Following the success of UK Young Dancer in 2023 and 2024, the ground-breaking competition will be running again this year culminating once again in a live final at London’s Royal Opera House.
Launched in 2023, UK Young Dancer is a non-profit initiative designed to discover and nurture the most promising young dancers across the UK. Unlike typical dance competitions, UK Young Dancer cuts through the spectacle of costumes and makeup, whilst also offering aspiring dancers the chance to train directly with industry professionals, including West End choreographers and Royal Ballet principals. This hands-on approach is unique, providing mentorship and training at every stage of the competition.
The Competition is divided into two separate competitions – The Leanne Benjamin AM OBE UK Classical Young Dancer 2025 and The Dame Arlene Phillips UK Theatre Young Dancer 2025 – and are open to all dancers across the UK from the ages of 14-19. The aim of the competition is to find raw talent, identify excellent technique and that little bit of something extra that makes a dancer an amazing artist. Benjamin and Phillips will be mentoring the finalists and teaching set solos. So, this is a unique opportunity for young people to work with two of the leading practitioners in their individual fields of dance.
The closing date for entries is 25 April, and those who are through to the workshop stage will be announced on 16 May with workshops taking place in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England throughout June. The Finalists will be announced on 6 July, and coaching sessions will take place in July leading up to the Final in The Clore Studio at The Royal Opera House on 7 September.
Bespoke audition pieces have been created by a team of leading industry professionals covering classical ballet, jazz, and commercial. These and instructional videos are available to any potential dancer wishing to take part by registering via ukyoungdancer.com.
“The UK Young Dancer Competition prepares dancers by offering them the chance to study some of the most iconic musical theatre dances to give them an understanding of the impact that story telling makes,” said Dame Arlene Phillips. “They will be taught by the UK’s top choreographers and teachers and be given all the advice they need to prepare them for their future. I am proud to spearhead this unique competition that takes dancers throughout the UK, and allows them to experience a competition where through learning they all get a chance to develop who they are when they dance and come away feeling proud to have taken part.”
“It has been so exciting to see UKYD grow and develop over the past couple of years, and I’m delighted to be taking it into its third year, extending our reach to the four corners of the UK!” said Leanne Benjamin OBE AM. “I think this competition is unique insofar as it gives young dancers the opportunity to work closely with today’s great dancers and teachers through a series of workshops. Twenty talented dancers will be chosen to perform in one of the world’s most inspirational theatres – the Royal Ballet and Opera House’s Clore Studio Theatre, in Covent Garden.”
For more information, visit ukyoungdancer.com.
