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Episode 1

The search begins for Â鶹Éç Young Dancer 2022, with 72 hopefuls competing to make the final ten and the opportunity to train with some of the dance world's leading choreographers.

Â鶹Éç 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 Â鶹Éç 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.

59 minutes

Last on

Mon 18 Apr 2022 02:20

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Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:04

    Roger Goula

    Awe

  • 00:04

    Scottish National Orchestra - Neeme Jarvi

    Pyotr Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Act II: No 14 Pas De Deux

  • 00:05

    Imagine Dragons

    Thunder

  • 00:05

    Nina Simone

    Sinnerman

  • 00:24

    AudioTreats

    Rain of Tears, Rv 717, For Gayageum & Piano - 6/8 Eb Minor: Allegretto

  • 00:26

    Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five

    The Message

  • 00:26

    The Weeknd

    Call Out My Name

  • 00:32

    Leslie Odom, Jr.

    The Room Where It Happens

  • 00:34

    Andy Williams

    Music To Watch Girls By

  • 00:58

    Sons of Kemet

    My Queen Is Albertina Sisulu

  • 00:58

    Lily Allen

    Our Time

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Clara Amfo
Production Manager Jo Marks
Executive Producer Paul Bullock
Series Producer Martyn Stevens

Broadcasts

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