What is Scottish Ballet Youth Exchange?

SB’s Youth Exchange is an ambitious dance programme for young dancers aged 14-24.

This programme will prepare you for a career in the dance industry and offer you the chance to meet young dancers from all over the world, travel and work together as a company.

‘This project taught me so much that I’m going to take into my future career. I think it came at a pivotal moment in my training and prepared me so well for my move to London. Not only did it refine my class etiquette, but it gave me an insight into professional work and how to work within it. I learned that no matter what you are doing to always work at 150%, as you never know what is around the corner.’
Youth Exchange Dancer, 2018/2019

As part of the project, you will have the opportunity to:

Work together as a company and create strong connections with other young dancers
Experience new cultures and work with young dancers from all over the world
Perform in original dance works created by national and international choreographers
Develop technical and creative training through weekly contemporary and ballet classes at Scottish Ballet
Work with Scottish Ballet dancers and learn repertoire
Develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills, and be an ambassador for Scottish Ballet and the Youth Exchange programme
Create your own fundraising event with support from Scottish Ballet’s expert teams
Take part in intensives and experience different artists’ approaches to movement
Develop a deeper understanding of your artistry and create close connections with young people internationally.

Youth Exchange is an exciting opportunity for young dancers to learn at the cutting edge of dance innovation and work closely with music, technology and film industry specialists. The programme offers an in-depth career development experience, providing a comprehensive insight into the dance industry.

Who can apply?

Dancers who are:

Aged 14-24 at time of application
Based in Scotland and able to travel to Glasgow weekly on Tuesday evenings 6.30pm-9pm, and for rehearsals and intensives
In professional dance training or preparing for a career in dance
Able to commit to all dates below.

We are excited to create a diverse company, welcoming dancers from a range of backgrounds, dance styles and experiences. We welcome disabled and non-disabled dancers, providing additional resources and support wherever possible.

How do I apply?

Fill in an application form
Dancers will be selected by audition and interview in September 2021.

Applications will close 17 September, and there will be a cap on maximum numbers due to social distancing.

Auditions

You must be available for one of the open calls and for a potential call back on Round 2.

Open Calls

Where? Scottish Ballet.

What? Two-hour audition.

When? Thursday 23 September, 6.30-8.30pm and Thursday 30 September, 6.30-8.30pm.

Round 2

Where? Scottish Ballet.

What? Intensive / interview.

When? Sunday 3 October, 10am-3pm.

Project Dates

Successful applicants need to be available for all dates. However, with the ongoing pandemic, dates are subject to change and we recognize the continued need for flexibility with availability.

Please carefully consider the time demands before applying:

• Weekly sessions: On Tuesdays 6.30pm-9pm at Scottish Ballet in Glasgow from 19 October 2021.

• Potential intensives: In 2022, 14-20 February, March (weekend TBC), 4-10 April, 11-24 July.

Cost

Fees: £100. Further fundraising will be an element of the programme.

For more information, please contact Ailbhe Turley, Engagement Producer at: ailbhe.turley@scottishballet.co.uk