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
February – May
Every dancer starts somewhere. There’s no long list of requirements and no complicated process – just send in your video when you’re ready. If you’ve got something to show, this is a space to show it.
UKYD is open to dancers aged 14-19 of all abilities, including disabled and non-disabled participants. Assisted places will b e available and the competition is built on inclusivity, diversity, and opportunity.
Read our step-by-step guide to find out more…
Workshops
May/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.
Read our step-by-step guide to find out more…
Northern Ireland Workshop
Classical & Theatre – 31 May
Newry Dance Theatre Arts 16A, The Mall, Newry, BT34 1BG
Supported by Golden Dance Awards NI
danceawardsni.com
Scotland Workshop
Classical & Theatre – 14 June
Glasgow Royal Conservatoire of Scotland,
210 Garscube Road, Glasgow G4 9RR
Supported by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Wales Workshop
Classical & Theatre – 21 June
Dance House, National Dance Company Wales, Wales Millennium Centre, Pierhead St, Cardiff, CF10 4PH
Supported by Centre Stage Festival.
CentreStageDanceFestival.com
England Workshop
Theatre – 21 June
Classical – 28 June
Trinity Laban Dance Faculty, London SE8 3FB
Supported by Trinity Laban
TrinityLaban.ac.uk
Finals Coaching & Judges
August
Finalists receive one-to-one coaching with leading industry professionals, including Artistic Directors Leanne Benjamin (Classical) and Dame Arlene Phillips (Theatre).
Read our step-by-step guide to find out more…
Grand Final
6 September
Perform at…
Clore Studio, Royal Opera House
The Top 20 dancers from Classical and Theatre categories will perform at the prestigious Clore Studio, 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
2025 Winners
UKYD Classical Dancer
Bruno Cokeliss (Masters of Ballet Academy)
Millie Wyatt (Academy Theatre Arts)
Megan Jarvis (AACTS)
UKYD Theatre Dancer 14-16
Winner:
Jaimee Obeng (Graham School of Dance & Theatre Arts)
Noah Morgan (Merge Dance Company)
Prize Sponsors 2026
Sussex Opera & Ballet Society
Laura Symonds
1066 Festival
Festival Supporters
Lincolnshire Dance Festival
1066 Festival of Performing Arts
Aspire@
Centre Stage Dance Festival
Aldershot & Farnborough Dance Festival
Partners
2026 Timeline
23 Feb
Entries Open
27 Apr
Entries Close
11 May
Workshop Dancers Announced
31 May
Northern Ireland Workshops
14 Jun
Scotland Workshops
21 Jun
Wales Workshops
21 Jun
England Theatre Workshop
28 Jun
England Classical Workshop
13 Jul
The Finalist Dancers Announced
Aug
The Coaching Session
3 Aug
Finalist Free Solo & Video Deadline
6 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
Record your video in line with the video submission guidelines.
4. Submit Entries
Scroll down to the entry form and submit your students details, and upload your videos before 27 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…




