SMP DANCE COMPANY presents
acting for dancers
Upcoming events
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Emotional intelligence for dancers
ONLINE WORKSHOP
June 14, 2026
4pm PST/7pm EST
A 90 minute live session (replay available) on the missing piece behind powerful performance: emotional intelligence.
Together we'll unpack why storytelling matters, how it actually works in the body and brain, and what it means to dance with truth.
$35
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AFD: Summer Intensive
SANTA BARBARA, CA
Aug 15-16, 2026
A two-day immersive experience for dancers ready to move beyond steps and into presence, emotional connection, and storytelling. Training builds from acting foundations into applied movement and performance.
This is a small group intensive for individualized attention. Optional 1:1 coaching available. Limited spots available.
Early Bird available through June 1, 2026
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1-to-1 Mentorship
1:1 Mentorship is where the work becomes deeply personal.
Through tailored coaching, emotional intelligence practices, and honest conversation, Sarah helps dancers come home to their artistry — finding clarity, courage, and the confidence to move forward with intention.
WHAT IS ACTING FOR DANCERS?
Emotional Training for Artists
Where movement meets story—and safety makes expression possible.
Since 2012, Acting for Dancers has been guiding dance artists to bridge the space between technique and truth. Our work is not about layering emotion on top of choreography—it’s about cultivating the safety, awareness, and emotional training necessary for authentic expression to thrive. Through immersive two-day workshops, mentorship, and extended residencies, dancers learn to inhabit their full artistry—mind, body, and story.
Transform Your Performance
We believe that every dance artist has a unique and powerful story waiting to be told. By blending mindfulness and acting techniques with the art of dance, our two day intensive curriculum helps you:
Embrace the Unknown – Develop resilience and trust in yourself, learning to step into the unfamiliar with confidence rather than fear.
Express Authentically – Move beyond performance “masks” and connect to raw, truthful expression that resonates with audiences.
Thrive in a Safe Space – Experience the power of a container designed for vulnerability, where risk-taking leads to freedom.
Rediscover Joy – Reconnect with the pure pleasure of expression, both onstage and in life.
Dancers in class with Sarah Marie Picard at AFD Theatre Lab. Photo courtesy of Roberto Johnson.
Experience the Journey
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping into emotional training for the first time, Acting for Dancers offers a safe, inspiring space to explore. Here, every movement becomes a story, and every story is honored. This is training that doesn’t just elevate performance—it reshapes how you connect with yourself, your audience, and your art.
Ready to explore what’s possible when your artistry feels fully alive? Join us for an upcoming workshop or apply to our mentorship program. Your story deserves to be seen, felt, and heard.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR
AFD SUMMER INTENSIVE 2026
BUILD A CUSTOM WORKSHOP FOR YOUR COMPANY
SMP Dance Company creates customized workshops for youth, college, and professional companies looking to deepen their artistry and strengthen their ensemble. Every experience is designed in collaboration with your team and can focus on storytelling, presence, emotional intelligence, creative process, or choreography.
FAQ
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Acting for Dancers is an intensive program created in 2012 that blends acting techniques with dance. Our goal is to help dancers unlock their inner storyteller, allowing them to express deep emotion and creativity through movement.
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AFD Theatre Lab is a two-day immersive training designed to help dancers perform with authenticity, emotional connection, and confidence.
Through acting tools, storytelling work, improvisation, and contemporary movement, dancers learn to express from truth — not habit — and bring deeper presence to their artistry.
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Our program is designed for dancers of all levels. It’s also ideal for studio owners, colleges, and dance companies looking to enhance their performers’ emotional expression and narrative skills.
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We offer a transformative two-day intensive, with extended five-day sessions available. The program includes group workshops, personalized coaching, and dynamic performance exercises to foster creative exploration.
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Participants will learn techniques to bridge the gap between emotion and movement, to embrace vulnerability, and to tell authentic stories through dance. The focus is on unblocking creativity and building confidence in self-expression.
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No acting experience is required. Our sessions are designed to be accessible and beneficial for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned performer.
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Intensives are led primarily by Sarah Marie Picard, whose work blends dance, acting, and emotional intelligence. Guest instructors are invited into the process to share their expertise and expand the creative dialogue within the room. They’re dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring environment for every participant.
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For studios, colleges, and dance companies, booking is simple. Just reach out via our contact form or email, and we’ll work with you to customize the experience to fit your group’s needs.
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Pricing varies based on factors such as session length, location, and group size. Please contact us directly for a personalized quote tailored to your organization’s requirements.
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Absolutely. We offer customizable options to accommodate private sessions and special group events. Get in touch with us to discuss your specific needs and preferences.
