BalletBoyz and Girlz

Posted on March 28, 2013

The BalletBoyz seek women as well as men for their new project, The Dancer’s Course. Starting in September 2013, this innovative one-year weekend course is aimed at men and women over the age of 18 who want to develop their versatility, contemporary dance skills and technique within the environment of a professional, cutting edge dance company.

Launched in 2001, the BalletBoyz company featured female and male dancers in its early years. Its second phase, The Talent, has been all-male. This latest development opens the company’s doors to women again. “Whatever your dance background,” the BalletBoyz announce, “if you are seriously considering a career as a professional dancer and favour an experimental approach to your training, then this is the course for you.”

Selected dancers will work alongside The Talent, and will be coached and mentored by leading teachers, choreographers and directors. They will have opportunities to perform and choreograph throughout the year, plus first-hand experience of production, including the use of film, music, costumes and lighting. The course aims to take individuals with raw talent and turn them into creative, employable dancers.

The Dancer’s Course will take place at the company’s new studios in Kingston Upon Thames (pictured). It will run every weekend from 10am to 5pm, across three terms from October 5 to July 1. Places are limited to 25 dancers. To apply, you should have at least two years’ experience at a vocational dance institute, or have graduated from one within the past three years.

Auditions will be held on May 25. To apply see the BalletBoyz website. Auditions cost £15.

Photograph: BalletBoyz®

Zoe Anderson

Zoë was born in Edinburgh, and saw her first dance performances at the Festival there. She is the dance critic of The Independent, and has also written for The Independent on Sunday, The Scotsman and Dancing Times. In 2002, she received her doctorate from the University of York for a thesis on “Nationhood and epic romance: Ariosto, Sidney, Spenser”. She is the author of The Royal Ballet: 75 Years and The Ballet Lover’s Companion.