What is Project Y Evolution?
YDance's Project Y Evolution is an exciting, ambitious summer performance programme designed for young dancers aged 16-25 who are eager to step into the world of professional dance. This year, its 20th and final year, PYE offers a transformative week of intensive training and artistic exploration, where participants develop their technical and creative skills under the guidance of Rhythmosaic Dance Company. Project Y Evolutiondancers will experience a rare opportunity to engage with the intersection of classical Indian dance and contemporary dance, pushing creative boundaries and celebrating cultural difference.
Throughout this dynamic programme, dancers engage in daily technique classes and create an original dance work that will premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 25. Focusing on Kathak and Contemporary dance, Project Y Evolution fosters artistic innovation while providing invaluable insight into the professional dance world.
We are thrilled to welcome the visionary choreographers behind Rhythmosaic Dance Company—Dr. Mitul Sengupta and Dr. Shambik Ghose (PhD). Based in both India and the UK, their approach creates a unique, hybridised artistic language that speaks to multicultural audiences, exploring themes of cultural dialogue, inclusivity, and innovation.
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Project Y Evolution will give dancers the opportunity to:
Work with dancers who have similar passions and aspirations
Build confidence in themselves and their dance abilities
Gain invaluable experience of what it’s like to create, rehearse, perform and work like a professional dancer
Gain experience of the technical rehearsal and performance process in a major Scottish theatre
Develop and strengthen their dance technique and creative and performance skills
Return to school or college after summer with improved ability, confidence, skills, and knowledge
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To take part in Project Y Evolution, you must:
Be aged between 16 and 25 on the first day of the course
Be able to commit to all rehearsal and performance dates
You DO NOT need to be Scottish or living in Scotland, and you DO NOT need to be in full-time training to take part in Project Y Evolution. Please note that professional dancers who have graduated are not eligible to take part. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact YDance on 0141 552 7712 or email info@ydance.org.
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Thanks to funding from the Leverhulme Trust the course fee for Project Y Evolution is only £200 for two weeks tuition.
The Leverhulme Trust has also provided a small discretionary bursary fund to help Project Y Evolution dancers pay fees and / or contribute to travel and accommodation costs for those who live more than 15 miles outside Glasgow. Grants will be awarded on a sliding scale depending on total household income. For example, you can expect to receive a grant of up to £200 if your total household income (before tax) is £25,000 or under, if you are in care or if you are in receipt of one of the following – Universal Credit; Young Carer Grant; Income Support; Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance; Refugee or Asylum seeker
If you would like to apply for the Bursary click the link and send us the form to info@ydance.org
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28th July - 2nd Aug at West College, Renfrew Road, Paisley
4th - 10th August at Dance Base in Edinburgh for performance at the Fringe.
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Applications for Project Y Evolution are opening on the 27th January 2025!
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The Project Y Evolution is supported by the Leverhulme Trust and Creative Scotland.
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“Project Y was instrumental in me deciding to take dance seriously as a career and make the necessary steps to allow me to do that, immersing me in the professional world of a dance company.”
“I have made efforts to continue connections with many of the choreographers we worked with. For example, after meeting them at Project Y, I joined Errol White and Theo Clinkard for work experience.”
“I feel Project Y has changed the way I move and, most importantly, has changed my mindset. Now I love contemporary dance. Before Project Y, I was always too nervous to get up and move individually. Now I absolutely love being able to create my own movement!”
