About S-MB Company
Ballet Grand Prix Final
Dancing their way to success! Bespoke dancers Layla and Holly showcased their talent at the Ballet Grand Prix Final!
These incredible dancers have earned themselves scholarships to a Contemporary Workshop and a bursary to Rome for a summer intensive. Congratulations to both of you, we couldn’t be prouder!
Jaiha McQueenie
S-MB Bespoke dancer Jaiha McQueenie’s dance journey is a testament to her unwavering excellence, where she shines on prestigious stages with her talent and unwavering dedication. Her accolades as a classical bronze medalist and 5th place winner in contemporary at the esteemed Global Dance Open competition speak volumes about her prowess. Achieving a remarkable Top 12 placement at Dance Open America with a dazzling Gold score further solidifies her standing in the dance world.
Earning coveted invitations and scholarships to renowned Summer Intensives including, American Ballet Theatre, Next Generation Ballet, Hollywood Ballet Academy, Cu Ballet, and UBSI, Jaiha has certainly captured the attention of industry insiders with her exceptional skills. Her remarkable performances at YAGP Barcelona in 2022 and 2023, where she garnered over 90 marks, showcase her extraordinary talent.
She was selected as a 2024 Ballet Grand Prix Finalist, a clear recognition of her outstanding dance abilities. Her guest appearances with Belfast Ballet in the iconic productions of Paquita and The Nutcracker have captivated audiences, showcasing her strength and grace on stage.
Jaiha previously received an invitation to join the prestigious Royal Ballet Senior Associate programme in England, an achievement that acknowledges her immense potential in ballet. Her outstanding results in the Royal Academy of Dance vocational exams, where she achieved Distinctions in Intermediate, Advanced 1, and Advanced 2, attest to her unwavering commitment to dance excellence.
Set to represent S-MB at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix Final in April, Jaiha’s journey continues to soar to new heights. Beyond her dance passion, her interests in criminology, forensics, and medicine reveal her diverse talents and intellectual curiosity. Jaiha McQueenie emerges as a standout talent with a promising future, both on and off the stage, as she pursues her passions with unparalleled dedication and grace.
YAGP Nervi in Genoa
We are thrilled to share the incredible achievements of Zara Turpie, the youngest member of the S-MB Company Bespoke family! At just 11 years old, Zara has already made a name for herself in the world of dance.
Zara's talent and dedication have been recognised by top dance schools and organisations. She is a multi-scholarship winner and now proudly serves as an ambassador for Dance Open America. Her recognition is a true testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment.
Notably, Zara's excellence in both classical and contemporary dance styles shone through when she won gold medals in both categories at the prestigious Global Dance Open. This outstanding achievement has qualified her for the Netherlands Final in July 2024, and she has also been awarded a full scholarship to the renowned Joffrey Summer School.
But that's not all! Zara's talent landed her opportunities at the YAGP Barcelona competition, where she was invited to participate in the Junior callback masterclass and was also offered a scholarship for the summer of 2024. These incredible opportunities highlight her exceptional skill and potential.
In December, Zara enchanted audiences with her performance as The Ballerina Doll in the Belfast Ballet's production of The Nutcracker. Her strength on pointe and ability to captivate the audience were truly mesmerizing. We are grateful to the director and staff for giving Zara an invaluable opportunity.
Recognition poured in for Zara as she was awarded multiple prizes at the Ballet Grand Prix 2023. These included a scholarship to YAGP and the prestigious titles of "Most Promising Dancer" and "Most Likely To Become a Ballet Company Member." These accolades reflect not only her technical abilities but also her immense potential.
Zara's journey reached new heights in May 2023 when she clinched first place at the Dance Open America Grand Prix Final in Miami. She received a special invitation to perform in the Gala alongside talented dancers and guest artists from the renowned American Ballet Theatre. Zara's influence in the dance world was further solidified as she was chosen to be an ambassador for Dance Open America.
