Episode 1

BBC Young Dancer is back! Presented this year by Radio 1’s Clara Amfo, it’s looking for the very best young dance talent from across the UK. This time round, the competition is open to anyone aged 16-24 whose passion is dance. Performers from nearly every corner of the dance world have thrown their hat in the ring for a chance at the title and this life-changing opportunity.

Seventy-two hopefuls compete in face-to-face auditions – in ballet, street dance, contemporary, South Asian, tap and even clog dancing – for the chance to make it through to the final ten who will go on to a brand new dance residency in Dartington Hall in Devon. Across the series, the finalists will be put through their paces by leading choreographers to prepare new works for the BBC Young Dancer final in London’s Roundhouse where the winner will be crowned.

The auditions are overseen by an impressive judging team with a host of accolades between them. Head judge Emma Gladstone OBE, former artistic director of London’s international festival Dance Umbrella is joined by some of the industry’s best talent. They are:

Award-winning choreographer and contemporary/hip-hop dancer Dickson Mbi, who has worked with the likes of Robbie Williams and The Black Eyed Peas.

English National Ballet’s former principal ballerina Begona Cao.

South Asian teacher, choreographer and dancer Geetha Sridhar, with 30 years’ experience behind her.

Gianna Gi, a commercial and hip-hop dance phenomenon.

Independent dance artist Annie Hanauer, a specialist in bringing disabled and non-disabled artists together.

Seeta Patel, a leading South Asian and contemporary choreographer and film-maker.

Award-winning multi-disciplinary artist Ivan Blackstock, who includes Beyonce in the list of names he has collaborated with.

Between them, they’re looking for the ten most exciting dancers. And with a phenomenal standard this year, it’s not going to be an easy challenge.