Young Ballet dancers competition returns
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Posted: 22 August 2007 
The Fonteyn Nureyev Young Dancers Competition, organised by The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), in association with the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation will take place again in 2008. The first competition was held last year. It has been set up to focus attention on the popularity of ballet with young people and to identify and nurture talent for the long term future of British Ballet. The competition gives young dancers the opportunity to work with dance professionals and to experience the thrill of performing in front of a live audience on professional stages. Young dancers aged between 10 and 13 years will travel to heats across the UK and selected finalists will compete for the 2008 Young Dancer title and the prize money of £1500.
Last year’s winner, Oliver Taylor from Devon, has just made his debut as Billy in Billy Elliot the Musical at The Victoria Palace Theatre. His mother Katheryn Taylor said “Since winning the competition his [Oliver’s] personal confidence and his belief in his own dance ability has increased, although he remains grounded and modest. When at school he is now open and proud of his dancing and no longer hides it for fear of teasing. Winning the competition also kick started a truly remarkable year for him, with offers to appear on television and now Billy Elliot. It isn't all about winning though - just taking part, having such expert teaching and getting up on stage and entertaining people is just as valuable an experience.”
All of the other finalists have since gone on to pursue professional training at some of Britain’s top vocational schools.
Regional Heats for 2008 take place on:
London, Middlesex & South East England Heat: 12 & 13 Jan 08 Rhoda Mc Gaw Theatre, Woking
Northern England/Northern Ireland & Scotland Heat: 27 Jan 08 Dancehouse, Manchester
Midlands & East of England Heat: 3 Feb 08 Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham
Wales & South West England Heat (including Channel Islands): 10 Feb 08 The Playhouse, Weston-Super-mare
The Final will take place on 6 April 2008 (venue to be confirmed).
The competition has been made possible by the funding and support of the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation, International Dance Supplies and an additional contribution from the Musical Opera and Ballet Trust.
For more information - and details on how to take part:
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