Award-winning Choreographer Wayne Mcgregor Appointed U.K.’s First ‘dance Champion’ for Young People

The acclaimed dancer and choreographer Wayne McGregor, is to be the U.K. Government’s first Youth Dance Champion. His appointment, by Culture Minister Margaret Hodge, follows swiftly on the heels of the recent publication of Tony Hall’s Dance Review and the Government Response, which identified how cross-Government work could raise the profile of, and increase access to, dance for more young people, both in and out of school.

Wayne McGregor’s new role as Youth Dance Champion will see him working as an ambassador, inspiring and championing dance, and a promoter of dance to young people, both boys and girls.

Margaret Hodge said:

“I am thrilled that Wayne McGregor has agreed to become Youth Dance Champion. His career, still in its infancy in many ways, has spanned the whole spectrum of dance. He will be an inspiring role model for young people across the country. What we have begun with our response to Tony Hall’s Review - and are supporting through the creation of an expanded Youth Dance England - we will continue by raising the profile of dance among young people, as well as schools and parents.

“I believe Wayne is the perfect choice to help us keep the fantastic momentum we now have for young people’s dance. I’m looking forward to working with him to realise our commitment that every young person can have the chance to dance.”

Wayne McGregor said:

“I am honored to be the first Youth Dance Champion. I am passionate about dance which is not only an enormous part of my life, but has opened many intriguing doors for me; I am very pleased now to have the chance to help open similar doors for other young people. When I first discovered my talent for dance, I was fortunate enough to be totally supported in my choice of future career. Not all young people are as lucky in that respect. I am proud to be a part of such an exciting initiative that I believe will inspire and create opportunities for more youngsters to try dance for themselves and be captivated by its visceral power.”

Linda Jasper, Director, Youth Dance England, added:

“I am delighted that Wayne McGregor has accepted the role of youth dance champion. Wayne has a great commitment to young people’s engagement with dance and has combined his choreographic and performance career with producing exceptional high quality education projects. All of us at Youth Dance England look forward to working with Wayne to realize the ambitions of the Dance Review to increase young people’s participation in dance across England.”

Wayne McGregor is one of the world’s most inventive choreographers, renowned for his physically testing choreography and ground-breaking collaborations across dance, film, music, visual art, technology and science.

In December 2006, he was appointed to the prestigious position of Resident Choreographer of The Royal Ballet, the first in 13 years and the only one ever to come from the world of contemporary dance. In March 2005 Wayne was appointed an Associate Artist at Sadler’s Wells and his company, Wayne McGregor | Random Dance became a Resident Company in 2001.

Source: Department for Culture, Media And Sport

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