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From June 2024 - March 2025, we delivered
17 Weekly Professional Dance Classes and 4 full-day choreographic workshops.
The Coventry Pro Initiative, generously supported by the Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement, was a pilot programme designed to provide a consistent training hub for artists amidst the demands of rehearsals, projects, teaching, and the many other responsibilities dance artists manage in the region.
Inspired by other models, the initiative focused on building a sustainable training infrastructure for artists to connect, train and upskill locally. We programmed a diverse range of professional classes and workshops led by exceptional artists, supporting the local and wider dance community and aimed to celebrate a wide range of styles, voices and practices.
The response from the dance community has been overwhelmingly positive, and the initiative has deepened our understanding of what dancers in the region need.
With the recent development of our own dedicated studio space, Studio 17, we’ll be hosting a full calendar of CPD opportunities, classes and events throughout 2025.
Stay tuned for what’s to come!
We extend thanks to our funder, Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement, for supporting our initiative.
Our Next Workshop
Saturday 12th September 2026 / 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM / Studio 17, Fargo Village, Coventry
Artist - Rhys Dennis / Fee: £35 (Recent Graduates £30 & Students £25)
About the Artist
Born in London and of Jamaican and Barbadian heritage, Rhys Dennis is a dancer, choreographer, teacher and cultural facilitator. Beginning his training in Hip-Hop, Rhys went on to study at Northern School of Contemporary Dance and London Contemporary Dance School (The Place).
As a performer and choreographer, Rhys has worked internationally across contemporary dance, music and visual arts, collaborating with artists and organisations including Beyoncé, FKA twigs, Humanhood, James Cousins, Conny Janssen Dance Company, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Sadler’s Wells.
Workshop Description
Morning
The day will begin with a physical morning class, exploring movement phrases inspired by contemporary dance technique, rhythm, dynamics, and movement qualities.
Afternoon
Rhys will guide participants deeper into the embodiment of movement qualities, focusing on moving with sensitivity and cultivating a collective spirit through movement. Through a range of textures and physical explorations, the session aims to awaken the body’s full expressive and physical range.
Fancy leading a workshop? Drop us an email at info@ascensiondance.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you!
Next Workshop With...
Linden Dance
Saturday 3rd October 2026
Previous Workshops
Image Gallery
“I had a really great day teaching in Coventry. It’s refreshing to be met with such a communicative and professional team. The correspondence before the date itself and the clear instructions for the day were two things that really stood out to me. I felt well supported.
As a teacher, these things really stick with us and it makes us much more inclined to recommend your organisation to other practitioners.
Honestly keep it up, you’ve started something really special here and I’m excited to see how CPI will continue to flourish and grow!”
Hannah Thomas - CPI Artist
The quality of teaching was high, the classes had a good pace and the movement material was athletic and a good balance of challenging/ comfortable. In particular Mara Osorio had a very detailed approach to movement which was very welcome.
Eleanor Stephenson - Participant
CPI allowed me to connect with new artists around the region. I’ve built some important connections that has progressed my career further.
Emily Cox - Participant