Nasty Nigel returns to find Britain’s best dance talent in So You Think You Can Dance

Nigel Lythgoe is returning to British shores to find the nation’s hottest dancing talent on BBC One with the award-winning So You Think You Can Dance.

Fresh from five seasons of the hit show in the US, Lythgoe will take up his position as head judge on a panel of industry experts who will select finalists to compete for the title of Britain’s Favourite Dancer this January.

Dancers from all disciplines are invited to participate in nation-wide auditions which will take place during October.

Both amateurs and professionals are welcome – the only criteria are talent, personality and passion. The successful finalists will travel to London where they will compete for their place in weekly, live shows at BBC Television Centre.

The series winner will receive a cash prize plus a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hollywood where they will get to perform live on the US version of the show. But, in order to get there, competitors will be pushed right out of their comfort zones.

Each week they’ll be challenged to different styles of dance like hip hop, jazz, Broadway, lyrical and contemporary with a new routine taught by a different choreographer and mentor.

And it won’t be just the judges they have to impress – viewers will have the ultimate power to vote for their favourite dancer at the end of each live show.

Nigel Lythgoe, well known as “Nasty Nigel” for his acid tongue as resident tough judge on Popstars, says: “I began my career as a dancer on the BBC in the Sixties. Now, I’m back as a judge of dancers – I believe I’ve made a full circle back to television’s home of dance here at the BBC. I couldn’t have imagined that dance would become a global phenomenon that would ultimately be responsible for this, my very special homecoming. It’s good to be home.”

Nigel is thrilled to be joined by award-winning choreographer Arlene Phillips on the panel. No one knows more about dance and her work spans a range of musical, stage and screen credits. She was a regular panellist for six seasons of Strictly Come Dancing and says So You Think You Can Dance is a dancer’s dream. This show can be the making of the artists competing in it. I’ve always supported dance talent and look forward to seeing the most promising developing before our eyes each week.”

Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One, is delighted: “I am thrilled that the channel that brings audiences Strictly Come Dancing will now also host the ultimate nationwide competition to find the UK’s favourite dancer. It’s an exciting addition to the Saturday night line-up.”

So You Think You Can Dance was created by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe, and originally produced by 19 Entertainment Ltd and Dick Clark Productions, inc.

How to Apply for an Audition

We are looking for dancers aged 18 to 35. Successful applicants must be aged no younger than 18 and no older than 35 by the date of the first live show on the 9th January 2010. You will be required to bring a valid form of photo ID to the auditions.

You should also download and read the audition factsheet (Word, 39KB).

Open Audition Locations

* London 7/8th October – 8am start – Pineapple Dance Studios, 7 Langley St, Covent Garden, WC2H 9JA

* Manchester: 14/15th October – Sunshine Studios, 52 Newton Street, Manchester, M1 1ED

* Belfast: 18th October – The Crescent Arts Centre, 165 Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 1SQ

* Glasgow: 20th October – Scottish Youth Theatre, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow, G1 1TF

* Bristol: Date and venue TBC

Open audition days are likely to be very busy, so we would advise auditionees to arrive early.

In the event of an applicant registering at an audition venue and not being seen by the team due to a large contestant turnout, we will be able to guarantee an audition at an alternative date at another location. All applicants will need to cover their own travel expenses.

The BBC reserves the right to change audition dates and locations. You are advised to check the website for any information updates.

Recall Dates

Recalls will be held for successful auditionees in London on 9th and 10th October, and in Manchester on 30th and 31st October. Details of additional recall dates to follow.

Are You Eligible?

Auditions are open to everyone from amateur and professional dancers. Professional dancers are invited to enter (provided auditioning does not breach any contract you have). If you are successful in the later stages of the competition you will need to be free of any contractual commitments and commit solely to the programme.

The competition is open to UK residents who are legally entitled to work in the UK. Please bring either a passport or copy of your birth certificate as proof of age and identity. Successful applicants must not have any restrictions on their ability to travel overseas and/or acquire visas.

If you want to be guaranteed an initial audition…

Complete the application form (Word, 78KB) and return it as soon as possible to soyouthinkyoucandance@bbc.co.uk

To download: click on the link above and save the document to your computer, then fill it in. Please return the completed form by email.

Email: soyouthinkyoucandance@bbc.co.uk

Phone: 020 8225 6193

Standard geographic charges apply and calls may be included in your telecoms provider’s call package. Calls from mobiles may be higher.

Closing Date: 26 October 2009

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