Where Movement Becomes Story
SMP DANCE COMPANY IS A HOME FOR EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT TRAINING AND FUTURE-FORWARD PERFORMANCE.
CURRENTLY OFFERING TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION FOR DANCERS — AND BUILDING TOWARD TOURING NEW ORIGINAL WORK.
Upcoming events
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Emotional Intelligence For Dancers
ONLINE WORKSHOP
June 14, 2026
4pm PST/7pm EST
A 90 minute live session (replay available) on the missing piece behind powerful performance: emotional intelligence.
Together we'll unpack why storytelling matters, how it actually works in the body and brain, and what it means to dance with truth.
$35
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AFD: Summer Intensive
SANTA BARBARA, CA
Aug 15-16, 2026
A two-day immersive experience for dancers ready to move beyond steps and into presence, emotional connection, and storytelling. Training builds from acting foundations into applied movement and performance.
This is a small group intensive for individualized attention. Optional 1:1 coaching available. Limited spots available.
Early Bird available through June 1, 2026
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1-to-1 Mentorship
1:1 Mentorship is where the work becomes deeply personal.
Through tailored coaching, emotional intelligence practices, and honest conversation, Sarah helps dancers come home to their artistry — finding clarity, courage, and the confidence to move forward with intention.
UP NEXT:
Acting For Dancers: Summer Intensive.
A two-day immersive for dancers ready to deepen their connection to story, presence, and performance.
August 15–16 • Limited spots • Early registration now open
WELCOME TO SMP DANCE COMPANY
SMP Dance Company is a growing creative home for dancers who want to move with meaning.
Founded by Sarah Marie Picard, SMP is rooted in the belief that presence, emotional intelligence, and story are just as essential as physical technique. Through intentional training and artistic exploration, the company offers dancers tools to expand their expressive range—onstage and in life.
We are currently focused on educational offerings, including the signature workshop Acting for Dancers, while building toward a long-term vision of original touring work, collaborative residencies, and emotionally charged performance projects.
This is a space for dancers, artists, and educators called toward something deeper. A future-forward company with soul at its center.
Led by artistic director, Ms. Sarah Marie Picard.
Led by Director of Dance, Ms. Sarah Marie Picard. As a dancer and choreographer, Sarah Marie has been featured on numerous hit shows, including ABC’s “Once Upon A Time” and Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” She has extensively toured internationally with various leading dance companies. She is regularly requested to appear as a guest choreographer at world-renowned dance institutions such as STEPS and the Broadway Dance Center in New York City. Previous students of Ms. Picard’s have been accepted into iconic educational institutions such as The Juilliard School, NYU, Arts Umbrella, Rambert School, and USC and have gone on to work extensively in film and television, on Broadway, and in theatres around the world.
Brian friedman
“I had the honor of being a mentor to Sarah Marie in her formative years. Her talent was undeniable and her work ethic matched it. I was not surprised as I watched her succeed after the years of her assisting me. Following her career has been such a joy!”
Follow our journey.
