Talented young Cumbrian dancers are being given the chance to work alongside one of the UK's leading contemporary dance companies.
Auditions are being arranged for Tuesday 20 March when dancers from around the county will be invited to show off their raw talent.
At stake is the opportunity for eight dancers to spend twelve days working with Motionhouse Dance Theatre's Artistic Director, Kevin Finnan.
The unique work-placement is being coordinated by Cumbria County Council's Cultural Policy Unit, with funding from the European Social Fund and Cumbria Vision. Successful applicants will receive a training allowance as well as help with travel and childcare costs.
The initiative is a part of a wider national programme aimed at improving people's employment prospects in the creative industries.
The absence of professional dance companies in Cumbria means that high quality on-the-job training and professional development is not available to aspiring young dancers in the county.
Motionhouse Dance Theatre's Artistic Director, Kevin Finnan said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Cumbrian dancers to gain experience of working together as a small dance company.
"We'd like to help create something that potentially has a longer life than just the two months of this project. The project is looking for Cumbrian dancers with raw talent, innovative ideas and with some previous dance experience."
Cumbria County Council's head of Cultural Policy, Bruce Bennison, said: "It would be fantastic if this project created a piece of work that could be showcased or even toured locally, or produced a dance film that could be shown at dance or film festivals. The world is their oyster! I'm really keen to see what emerges from the collaboration with and under the guidance of Kevin Finnan."
For more about the auditions and how to register, people can contact Cumbria County Council's Lynn Fade on 01931-715546 or email lynn@christianbarnes.co.uk
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Notes for editors
Information on the work of the Motionhouse Dance Theatre can be found at www.motionhouse.co.uk