Meet the Teacher: Inside the Studio with Liz Sweales
Step into the studio with Liz Sweales, founder of Love.DANCE in Budapest, Hungary.
A dedicated Rambert Grades Trained Teacher, Liz trained in the inaugural Creative Movers, Pre-Primary, and Primary Contemporary Dance course in 2023. She continues to inspire young dancers through progressive, high-quality dance education and was recently celebrated in the inaugural Rambert Grades Examination Awards.
We caught up with Liz to hear about her journey, teaching approach, and what she loves most about teaching contemporary dance.
Can you tell us about your journey into dance education?
I have a degree in Contemporary Dance and I am a fully-qualified UK school teacher, having completed my PGCE in Dance. I taught at a large secondary school in central London, where I launched and led the dance programme for 5 years. Since then I have taught in Shanghai and Budapest.
A few years ago I founded LOVE.DANCE, in Budapest. I currently lead contemporary dance after-school programmes, as well as developing my own parent and child classes such as ‘Yo baby!’, ‘On the Move’ and ‘After Party’; unique and creative classes that immerse younger children into the world of dance and now I deliver the Rambert Grades dance syllabus for ages 4+years.
What inspires you about teaching dance?
I have been teaching dance now for 20 years and no matter the age of the dancer, their experience, background, language, culture, I have seen how inclusive dance is. It has power, meaning and brings joy.
What is LOVE.DANCE, and what do you offer?
LOVE.DANCE is a dance education company in Budapest. I deliver after school contemporary dance programmes, including Rambert Grades and baby/child and parent movement classes. We currently are able to offer lessons for babies with their parent/carer and independent classes for 4 -16 years.
How do you approach your contemporary dance classes?
We develop our technique and work around different stimuli to explore movement and choreograph dance pieces. The aim of my lessons is for young people to come and enjoy dancing and feel good. I see dance as way to communicate, and I encourage my dancers to do just that. I like to work collaboratively with the dancers - I find this gives them sense of belonging and understanding that their ideas matter, and they are a valued member of the class.
Which Rambert Grades syllabus classes do you deliver?
My youngest dancers have just passed their Creative Movers exam, so now we are working towards Pre-Primary. I also have a group working towards their Grade 1 exam.
How have your students responded to the content?
My Pre-Primary dancers are excited to dance every week and are curious to know what the theme will be. They love exploring the different themes and are keen to share their ideas with the class. Every class is like a movement adventure for them!
Have you noticed any changes in your students’ development?
My Pre-Primary dancers have made big improvements over the last year. The themes have helped them visualise when exploring movement and gain quality in the movement they create. They have developed confidence within themselves but also with one another. Their relationships have grown stronger and they dance wonderfully together.
My Grade 1 dancers have been on a real journey learning to dance in a new way. The solo work has been particularly challenging for them. However, they are now starting to move differently and are relaxing into the movement. It is brilliant seeing them develop their physical skills but also seeing them let go and allow themselves to move more freely too.
You have just been awarded with the 2024 Rambert Grades Examination Award for Examiner Choice in Hungary. Congratulations! How does that feel?
Totally unexpected! The support and encouragement we continuously have from Rambert Grades has been hugely motivational. My dancers have already gained so much from embarking on this dance journey.
What tips would you give to new teachers starting their training or beginning to deliver their Creative Movers, Pre-Primary or Primary Contemporary Dance classes?
Embrace the training and be as active as you can. The sessions were really good at helping imagine what it is like for the children to experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or get advice from Rambert Grades - they are incredibly supportive. I feel like they cheer you on and really want your dancers to succeed.
With Creative Movers, Pre-Primary and Primary Contemporary Dance - have fun! The themes are endless and encourage play not just for the children but for you too. I found for the youngest children, using pictures, a range of eclectic music and even props can support the atmosphere you want to create.
