LAUNCH

Hosted at the Dance House in Cardiff Bay, dance groups from across Wales are invited to apply with physical work for stage or dance films. 

LAUNCH creates an inclusive platform for young people to express themselves and their vision for dance.
Expect powerful, emotive dance exploring themes and issues important to the exciting young artists involved and celebrating their passion to move. NDCWales invites groups to perform along with NDCWales Young Associates, to form an evening which embodies Youth Dance in Wales.

FAQ

What is LAUNCH?

Launch is an annual performance platform that celebrates Youth Dance from across Wales. The event is hosted by National Dance Company Wales in The Dance House, Cardiff Bay.
Launch is an opportunity for young dancers to perform in a professional theatre setting with full lights and sound (and their own choice of costume).

It is also a place to meet other young dancers, sharing work and experiences.
 

What is the benefit of being involved?

Launch offers young dancers a taster of what being a professional dancer might be like – from being part of a technical rehearsal to performing in front of a live audience.
Launch gives Youth Dance groups a focussed timeframe to create new work for, allowing participants be part of the creative process from start to end.
Groups benefit from professional photos as well as (in-house) video footage of their performance.
 

How do I sign my youth dance group up for LAUNCH?

To perform at Launch you need to fill out the form below and let us know a little about your group and the piece of dance you want to bring.
We understand that you might not have made the work yet – but tell us as much as you can – this helps us make decisions when programming the event.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to fill out the form to apply. This shouldn’t take more than ten minutes. 
 

Who can apply?

Any youth dance group from across Wales can apply. Youth Dance is generally classed as ages 11-19, or up to 25 for disabled dancers.
Groups should have a minimum number of 4 dancers and a maximum of 25 dancers.
If these criteria are prohibitive, please contact us directly.

How are the groups chosen?

All applications will be reviewed by a panel made up of Youth Dance in Wales MOU members, (Ballet Cymru, NDCWales, NYDW).
 

Is it free to apply and take part?

Yes Launch is free to apply and take part in.
Unfortunately, we cannot assist financially with travel or accommodation fees.
 

If our group is chosen what happens?

-We will send you an email inviting you to take part in Launch this year.
You’ll need to accept the invitation within a set timeframe and get working on your performance.

-Before November we’ll ask you to supply us with a high-quality version of your music and information for the programme.

-We will also ask you to supply information for our BOPA application (ages, numbers, gender).

-You will also need to provide an appropriate number of licenced chaperones for both the technical rehearsals and performances

-On Saturday 15 November your group will be given a time slot for a technical rehearsal to add the lights to the performance.

-On Sunday 16 November we’ll have a dress rehearsal in the morning, then perform the show at 4pm and 7pm.

We understand you might not start making your work until September.
It's okay if you don't know all of this information yet but please tell us as much as you can as it helps inform our decision.

If not yet known please keep in touch as decisions are made. 
 

I have a question that isn't answered here, who can I talk to? 

Email Sian Rowlands on sian@ndcwales.co.uk or call us on 02920 635 600