Mayakaras Youth Company
The Mayakaras (Sanskrit word which means “maker of magic”) was established in 2006 through a partnership with Instep Dance Company and Brockhill Park Performing Arts College, Hythe, Kent. The company was formed to celebrate the talent, vitality and diversity of Instep dancers from all backgrounds and range of ages (11-21)
Lîla has a long legacy of developing The Mayakaras through intensive and lengthy annual commissions and artistic mentorship. When making work on the youth company we create an environment that is friendly and supportive, but which reflects the rigour of professional practice. We collaborate with the dancers to make imaginative, fresh and risky dance work that celebrate their individual strengths as well as their comradery & team spirit. In the studio we play a lot, talk a lot, sweat and we enjoy a hearty lunch.
The Mayakaras are an important part of our research team. If we have an idea for a professional work we often make it on them first. Many of The Mayakara alumni have established careers in dance, the arts, entertainment and creative community practice and two have danced professionally for Lîla.
All Photo Credits: Tony Nandi & Dougie Evans
“The level of commitment, creative demands and eye for detail it demanded of me then is responsible for the work ethic and values I hold today.”
— Kai Downham, Mayakara Alumnnus
Mayakara performances
Click here to watch some MayaKara performances from our treasured archives.
In loving memory of Lucy Richards, we miss you x
Meet the Mayakara Alumni
(just some of them!)
Joe Bovis is currently coordinating the recruitment and wider event needs in the Prime Video & Amazon Studios team located in Amazon’s London HQ.
Robbie Pitt He completed his dance degree at The University of Chichester in 2020 & successfully auditioned for the apprentice role at Motionhouse
Phil Scarlett is subject leader of dance at Brockhill Park Performing Arts College. Teacher and choreographer at Instep Dance Company.
Natasha Durham. Teacher and performer at Instep Dance Company and primary school teacher.
Jorgia Johnson recently completed a BA hons at The University of Chichester in Dance Performance & is looking further her training on a MA course
Rachel Wibberly. Teaches Dance (GCSE and A-Level) and other subjects at Highworth Grammar School
Natalia (Taz) Judge received training through 'Mind the Gap' with South East Dance & Hofesh Shechter. Taz dances for Instep's graduate company Boomerang & teaches youth dancers.
Daisy Murphy founded her own dance school in 2015, which she runs in a studio in Folkestone, Kent.
Grace Willey is currently teaching Dance to children aged 11-16 at a secondary school in Southampton.
Darren Payne. Freelance dancer, frequently collaborates with the Bakani Pick-Up Company & also worked with Theo Clinkard.
Sophie Page was an apprentice dancer with Motionhouse. She is now a freelancer with Mass Hysteria Collective & completing an MA.
Libby Kane completed her BA Hons Dance degree at the University of Chichester in 2020 & is considering her career options. She is interested in psychotherapy & teaching.
Kofi Richards is currently a camera trainee on TV Drama and Film Productions. He recently temporarily moved to Wales to work on His Dark Materials (Series 2) & Gangs of London.
Georgia Kingsman completed an Urban Practices course at the University of East London Dance in 2020. She is currently looking into studying a MA within London.
Kai Downham danced internationally, working with: LÎla Dance, The Balletboyz, Russell Maliphant, Akram Khan, Wayne McGregor, Frantic Assembly, Paul Roberts, Tim Casson.
Conor Fortune is a freelance teacher & rehearsal director for The Mayakaras. He has danced for NYDC & Akram Khan at Sadlers Wells
Becky Weale was LÎla's education intern & is now head of performing arts at Mascalls Academy. She danced for Yael Flexer, Tia Boomershine & Gary Clarke with MAP Dance.
AJ Bentley won the debut season of BBC's Let It Shine with Gary Barlow, embarking on a tour of 'The Band' starring the music of Take That. AJ is currently a performer in Mamma Mia!- The Party at London’s O2.
Jacob Bray founded his own company 'Shades of Bray' & is a freelance choreographer, working internationally. His work explores socio-political issues using movement, comedy, text, film & site.
Zack toured as a professional dancer, with the Ballet Boyz, Russell Maliphant, Paul Roberts, Udifydance Company and delivered dance in the community at Instep Dance Company