With a record-breaking programme of over 250 masterclasses, access to some of the biggest names in performing arts and opportunities to train with world-renowned choreographers and industry professionals, this year’s Can You Dance? Super Convention will be its most ambitious event yet.
The two-day event will bring together more than 20,000 dancers, teachers and creatives to connect, develop their craft and gain a real insight into the industry. Alongside an extensive programme of ballet, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical and hip hop classes, dancers will have the chance to push themselves directly in front of the industry at the UK’s Biggest Casting Call, with eight companies holding auditions under one roof. Performing arts schools will also scout emerging talent, offering scholarships, awards and opportunities for dancers ready to take their next steps in training.
This year, Ljay Halliday joins the international faculty of choreographers and performers. Known for his standout performance on Britain’s Got Talent, Halliday began dancing at 10 years old before earning a full scholarship to train at The Urdang Academy in London. Now an accomplished performer and educator, Dance Informa caught up with him to find out what dancers can expect from this year’s convention.
Your choreography famously blends completely different styles together. What makes a convention like CYD? the perfect place for dancers to experiment and push themselves?
“My style of choreography is really helpful for dancers to focus on a lot of things at once, which is similar to stage ready performance. I focus on musicality, dynamics and intentions, and blend styles into feelings and emotional energies through movement. It is also very helpful at their age, as a lot of them are thinking about what college to go to, and my choreography helps them find and align with the individual artist they want to be seen as. There’s a lot of freedom and space throughout my class to be yourself, which is very useful as there’s lots of space for individuality in the industry these days.”
You’ve worked on everything from high fashion runways to major film sets. How does the event prepare dancers for the reality of the job?
“These classes really give them a taste of audition life, too, in many ways. In 45 minutes, they have to pick up as much as they can and apply themselves to the space and vision that the choreography is trying to create. In the dance world, auditions are around this length of time, sometimes less. It helps them stay focused and invest in every second of the class, staying locked in. Another big thing for me is spatial awareness. It really helps with their floor craft. The classes are busy, so it’s also a testing environment where they have to stay focused in a busy class setting. That’s the life of a dancer. Their future auditions are only going to be busier.”
You started out as a scholarship student yourself. When you look at the dancers in front of you today, what kind of qualities are you looking for?
“The main quality that I always look for is passion. Someone who isn’t scared to go wrong and isn’t scared to challenge or push themselves out of their comfort zone. Resilience is something that will really help you be strong in the dance industry. There are a lot of ‘nos’, a lot of challenges and hurdles. You have to go wrong to go right in the end. It’s about learning, growing and progressing. I also look for dancers who are having fun. Dancers that just ooze joy and love through their passion for dance. The last thing is sportsmanship. Supporting others and lifting them up is just as important as how you treat yourself.”
This year’s event will host a huge casting call, which is an exciting but potentially nerve-racking opportunity for dancers looking to take their first steps into the industry. Having experienced the pressures of performing at a high level yourself, how do you approach those moments, and what advice would you give to dancers?
“The main thing I have worked on is my mindset. Your mind is your biggest support system. I often do a lot of breathing before big moments and have little self chats to just be myself, trust myself and lead with love through my movement as a dancer. It does help a lot, but you need to believe what you’re telling yourself. Be kind to yourself. Another exercise I do is picturing my younger self in my mind, thinking about how proud he would be of me right now and how far I’ve come. Sometimes that’s enough to make me feel calmer and focus on the moment through growth. It’s a beautiful thing when you think about it.”
You’ve trained all over the world, but what makes CYD? such a valuable experience for dancers?
“The CYD? atmosphere is a catalyst for greatness. It’s a community feeling, seeing all the dancers from all over the country and the world dance together, learn together and most importantly, grow together. The kindness from the staff and support shown to the dancers never goes unnoticed. The parents who sacrifice so much to be there and support their children are inspiring. Being around so many established artists, there’s no other feeling like it. It’s also inspiring to see what the dance teachers have been up to at the showcase. It reminds me how incredible the training is in the UK. I’m so proud to be part of the CYD? family, and I say that because that’s what it feels like to me now, family.”
This year’s CYD? Super Convention takes place on October 17th and 18th 2026. Find out more here.
By Allie D’Almo of Dance Informa.
