DANCE | TRAIN | PERFORM
Applications for LYDC 26/27 are now open!
Lothian Youth Dance Company (LYDC) is Dance Base’s in-house company for dancers aged 14-21 years. Dance Base is holding an audition this June to build the next group of company dancers.
The audition will be a FREE two hour workshop for interested dancers to get a taste of the company work. After this audition Dance Base will select a group of young dancers who will join us from September 2026 – August 2027.
If you are interested in gaining new skills and confidence in dance technique and performance, come along to our workshop audition to be considered. The workshop audition will cover a contemporary technique class and some creative/choreography tasks. There will also be a chance to ask questions and to find out if LYDC might be something for you.
The workshop audition is a fairly relaxed opportunity to meet other young dancers, take part in a Contemporary technique class, and try creative exercises. We’re looking for dancers who arrive with an open mind, are willing to try new things, can play around with creative choreography tasks, and who come as themselves — no need to put on a facade!
BOOK NOW for a spot in this free workshop audition.
Sunday 14 June 2026 | 10:30 – 12:30 | Dance Base, Edinburgh
About LYDC
Lothian Youth Dance Company (LYDC) is Dance Base’s in-house performance company for young dancers, aged 14-21. Established in 2016, LYDC offers talented dancers the opportunity to broaden their Contemporary dance and performance experience. Over the course of a year, the company meets for one full day each month to develop their technique, creative skills and rehearse for upcoming performances. The company also meets for two week-long intensive creation periods during the year.
Who is it for?
- Anyone aged 14-21 who love dance and wants to expand their dance technique and performance skills
- Dancers with creativity, curiosity and charisma
- Dancers based in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife
What does the company do?
- Meet at Dance Base one Sunday every month to take part in intensive dance classes and workshops exploring technique and choreography. There is a focus on Contemporary dance with additional dance techniques explored according to the group’s interest.
- Participate in two week-long residencies at Dance Base—one in the October holiday break, and one during the April holiday break. During these residencies the company takes part in daily technique class as well as creating a new piece of dance.
- Throughout the year the company also has the opportunity to perform at various performance platforms.
- Potential to attend dance performances in Edinburgh. In the past, the company has been to see performances by Akram Khan, Rambert, Nederlands Dans Teater (NDT), Scottish Ballet, and various shows in Dance Base’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme.
Dates for 2026-27
Sunday sessions, 10:00-16:00
6 September, 27 September, 15 November, 6 December, 17 January, 14 February, 14 March, 2 May, 30 May, 20 June.
Residency weeks, 10:00-16:00 daily
Monday 12 October – Friday 16 October 2026
Monday 5 April – Friday 9 April 2027
Performances
Dates TBC
How much does it cost?
£380 for one year (this can be split over three instalments)
Funded bursary places are available. If the fees would be a barrier to take part, you will be eligible for a bursary place. We encourage everyone interested in this opportunity to apply. If you’d like to have a chat about the bursary option, please get in contact with melissa.heywood@dancebase.co.uk
Questions
If you’d like to talk to us about LYDC, please contact melissa.heywood@dancebase.co.uk
Equally, if you require this information in an alternative format or have access requirements we need to meet to support you in taking part, please contact melissa.heywood@dancebase.co.uk