The Leanne Benjamin AM OBE
UK CLASSICAL DANCER
Master precision, expression, and artistry with the UKYD Classical Competition. Designed to nurture your talent and refine your technique, this is your moment to stand out with expert guidance. Unlock your full potential and elevate your passion.
Be part of something extraordinary.
The Dame Arlene Phillips DBE
UK THEATRE DANCER
Be part of something extraordinary.
Auditions
January – April
From day one, you’ll work with leading dancers and choreographers who are dedicated to your success. With professional training and personalised feedback at every turn, you’ll unlock your potential and take your skills to new heights.
UKYD is open to dancers aged 14–19 of all abilities, including disabled and non-disabled participants. Assisted places will be available and the competition is built on inclusivity, diversity, and opportunity.
Michelle
Ballentyne
Classical Audition Choreographer & Teacher
Project Lead for Ballet Futures: The Pipeline Project at ENB.
Stuart
Winter
Theatre Jazz Audition Choreographer & Teacher
Resident Director of MJ The Musical UK & Artistic Director for Tracing Movement
Read our step-by-step guide to find out more…
Workshops
June
Workshops are held across the UK, and you’ll be assigned to your country of residence. The Top 100 dancers (per category) will learn from leading choreographers and industry professionals.
Teo
Dubreuil
UKYD Classical Workshop Teacher (England only)
Richard
Roe
UKYD Theatre Workshop Teacher (all locations).
Choreographer, Movement Director & Performer.
Read our step-by-step guide to find out more…
Northern Ireland Workshop
Classical & Theatre – 1 June
Doogan Dance Academy, Unit 14,
Enkalon Ind Est, Randalstown Rd,
Antrim, BT41 4LD
Wales Workshop
Classical & Theatre – 15 June
Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre,
Pierhead St, Cardiff CF10 4PH
Supported by Centre Stage Festival.
CentreStageDanceFestival.com
Scotland Workshop
Classical & Theatre – 21 June
Glasgow Royal Conservatoire of Scotland,
210 Garscube Road, Glasgow G4 9RR
Supported by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
England Workshop
Classical – 22 June
Theatre – 29 June
Trinity Laban Dance Faculty, London SE8 3FB
Supported by Trinity Laban
TrinityLaban.ac.uk
Finals Coaching & Judges
July & August
Finalists receive one-to-one coaching with leading industry professionals, including Artistic Directors Leanne Benjamin (Classical) and Dame Arlene Phillips (Theatre).
Refine your Set Piece with expert guidance to prepare for the Finals and take your performance to the next level.
Leanne
Benjamin AM OBE
UKYD Classical Finals Judge
Former Royal Ballet Principal Ballerina, Artistic Director, and Principal Coach & Mentor to young professionals.
Dame Arlene
Phillips DBE
UKYD Theatre Finals Judge
A world-renowned, double Olivier award-winning choreographer and theatre director, honoured with a Damehood for services to dance and charity.
Kate
Prince MBE
UKYD Theatre Finals Judge
Five time Olivier Award nominated choreographer, director and writer, Kate Prince, is the Artistic Director and Founder of renowned dance company ZooNation – and has worked across theatre, film and television for 25 years.
Read our step-by-step guide to find out more…
Grand Final
7 September
Perform at…
Clore Studios, Royal Opera House
The Top 20 dancers from Classical and Theatre categories will perform at the prestigious Clore Studios, Royal Opera House, on 7th September 2025.
- Begin the day with a masterclass led by an industry professional.
- Perform your Set Piece and a Free Solo (max 1.5 minutes), showcasing your unique style and creativity.
Prizes
Winners
£1000 + £500 Freed of London voucher
Runners-up
£500 + £250 Freed of London voucher
2024 Winners
In Association with
Sponsored by
Ashley & Lizette Head | Janice Fullman | Laura Symonds | Sussex Opera & Ballet Society
Ashley & Lizette Head
Janice Fullman
Laura Symonds
Sussex Opera & Ballet Society
2025 Timeline
18 Jan
Entries Open
25 Apr
Entries Close
16 May
Workshop Dancers Announced
1 Jun
Ireland Workshops
15 Jun
Wales Workshops
21 Jun
Scotland Workshops
22 Jun
England Classical Workshop
29 Jun
England Theatre Workshop
6 Jul
Finalist Dancers Announced
Jul/Aug
Finalists Coaching Sessions
1 Aug
Finalist Free Solo Video Deadline
7 Sep
Classical & Theatre Finals
How to enter
1. Access Connect
Click the ‘Enter Now’ button
Sign in or Sign up
2. Create Student
If your student is already in your portal, you can skip this step.
3. Watch Videos
On the UKYD page of Connect, click to watch the audition videos.
4. Submit Entries
Scroll down to the entry form and submit your students’ details.
If your videos aren’t ready, you can still enter and upload them later (before 25 April).
5. Make Payment
Go to the Payments section and complete your payment to confirm your entry.
Read our step-by-step guide to find out more…
Image: Troy Anderson, UKYD Finalist 2023