We are delighted to introduce Scottish Dance Theatre’s Associate Artists. This initiative aims to support their independent careers by creating space for collaboration and artistic exchange, while further strengthening the company’s role as both a creative hub and a vital connector within Scotland’s wider dance sector.

Joan Clevillé, Artistic Director of Scottish Dance Theatre: 

“I see Scottish Dance Theatre as a resource for the development of both civic and artistic communities. Working with a cohort of Associate Artists allows us to strengthen our connection with independent dance makers in Scotland and build a more dynamic, porous relationship with the wider sector. Niamh, Kieran, and Solène each bring a distinct choreographic voice, yet all share a deep commitment to connecting with audiences and communities. I am thrilled to support their practice and look forward to seeing where their creative journeys will lead.”

Tell us about your practice

I’m a dance artist working across performance, community and making. My practice is rooted in storytelling, improvisation, creating joy and often inspired by landscape or the dark and macabre. I work responsively with the body, the space, and the stories that want to be told. I’m especially drawn to myth, folklore, and the unseen exploring themes like transformation, otherness, and the wild feminine. 

I aim to create work that is accessible, emotionally resonant, and open-ended, often inviting audiences to find their own way in. Collaboration is central to what I do, I love working across disciplines and with people who bring different lived experiences. I’m inspired by the power of presence, the wisdom of the body, and by people and places that hold a little magic. 

My current research investigates stories of women and the sea and the physicality of screaming. 

Could you share some insight into your personal journey with dance and the creative process?

I trained at the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance and graduated in 2018. Since then, I’ve built a portfolio practice spanning performance, participation, choreography and dance for health. I’ve presented work across Scotland, Ireland and Denmark, and developed long-standing relationships with organisations across Scotland. 

My career has been shaped by curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to access. I’ve created work for theatre spaces, schools, hospitals, care settings, and outdoor environments. Alongside creating and performing my own choreographic work, I work regularly with young people with complex needs and additional support requirements leading movement-based sessions that are sensory, joyful, and co-created. 

I’m very proud of the show “My Friend Selkie” created in collaboration with What Moves you which has toured extensively to venues of every shapes and side bringing our fun story to families and leaving lasting magic.  

What do you hope to achieve with Scottish Dance Theatre?

As an Associate Artist with Scottish Dance Theatre, Dundee Rep Theatre and Engage, I hope to continue growing both creatively and professionally. I’m looking forward to developing my own choreographic work with the support of the theatre, embedding myself more deeply in Dundee’s creative community, and continuing to innovate in response to the people I collaborate with. I’m particularly keen to develop my skills as a movement director through shadowing and new opportunities, and to test out choreographic ideas in a supportive, generous environment. I want to keep building confidence in articulating my work publicly and professionally, and I’m excited to be part of a community that values both care and curiosity in artistic practice. I also look forward to learning more about how SDT supports artists beyond the studio, and to contributing to the broader ecology of dance in Scotland. 

Tell us about your practice

I’m a dancer, maker, and trainee Focusing-Oriented Practitioner.  
My movement practice draws on improvisation, Feldenkrais, somatic and release techniques. Asking how we can re-experience the body, its movement, and expression with fresh attention and listening. 
My choreographic work explores queerness, rurality, shame, liberation, and power.  

Could you share some insight into your personal journey with dance and the creative process?

I grew up on a farm in Cornwall. My movement journey started with Freestyle Disco and Gymnastics, followed by training at Bodywork to pursue a commercial dance career. I joined Scottish Dance Theatre as an apprentice and completing an MA with London Contemporary Dance School. I worked with the company for many years, under Fleur Darkin and Joan Clevillé. And I am thrilled to be an Associate Artist.

What do you hope to achieve with Scottish Dance Theatre?

I’m currently developing my first choreographic work, an autobiographical solo, Queeran, the Farmer’s Son. And hope to continue to develop this with the support of the company. 
I also want to research bringing my Focusing and movement practice together — exploring how these approaches overlap to deepen embodied listening and self/relational connection.  

Tell us about your practice

I was first supported by DRSDT as an associate artist in 2022 during the making of my first solo show AFTER ALL. I used the dance-theatre practice I’ve been developing over the last 10 years to create a show about death. I’m currently sharing those tools with performer and Drag King Jay Yule to research a new show about trials of sexual assaults. I’m curious about taking up challenging content and sharing it in ways that feel supportive for collective reflection and, perhaps, transformation.

Could you share some insight into your personal journey with dance and the creative process?

My love for dance started when I was five, doing pirouettes (only) on my kitchen floor. Later, I formally trained at the regional conservatoire of Lyon (France) and then pursued my training at London Contemporary Dance School, where I obtained a BA (Hons) and an MA in contemporary dance and performance.

I’m currently researching a new piece called Voir Dire (working title). Voir Dire is a legal term from Anglo-Norman common law (meaning “speak the truth”) for procedures during a trial that help a judge decide certain issues related to jury selection, the reliability of witnesses, and the value of testimonies.

For now, I’m working with Drag King, writing, dancing, and exploring Ravel’s Bolero. During my associate artist time with DRSDT, I hope to explore the physical and spoken language of this new show. 

What do you hope to achieve with Scottish Dance Theatre?

I'm currently researching a new piece called Voir Dire (working titles). Voir Dire is a legal term from Anglo- Norman common law  (meaning ‘speak the truth) for procedures during a trial that help a judge decide certain issues relative to the selection process of a jury, the reliability of the witnesses and the testimonies. 

For now, I am working with Drag King, writing, dancing and the bolero of Ravel. During my associate artist time with DRSDT, I'm hoping to explore the physical and spoken language of this new show. 

In April, I spent 4 days with the company to explore my idea on a group scale and during my residency. This summer I will work with Jay Yule and SDT guest dancers Maya Bodiley and Kieran Brown. 

We look forward to sharing the journeys and creative work of our Associate Artists over the coming months on our social channels as their projects unfold.