Carlos Acosta at the BBC Young Musician competition launch.
Open to 16 to 20-year-olds, the competition will look for promising dancers who perform ballet, contemporary, South Asian dance or hip hop.
Director general Tony Hall said he wanted to 'inspire young talent right across the country', and give them the opportunity to shine, mentored and supported by the best in the business.
The final six who make it through three rounds will compete at the grand final at Sadler's Wells for the title of BBC Young Dancer 2015 in front of a six-member judging panel of renowned dance professionals.
Ballet dancer Carlos Acosta was discovered through a dance competition
Some of the judges for the grand final include lead principal and artistic director of English National Ballet Tamara Rojo; choreographer Matthew Bourne, who is famous for his all-male Swan Lake; and director and choreographer Wayne McGregor.
Carlos Acosta, the world-famous Cuban ballet dancer, will act as ambassador for the project.
Read the rest of this story on the BBC's Ariel website.
- Young Dancer will be broadcast on BBC Four in 2015. Find out how to apply on the BBC Young Musician website.
- Follow @BBCYoungMusician on Twitter.
