Be inspired, Feel empowered, Unlock your potential

UKYD Classical + Theatre

The Leanne Benjamin AM OBE
UK CLASSICAL DANCER

Leanne Benjamin

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

Dame Arlene Phillips
Seize the unique opportunity of the UKYD Theatre Competition! Discover your style – from Theatre Jazz to Commercial dance – and take it to the next level with top industry professionals. Develop your flair, showcase your talent, and make your mark.
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

Northern Ireland Workshop

Classical & Theatre – 31 May

Newry Dance Theatre Arts 16A, The Mall, Newry, BT34 1BG

w3w.co/junior.trend.slope

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

w3w.co/format.poster.patio

Supported by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Glasgow Royal Conservatoire
Wales Millennium Centre

Wales Workshop

Classical & Theatre – 21 June

Dance House, National Dance Company Wales, Wales Millennium Centre, Pierhead St, Cardiff, CF10 4PH

w3w.co/store.formed.jumps

Supported by Centre Stage Festival.
CentreStageDanceFestival.com

England Workshop

Theatre – 21 June

Classical – 28 June

Trinity Laban Dance Faculty, London SE8 3FB

w3w.co/enjoy.soft.belt

Supported by Trinity Laban
TrinityLaban.ac.uk

Laban Dance

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

Royal Opera House

2025 Winners

Classical Judges: Leanne Benjamin AM OBE, Gary Avis, Ryoichi Hirano
Theatre Judges: Dame Arlene Phillips DBE, Kate Prince MBE, James Cousins
UKYD Classical Winners 2024

UKYD Classical Dancer

Winner:
Bruno Cokeliss
(Masters of Ballet Academy)
Runners Up:
Millie Wyatt
(Academy Theatre Arts)
Megan Jarvis (AACTS)
UKYD Theatre 14-16 Winners 2024

UKYD Theatre Dancer 14-16

Winner:

Cooper Filby (A2 Arts Performing Arts Academy)
Runners Up:
Jaimee Obeng (Graham School of Dance & Theatre Arts)
Noah Morgan
(Merge Dance Company)
UKYD Theatre 17-19 Winners 2024

UKYD Theatre Dancer 17-19

Winner:
Erin McShaw (The BRIT School)
Runners Up:
Ellie Harle (Academy Theatre Arts)
Leonardo Scafati (ArtsEd)

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

Trinity Laban

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

 

Lily Routledge, UKYD Classical Winner

‘I loved all the classes and workshops leading up to the competition  with amazing teachers. Along with the unbelievable opportunity of being coached by Leanne Benjamin which was a dream come true!’

Beatriz Kingsmill-Smith, UKYD Theatre Winner

‘UK Young Dancer was such an amazing opportunity that I am so grateful to have been a part of. Surrounded by so many talented dancers; the experience was exciting and exhilarating to participate in.’

Catherine Webster, Guernsey Academy

‘The whole concept of the competition was so professional, no costumes and the same routine taught to all by industry professionals, which gave the competitors a true insight in how to stand out at an audition… An amazing experience!’

Abigail Bloomfield, North Star Academy

‘I loved the experience. Everyone was so supportive. Arlene and Charlotte were a real inspiration. Thank you so much!’

Jayne A Coleman, Academy of Dance

‘UKYD, was without a doubt one of the highlights of the year for my dancers, a fabulous opportunity and experience, in participating in the UKYD Top 50 and then reaching the finals. You made their year!’

Scott Millar – UKYD Classical Runner-Up

‘UKYD was one of the most enriching training experiences I’ve ever had’

Darcey-Dee Springer, UKYD Theatre Runner-Up

‘An incredible experience to learn from such inspiring people in the dance industry. Dancing in the finals in front of an esteemed audience was a memorable and valuable experience’

 

Ellie Harle, Academy Theatre Arts

‘I am really grateful to have taken part in the UK Young Dancer competition. Learning a set piece was a different experience for me, which was challenging but so rewarding. To have performed at the royal opera house for such an incredible panel of judges.’

Troy Anderson Dancer

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…