NORMGROUND

Far From The Norm’s dedicated artistic learning and development programme for performers from Hip-Hop and other intersecting style backgrounds.

With an emphasis on process and letting go of outcomes, interrogating creative ideas and techniques,  NORMGROUND invites artists to explore, delve into and embody the creative methodologies developed by Far From The Norm and Artistic Director Botis Seva.

NORMGROUND programme is usually delivered over 3 weeks - it was created in response to an absence of development opportunities for dancers from Street dance backgrounds, who wish to focus on pursuing a career in performance. We realised our dance language needed its own space in the industry, without its form and messages being diluted as a result of trying to fit in the cracks between Contemporary and Hip-Hop brackets. We feel there are more creatives now encountering that same barrier.

NORMGROUND 2025 & 2026 (UK editions) are supported by Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement, Jerwood Foundation and The Linbury Trust.

Take a look at NORMGROUND in 2025:

‘I was able to target my strengths and weaknesses more precisely and seize a new group energy that allows everyone to gain confidence and rediscover themselves in a safe space.’

 - NORMGROUND 2025 participant feedback

  • NORMGROUND is not a choreographic development programme - it was designed specifically for performance artists. While the intensive programme challenges participants in various aspects, its primary aim is to engage with motivated and open-minded artists whose current focus is pursuing a career in performance.

    We hope that during the programme NORMGROUND artists will gain tools to navigate tasks, challenges and unfamiliar industry environments with confidence and ease in the future.

    Previous participants of NORMGROUND (2023-25) became performers in UK and international companies, some embarked on their own choreographic journeys, some have gone onto work with Far From The Norm.

    Please note: participation in NORMGROUND does not promise future involvement with the company - participants are here to improve and authentically grow as performers, not to act as potential Norm members under the gaze of Botis Seva.

  • NORMGROUND is led by Far From The Norm Artistic Director Botis Seva drawing on his lived experience of navigating the sector into the design and delivery of the programme.

    NORMGROUND delivery is supported by Creative Associates and Performers Victoria Shulungu and Jordan Douglas, providing participants with an opportunity to work with multiple company members.

    NORMGROUND is co-designed by Far From The Norm Producer Gabija Cepelyte, a well respected producer and dance artist working within Hip-Hop and Norm’s Executive Producer Lee Griffiths, who both bring experience of nurturing Hip-Hop performers, makers and artist development offerings. 

    In addition to our team, there are external guest facilitators who expand on the delivery of Far From The Norm’s practice.

  • We are pleased to announce NORMGROUND will return in 2026 and 2027 at different locations, including an edition outside of London.

  • Please contact our team on info@farfromthenorm.com.