART

Authenticity: We focus on each dancer’s individual voice, letting personal experience guide movement, improvisation and creative expression.


Representation: We bring varies voices to the forefront, making space for identity, culture, and perspective to be visible and respected.


Transformation: Through identity-led practice, dancers develop confidence, ownership of choreography and stronger creative insight.