U.Dance on Screen

Alongside incredible stage performances, the U.Dance National Festival also celebrates youth dance on film with U.Dance on Screen.

Enter your film to be part of U.Dance on Screen Showcase 2025!

All forms and styles of dance are welcome - whether you do hip hop/street dance styles, jazz, theatre styles, ballet, South Asian dance styles, contemporary dance, folk dance, you name it: U.Dance is for everyone! 

  • Eligible applicants must feature dancers aged 11-19, or up to 25 if the participants have a disability. The film can be made by young people or feature young people.
  • The film must have the music rights secured – see Music Rights Guidance below.
  • Films may be streamed on Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage and One Dance UK/Sadler’s Wells social media channels so participants must have parental permission (where required).
  • The film file must be .mp4 or .mov in 1080p.

 

Selection Criteria 

The selection panel will consider all shortlisted work and select dance pieces for the U.Dance National Festival which combined as a performance programme will:

  1. Reflect the diversity of dance styles practiced by young people across the UK.  
  2. Create an interesting and varied performance.  
  3. Showcase excellent and authentic work from range of settings. 

Music Rights Guidance 

With some U.Dance on Screen pieces being streamed online, there are strict rules and legal requirements surrounding music licensing and rights. This is different to using music solely in class or on stage, and ensures musicians and composers are credited and compensated appropriately for their work.  

This matter is taken very seriously and PRS (the music copyright collective) can, and often does, take legal action where music has been used without permission, even in charity and educational settings.  

Groups entering for U.Dance on Screen should not assume they can use any piece of music for free – the rights must be secured.  

See One Dance UK’s Digital Music Licensing Best Practice Guide here

If you are creating a piece of screen dance, options include:  

  • Using royalty-free music. Various online libraries are available, with some options listed on the Digital Music Licensing Guide via the link above.  
  • Using original music composed solely for the piece.  
  • Contacting the music publisher of the piece and accessing rights directly with them, and providing evidence of this with the application, before sending in your application.  

If music rights are not secured, we are unable to accept the application.  

 

       


Entry deadline: 20 May 2025

U.Dance on Screen Showcase 2025 Application