SMP Dance Company: A Place for Performance, Story, + Presence
Sarah Marie Picard in creation with SMP Dance Company in New York City.
SMP Dance Company is a performance collective rooted in contemporary dance, theatre, and film. At its heart, it is a company of performers — artists committed to telling stories through movement and inviting audiences into experiences that are raw, poetic, and deeply human.
Founded by performer, choreographer, and educator Sarah Marie Picard, SMP Dance Company exists to create live works and dance films that stir emotion, spark reflection, and expand what performance can be.
Our Vision
We believe performance is more than entertainment. It is a practice of presence — a chance to witness truth in motion. Every project begins with a story: sometimes deeply personal, sometimes collective. Through movement, acting, and collaboration, these stories transform into performances that remind us of our shared humanity.
What We Create
Performance & Dance Theatre: Original works performed by the company, weaving contemporary dance with theatre and storytelling.
Dance Film & Media: Cinematic projects that bring the intimacy of performance to screen.
Residencies & Collaborations: A creative hub for performers, musicians, and visual artists to develop new work.
Education & Mentorship: Workshops like Acting for Dancers that prepare the next generation of performers to step into their artistry with confidence and depth.
Sarah Marie Picard performing with SMP Dance Company in Santa Barbara, California.
Rooted in Santa Barbara, Reaching Beyond
Based in Santa Barbara, California, SMP Dance Company grows out of a vibrant local arts community while also performing and collaborating nationally and internationally. Our performers bring stories to stages, screens, and unconventional spaces, always with the same mission: to create work that feels alive, honest, and transformative.
Why We Perform
Because dance is not just movement. It is story, connection, and truth. Performance allows us to be fully seen and to fully see one another. SMP Dance Company exists to hold that space — where performers and audiences meet in presence, and something larger than ourselves emerges.
To learn more about SMP Dance Company’s performances, residencies, and educational offerings in Santa Barbara and beyond, visit our Gallery Page or join our mailing list.