Boys Don't Dance Lead Artist Call-out

Creative Scotland; Dundee, Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 2,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading performing arts organization in the UK is seeking inspirational dance artists for a participatory project with young people, focusing on inclusivity. The project will run from January to June 2026, culminating in performances at the Light the Blue Festival. Artists will receive a fee of £1,750 for their work. Choreographic experience is a plus but not mandatory.

Qualifications

• Background and/or interest in working inclusively with young people.
• Confidence to co-lead a group of young dancers of varying levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead a participatory project with young disabled and non-disabled participants to create a dance piece.
• Work with two lead dance artists integrating diverse experiences.

Skills

Experience working inclusively with young people

Co-leading a group of dancers

Job description

Aberdeen Performing Arts with Marc Brew Company

Deadline: 01 December 2025 at 23:00

We're looking for disabled and non-disabled dance artists based in North East Scotland with a background and/or interest in working inclusively with young people to lead on a participatory project.

The project will involve two lead dance artists working with a group of young disabled and non-disabled participants to create a short piece inspired by Marc Brew Company’s Boys Don’t Dance, which will be performed as a curtain raiser during the show’s run at Light the Blue Festival.

Boys Don’t Dance is a poignant dance theatre show by acclaimed disabled and queer director, choreographer and dancer Marc Brew, reflecting on his journey as a boy who defied society’s expectations to embrace his love for dance. The show has been commissioned by Imaginate in partnership with Aberdeen Performing Arts.

We’re looking for inspirational dance artists with a background and/or interest in creating inclusive work with young people (tentatively aged 10 – 16). Choreographic experience is not essential, however you must have the confidence to co‑lead a group of young dancers of varying levels of experience and abilities through a collaborative co‑creation process.

The project will be delivered from January – June 2026, connecting with Boys Don’t Dance during its creation period, previews and production at Light the Blue Festival in Aberdeen.

• By using the term ‘disabled’, we include anyone who identifies as learning disabled, D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, as well as people living with chronic illness, mental health conditions, or other related experiences. We recognise that language preferences vary, and you do not need to identify with the term ‘disabled person’ to apply.

Lead artists will be offered a fee of £1,750 for the project, calculated at 2 x £200 day rate plus 9 x £150 half day rate.

For the full call‑out, dates and to apply visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/call-outs/light-the-blue-2026-boys-dont-dance-artist-call-out

Location: Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee City, Fife, Moray, Perth and Kinross

The deadline is Monday 01 December 2025 at 23:00.

TAGGED: Dance / Young People (aged 0 to 25) / Participatory Practice