Frequently Asked Questions

"I'm excited to be performing here today" Dancer, U.Dance South East Regional Platform 2024

 

QU: What if some dancers in my group are younger or older than the eligible age range?
A: All dancers must be aged 11 to 19 years, or up to and including age 25 for disabled dancers or those living with long-term health conditions, on 31 July 2026.

We are open to conversations about dancers aged 20-25 years who do not have a disability or long-term health condition, but whose personal circumstances may have prevented them from engaging with dance at younger ages, have had a break from dancing or have come to dance later. Sarah is happy to meet to talk through on the phone, in person, over video call or email: sarah.kearney@southeastdance.org.uk or telephone: 07483 098854

QU: If selected for the U.Dance South East Regional Platform 2026 do all my dancers need to be available for the whole day and evening? 
A: Yes, soloists and groups will need all their dancers to attend daytime technical rehearsals. All groups and soloists must attend the evening platform that starts at 7.30pm. 

QU: Can I submit a work-in-progress or an incomplete piece?
A: Yes. However, we encourage submissions of finished dance pieces or work that is close to being completed. Please be aware that the panel select pieces based on the submitted video clips. Therefore, the more cohesive and rehearsed the dance piece, even short excerpts, the easier it is for the panel to get an idea what the final dance piece will look like when performed on stage. 

QU: Can I apply with one piece and change it to another if selected?
A: No. The filmed dance piece in your application must be the same as the final piece presented at the U.Dance South East Regional Platform 2026 and the U.Dance National Festival.

QU: Can I apply with a piece that we have performed before and with a different group of dancers? 
Submit a dance piece that has not been extensively showcased. The panel are looking for recent pieces that have either not been performed/screened before or have only been shown a few times. Please only submit pieces with filmed footage with the same dancers who will attend on 7 March if selected.  

QU: Can groups, soloists and schools apply with more than one piece?
A: You can submit more than one piece. In this instance you must complete a separate application form for each piece. However, it is recommended that you consider choosing the piece that you feel has the best chance of being selected and work for a really strong application with that one piece.

QU: Is it possible to show projections on the backdrop as part of our dance piece?
A: No, it will not be possible to show projections as part of your dance piece at Pegasus Theatre, Oxford. However, if there is one projection of a static background for the whole piece, the event organiser will discuss with the venue whether this is possible to accommodate. 

QU: Can I apply if I am outside of the south east region? 
If the U.Dance South East Regional Platform is easier for you to get to than your local regional platform, and the date suits you better, please let us know. South East Dance and One Dance UK will discuss, notify your local platform and let you know whether you can apply to the U.Dance South East Regional Platform. 
You may only apply to one U.Dance Regional platform in a year. 
Please note, due to very limited places in the U.Dance South East Regional Platform, priority will be given to groups and soloists from the south east region. 

QU: If our group was in the U.Dance National Festival 2025 can we apply for the U.Dance South East Regional Platform 2026 and also be considered for the U.Dance National Festival 2026? 
A: No. To spread representation, groups who were selected from their region at the U.Dance National Festival in 2025 will not be eligible for selection in 2026 (regardless of whether they attended or not). However, they are welcome and strongly encouraged to apply the following year. 

QU: Where can I find more details about Pegasus Theatre, Oxford? 
A: The building has a 133-seat black-box studio theatre. 
The stage dimensions are 6.5 metres wide x 6.6 metres deep. 
Sprung wooden dance floor (extending fully into both wings). Covered with MDF top surface and painted black on stage and carpeted in wings. Exact dance flooring will be confirmed with the selected groups & soloists. 
There are wings either side of the stage. 
There is not run-around space backstage to move from one side of the stage to the other during the dance piece. 
Parking is very restricted at the venue and in the surrounding area. It is recommended, especially for minibuses and coaches, to use local Park & Ride car parks. The nearest Park and Ride car park is Redbridge.
Pegasus Theatre is a 15-20 minute taxi ride from Oxford train station or 25-30 minutes by public transport. 
Please bring food and drink with you. 
Selected groups will receive full details from Dancin’ Oxford 
Access information
Visitors information

QU: Do you have any advice about health and safety?
A: Please refer to your organisation/school/company’s Safeguarding Policy and Risk Assessment. 
If you would like to talk to us in relation to health and safety in your setting please contact sarah.kearney@southeastdance.org.uk

QU: Where can I find out information about previous year’s U.Dance National Festival? 
A: You can view previous U.Dance National Festival highlights on One Dance UK social media channels and their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/OneDanceUKofficial/playlists

Updates for the U.Dance National Festival 2026 will be posted in the coming months on the One Dance UK website

QU: Does One Dance UK have any advice, tips and resources for group leaders and teachers?
A: Yes! Check out their website 

QU: Who can I contact at South East Dance if I have questions about my U.Dance South East Regional Platform application?

A: At application stage please contact Sarah at South East Dance for all your queries, no matter what they are! 
Email: sarah.kearney@southeastdance.org.uk or telephone: 07483 098854. 
Sarah’s working days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.