Swindon Dance - Youth Dance Academy

SWINDON DANCE
YOUTH DANCE ACADEMY

Centres for Advanced Training
professional dance training for young people

WHO IS IT FOR?

Anyone with exceptional potential in dance who lives in the South West of England, aged 11-17 years old. It is open to novices, committed dancers and all levels of experience in between.

THE THREE PROGRAMMES

The Academy runs three programmes of dance classes —
— Two CONTEMPORARY programmes
— One URBAN programme

WHERE?

One of the contemporary programmes and the urban programme are held at Swindon Dance. The second contemporary programme is held in Exeter, at Exeter University.

The Exeter-based progamme is a partnership initiative between Swindon Dance and Dance South West.

WHEN?

Each of the Academy programmes runs for one year.

The contemporary progamme at Swindon Dance runs every Saturday afternoon during school terms, plus short courses during the holidays — in October, February, April and May. There is also a summer intensive.

The urban progamme at Swindon Dance runs every Sunday during school terms, plus short courses during the holidays — in October, February, April and May. There is also a summer intensive.

The contemporary progamme in Exeter runs on Sundays once a month during school terms, plus short courses during the holidays — in October, February, April and May. This programme too has a summer intensive.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost of fees is available on request. Financial support is available (see opposite) and is subject to means testing.

CAN I JOIN?

Entry to the Academy is by audition only

The audition process has two stages ...

— Initial selection days are held across the south west in May and June each year.
— Final auditions are held in Swindon and Exeter in July each year.

Contact the YDA for information about a selection day in your area (see contact details opposite).

AIMS OF THE ACADEMY

To provide access to top quality dance training and coaching
for exceptionally talented young dancers.

To help young people develop creative, performance and technical skills/knowledge that will prepare them for higher vocational training and, ultimately, a career in dance.

WHAT'S IN THE PROGRAMMES?

Each programme provides :
— regular training and coaching with experienced professional dance artists
— regular mentoring sessions and feedback on progress
— opportunities to work with and attend performances by professional dancers and dance companies
— information about career choices and pathways in dance

Training and development includes :
— technical skills in various dance styles and techniques relevant to tomorrow's professional dancers
— an individual Training Plan based on each dancer's aims, goals and training needs
— performance skills
— creative and choreographic skills
— musical knowledge for dancers
— Healthier Dancer issues

Dancers talk about the YDA programme ...

WHAT WE LOOK FOR AT AUDITIONS

We are looking for young people who can demonstrate :
— outstanding ability to express themselves through movement and physical coordination
— energy, musicality, creativity and flair
— a serious desire, plus the commitment and enthusiasm, to explore dance in depth

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The Academy is part of the Department for Education (DfE) Music and Dance Scheme. Financial support towards fees, travel and equipment is available for students who qualify for the Scheme. Support is subject to means testing in accordance with DfE regulations.

Applications

INFORMATION PACK

New information pack available soon.

To register your interest in applying for Swindon Dance Youth Dance Academy, go to .... youthdanceacademy.yolasite.com .... select the programme that interests you, and then you can select the place/date of an Open Day to attend for that programme.

TECHNICAL TROUBLE?

If you're having trouble downloading either the information pack or
the application form, you can contact ....

Selection Manager, Youth Dance Academy
Swindon Dance
Regent Circus, Swindon SN1 1QF
yda@swindondance.org.uk