In July 2023, Zara was invited to attend YAGP Nervi in Genoa, Italy. She had the privilege of participating in inspirational masterclasses, receiving private coaching, and performing alongside dance superstars, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Further showcasing her talent, Zara spent a week as a Junior company member with the National Youth Ballet in Birmingham. This invaluable experience allowed her to refine her skills and immerse herself in the world of dance, providing her with insights and experiences that will contribute to her growth as a dancer.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Zara on her extraordinary achievements and success! Her tremendous effort and dedication are truly commendable. We eagerly anticipate the remarkable things she will achieve as she continues her training.
With scholarships to The Rock School of Dance and Ballet Met in the USA, YAGP, and Joffrey Ballet for Summer 2024, Zara's summer is sure to be an exciting adventure.
Zara's journey exemplifies the value of S-MB Company Bespoke training, which aims to inspire and create the next generation of dancers. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to other young dancers who aspire to reach similar heights.
Her attention to technical, artistic, and musical detail, along with her commitment to continuous improvement, are evident in her accomplishments. We are proud to have played a significant role in Zara's success by providing consistent, high-quality training and opportunities that have allowed her to refine her skills and broaden her horizons at such a young age.
As Zara continues her dance journey, we can only imagine the incredible achievements and experiences that lie ahead for her. With her talent, determination, and the unwavering support of her teachers and family, Zara is destined to shine brightly in the world of dance.
Youth America Grand Prix in Barcelona
Congratulations to the incredibly talented S-MB Company Bespoke dancer Layla Reid on her recent achievements in the world of dance!
Layla wowed the judges and audience with her contemporary piece ‘The Bride’ choreographed by Keavie Holliday at the Youth America Grand Prix in Barcelona. After showcasing her exceptional skills and artistry, she secured her place in the Top 12 Senior category. As Layla continues to push the boundaries of her creativity, we can't wait to see what new heights she will reach.
While in Barcelona, she was also selected for the callback masterclass, a testament to her outstanding talent, potential, and dedication.
We were thrilled to have Layla represent S-MB at the 2023 Dance Open America Final in Miami, USA! This was an incredible achievement and a reflection of her hard work and passion for ballet and contemporary.
Adding to her list of accomplishments, Layla claimed the first-place title at the 2023 Ballet Grand Prix and has been chosen as a finalist for the 2024 competition in February.
Layla's exceptional talent has been recognised by many top ballet institutions, including the American Ballet Theatre JKO School, John Cranko School, English National Ballet School, and The Royal Ballet School. She was a scholarship recipient to The National Youth Ballet, UK, and The Rock School, USA.
Join us in applauding Layla for her outstanding achievements and wishing her continued success! Her journey is an inspiration to aspiring dancers, reminding us all that with determination and a love for what you do, anything is possible. We are honored to have her as part of our dance family and can't wait to see where her talent takes her next!
Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Barcelona Final
S-MB Company Bespoke Dancer Holly Brown is a remarkable young talent in the world of dance. With a string of impressive achievements, Holly has proven herself to be a formidable force on the international stage.
One of Holly’s notable accomplishments was her participation in the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Barcelona Final. YAGP is one of the most prestigious ballet competitions in the world, showcasing the talents of young dancers from around the globe. Making it to the Barcelona Final is a testament to Holly's exceptional skill and dedication to her craft.
In addition to her success on the stage, she was selected for the call back masterclass. This indicates that her performance in classes caught the attention of industry professionals who recognized her potential. Such opportunities are highly coveted and demonstrate Holly's exceptional talent and potential for growth.
Holly's talent extends beyond classical ballet. She achieved gold medals in both the classical and neoclassical categories at the Global Dance Open competition, proving her versatility as a dancer and ability to excel in different styles and genres of dance. Winning gold medals at an international competition like the Global Dance Open is a tremendous accomplishment and solidifies her position as a top-tier dance student.
She has also been named a 2024 Ballet Grand Prix Finalist. The Ballet Grand Prix is a prestigious competition that attracts many talented dancers. Being selected as a finalist is a testament to Holly's extraordinary talent and potential.
