Theatre Royal Plymouth to host U.Dance South West Regional Platform
Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP), in partnership with One Dance UK, has been selected to host the U.Dance South West Regional Platform 2024 which offers young people an incredible opportunity to celebrate youth dance and choreography, and to perform on the prestigious Lyric stage at TRP.
The non-competitive event is open to young people aged 11 to 19 (and disabled young people up to the age of 25) and will see world-class dance professionals support their technical performance skills, develop their choreographic voice, and advise on potential career pathways.
U.Dance is a fully inclusive national programme celebrating dance for young people and incorporates all dance styles. The project champions the dance communities from across the South West region, showcasing diverse talents and creating a platform for growth and recognition.
One Dance UK works with partners, including Pavilion Dance South West, to deliver and support regional projects throughout the spring, which culminates into a national platform in the summer.
The U.Dance programme specifically offers performance and workshop opportunities to thousands of young dancers, reaching over 200,000 young people since its inception.
This year, partners across Plymouth including TRP are working together to host the South West regional platform, which will include high quality participatory workshops with nationally renowned choreographers Seeta Patel, Zoie Golding, Richard Chappell, and Kadus Smith, and the opportunity to perform on stage at Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Anneliese Kesteven, U.Dance project management representative, said: “We have selected leading choreographers to run the workshops and ensure there is a diversity of choreographic voice and to provide aspirational role models by inviting dancers who have grown up in the region and pursued differing paths into the profession.
“In addition to sharing their own performances, the young dancers will be invited to perform together as part of a finale choreographed on the day, fostering a sense of community and being part of a regional and national community of youth dancers.
“The programme will offer high quality activities for children and young people outside school, which will support them in their creative journey, facilitating the development of their creative skills and voices and enabling them to reach their potential.
“Dance styles include hip hop, street dance, jazz, theatre styles, ballet, South Asian, contemporary dance and folk. U.Dance really is for everyone!”
The U.Dance South West Regional Platform will take place at Theatre Royal Plymouth on Sunday 10 March from 7pm. Tickets cost £12. For further information visit https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/u-dance-2024.
