NORTHUMBERLAND YOUTH DANCE GROUP
Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) is looking for up to 20 young people aged 10–17 to become members of our new Northumberland Youth Dance Group, based in Amble.
Whether you are completely new to dance or already have some experience, this is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills, build confidence, explore creativity and experience what it means to be part of a dance company.
We welcome young people from all backgrounds and abilities who have an interest in dance and a willingness to learn.
OVERVIEW
Led directly by Eliot Smith, Founder and Creative Director of Eliot Smith Dance, members will take part in weekly dance sessions, with additional opportunities to learn from professional dancers of the company and visiting guest teachers.
Each session will begin with contemporary dance technique, followed by choreography and creative exploration. Working closely with Eliot, young people will develop their confidence, creativity, movement vocabulary and performance skills.
Alongside their weekly training, members will collaborate to create an exciting new piece of dance work, which will be presented as part of the group's inaugural dance performance at Dance City Theatre, Newcastle, on Saturday 31 July 2027.
This is an opportunity to be part of something new, make friends, develop as a young dancer and take to the stage.
WHO CAN JOIN
We are looking for up to 20 young people who:
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Are aged 10–17.
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Live in Amble and the surrounding areas of Northumberland.
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Are interested in exploring contemporary dance.
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May be completely new to dance or have some previous experience.
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Are enthusiastic, curious and keen to develop their skills.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds. No previous dance training is necessary.
WHEN AND WHERE
Day: Every Monday
Time: 4.00pm–5.30pm
Venue: Coquet Community School
Acklington Road, Amble, Morpeth, NE65 0NG
Location: The school's new Dance Studio.
First session – Induction: Monday 11 January 2027.
The induction will provide an opportunity to meet Eliot, find out more about the group, experience the studio and take part in your first dance session.
FREE TO JOIN
Thanks to support from the Northumberland Dance Development Fund (NDDF), registration and attendance at Northumberland Youth Dance Group will be completely free throughout the Spring Term 2027.
The fund is funded by Northumberland County Council and managed in partnership with The Maltings (Berwick), Alnwick Playhouse and Queen's Hall Arts Centre (Hexham), and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
This support enables us to remove financial barriers and make high-quality dance opportunities accessible to children and young people across Northumberland.
Looking beyond the Spring Term, it is our ambition and mission to continue offering Northumberland Youth Dance Group free of charge. We are committed to exploring further funding and partnerships to help sustain the programme and ensure that cost is not a barrier to young people accessing dance, developing their creativity and experiencing the joy of performing.
HOW TO REGISTER
Interested in joining us?
If you are aged 10–17 and would like to become part of Northumberland Youth Dance Group, we invite you to register your interest by filling in the online form and attend our introductory induction session.
Registration deadline: Tuesday 5 January 2027.
Please note that registration is essential to attend the induction on Monday 11 January 2027. Places are limited to a maximum of 20 young people.
After submitting the registration form, you will receive a confirmation email from Eliot Smith Dance within 3–5 working days. Please check your junk or spam folder if you cannot find it in your inbox.
ACCESS
Coquet Community School is located in Amble, Northumberland. Northumberland Youth Dance Group takes place in the school's new Dance Studio, situated on the ground floor of the building.
For any access requirements or additional information about attending, please contact us directly at education@eliotsmithdance.com
For further information about the school, please visit Coquet Community School website.
TEACHERS / BIO
ELIOT
Click on profile to read full bio.
SAFEGUARDING
Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) is deeply committed to fostering an environment that prioritises diversity, equality, inclusion, environmental responsibility and safeguarding across all aspects of its work.
Northumberland Youth Dance Group is an initiative by ESD.
Find out more about our commitments by clicking here.
QUESTIONS
For questions, we would love to hear from you. Please email education@eliotsmithdance.com
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
