Frequently Asked Questions

“There was a real sense of collaboration which was very refreshing and motivational.” Attendee, U.Dance South East Regional Platform 2026

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 2027.

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. 

QU: If selected for the U.Dance South East Regional Platform 2027 do all my dancers need to be available for the whole day and evening on 17 or 18 April? 
A: Yes, soloists and groups will need all their dancers to attend daytime technical rehearsals. All groups and soloists must attend and dance in the evening platform.

QU: Can I submit a work-in-progress or an incomplete dance piece at application stage?
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 2027 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 the U.Dance South East Regional Platform 2027 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: Yes, it will be possible to show projections of either still images or video projections as part of your dance piece at The Venue and The Dance Space. 

QU: Can I apply if I am outside of the south east region? 
If one of the U.Dance South East Regional Platforms 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 or solo was in the U.Dance National Festival 2026 can we apply for the U.Dance South East Regional Platform 2027 and also be considered for the U.Dance National Festival 2027? 
A: No. To spread representation, groups & soloists who were selected from their region at the U.Dance National Festival in 2026 will not be eligible for selection in 2027 (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 The Venue MK 
Address: The Venue MK, Fyfield Barrow, Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes MK7 7WH
https://www.thevenuemk.com/find-us/access/
- 380 seat auditorium
- Dance floor on the stage. 
- Stage dimensions: 11.20m wide x 8.50m deep x 5.50m high
- There is space backstage to crossover from one side of the stage to the other, allow 20 seconds for walking at a brisk pace. 
- Technical specifications can be found here: https://www.thevenuemk.com/hire/ 
- There are lifts for those who cannot manage stairs. 
- There is a small Tesco a short walk away, but we recommend groups & soloists organise their own food for the day.
- Parking on site 
- Nearest train station: Milton Keynes Central

QU: Where can I find more details about The Dance Space?
Address: The Dance Space, 2 Market Square, Circus Street, Brighton BN2 9AS
https://southeastdance.org.uk/your-visit/ 
- 123 seater auditorium
- Sprung dance floor with harlequin overlay
- Stage dimensions: 6.5m wide x 7m deep x 6.5m high
- There is no crossover space backstage to move from one side of the stage to the other.
- Features and specifications: https://southeastdance.org.uk/your-visit/inside-the-dance-space/the-jamie-watton-creation-space/ 
- There are supermarkets, cafes and restaurants within a 15-minute walk of the building. 
- Nearest train station: Brighton. A 15-minute walk from The Dance Space
- The Dance Space is on lots of local bus routes.
- No parking on site. Parking is limited in Brighton with on-street metred parking in nearby streets or NCP car parks in the centre of town, which can be expensive. South East Dance will be in touch with selected groups regarding parking options for coaches and minibuses. 

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 South East Dance

QU: Where can I find out information about previous year’s U.Dance National Festival? 
A: See a highlights video from a previous U.Dance National Festival here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqoAix4DRJI

Updates for the U.Dance National Festival 202 will be posted in the coming months on the One Dance UK website: https://www.onedanceuk.org/programmes/udance

QU: Does One Dance UK have any advice, tips and resources for group leaders and teachers?
A: Yes! Check out their website: https://www.onedanceuk.org/resources?category=Children%20and%20Young%20People

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 Naomi at South East Dance for all your queries, no matter what they are! 
Email: naomi.poole@southeastdance.org.uk
 

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