Holly's achievements and accomplishments speak volumes about her talent, dedication, and commitment to her craft. With her exceptional skills and drive for excellence, Holly is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of dance, and her future holds great promise!
Ballet Grand Prix Scotland Senior Finalists!
2024 Ballet Grand Prix Scotland Senior Finalists! Congratulations to Bespoke dancers Holly, Jaiha and Layla!
Dance Open America International Preselection
We are celebrating the success of these beautiful Bespoke dancers, after an exciting weekend competing in the Dance Open America International Preselection!
Congratulations to each of you, outstanding results and feedback! Thank you for representing S-MB Company so professionally!
We would like to express our appreciation to everyone who helped prepare and dress these young dancers, and to all who have supported them on their journey so far, thank you!
Congratulations to Bespoke dancer Keavie Holliday who has been selected for the YAGP INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY YOUTH ENSEMBLE!!
She is one of only 30 dancers from around the world to be invited to this unique program, designed to give young dancers the opportunity to have a full-immersion experience of working in a professional contemporary dance company.
We could not be be prouder of you if we tried!
YAGP Nervi Festival in Italy
Bespoke dancer Zara
This summer Zara was invited to the YAGP Nervi Festival in Italy Youth America Grand Prix Nervi Music Ballet Festival and spent a week in residency as a Junior company member with the National Youth Ballet in Birmingham nationalyouthballet_ofgb
She was awarded a scholarship to YAGP 2023 and won both the Most Promising Dancer and Most Likely To Become a Ballet Company Member Awards at Ballet Grand Prix Scotland
Zara went on to win 1st place at the Dance Open America Grand Prix Final in Miami and was invited to perform in the final Gala performance along with many other talented dancers and guest artists from American Ballet Theatre and was chosen to be an ambassador for Dance Open America! Dance Open America abt official
Congratulations Zara what a remarkable year of training and success you’ve had! We are proud of your tremendous effort and dedication and can’t wait to see what this next year has in store for you!
John Cranko School in Stuttgart
Over the summer Layla attended intensive courses at the John Cranko School in Stuttgart, English National Ballet School in London and spent her last week in residency as a senior company member with the National Youth Ballet in Birmingham. She was awarded a full scholarship to NYB after winning 1st place at Ballet Grand Prix Scotland.
Congratulations Layla we are proud of you and the enormous effort you put into your training !
The National Youth Ballet in Birmingham.
Olivia spent 5 weeks in New York at The School of American Ballet and finished her summer training with a week’s residency as a senior company member at The National Youth Ballet in Birmingham.
Congratulations and well done for putting in an incredible amount of work this summer!
Dance Open America Miami Grand Prix Final
Bespoke dancer Keavie performing her very own ‘Wednesday’ at the Dance Open America Miami Grand Prix Final!
Recipient of the “Outstanding Contemporary Dancer” Special Award!
We are so very proud of you!
Rambert School of Dance and Contemporary Dance
Bespoke dancer Keavie performing her very own ‘Wednesday’ at the Dance Open America Miami Grand Prix Final!
Recipient of the “Outstanding Contemporary Dancer” Special Award!
We are so very proud of you!
English National Ballet
Wishing Bespoke dancer Layla a fantastic first day at English National Ballet School! Enjoy these weeks of training, inspiration and the wonderful experience of life in London!
We are so proud of you!
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Congratulations to S-MB Bespoke dancer Keavie Holliday who has been offered a full time place at the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater !!!
We are so very proud of you!!!
Belfast Ballet
Congratulations to Bespoke dancer Jaiha Mcqueenie on a wonderful guest performance in @belfastballet production of Paquita!
We are so proud of you!
Thank you Jake and Anna for inviting Jaiha and giving her this opportunity, and to the rest of the staff and cast for giving her such a warm welcome!
Can You Dance Liverpool
S-MB Director Sara-Maria Barton and Bespoke dancers Olivia & Zara spent the holiday weekend teaching at the Can You Dance? Masterclass Games in Liverpool!