Are you ready to dive into a world where young minds shape the future of art?

Brace yourselves for an exhilarating journey as applications are now open for Reverse Pitch 2027. This extraordinary event, set to take place in February 2027 at the Court Theatre, Swindon Dance, is the epitome of creativity, innovation, and collaboration, tailored specifically for the young generation aged 14 to 20.

For Participating Artists

The Details

Event date: 12th February, starting at time (tbc)
This is an Application Only event
Open to young professional choreographers in the first 3 years of their choreographic career.
Pitching doesn't guarantee a commission!
Commission to produce a new live professional work for touring
Travel costs covered for presenting artists only
Must cater to the 14 to 20 year-old audience
Creative, topical, and expressive ideas warmly welcomed
Opportunity to work with the young people
Technical requirements discussed individually
Technical rehearsals on date tbc
Possibility of a presentation of finished work tbc
There is a small pitching fee of £500 plus travel expenses from Swindon Dance for the 4 chosen choreographers (we cannot cover per diems)

What Awaits You?

We're on the hunt for four exceptional choreographers ready to unveil their innovative performance visions. And your audience? Imagine presenting your artistry to a select group of one hundred youths, aged 14 to 20.

But here's the twist – at the close of this unforgettable evening, these young visionaries will wield the power to decide who walks away with a coveted £2,000 commission. And that's not all; the winner will become part of our Professional Artist Programme, along with complimentary studio space, marketing assistance, and priceless mentoring from the Swindon Dance experts.

Pitch Your Vision

If your application shines, you'll grace this thrilling night and vie for the £2,000 commission. In your 20-minute slot, captivate the young audience with your concept, and they'll cast their decisive votes. We embrace diverse dance styles and themes that resonate with this age group. Plus, a performance fee awaits the chosen work.

Mark these dates

Application deadline: 30th November 2026, 5pm
Applicant notifications: 22nd December 2026
Pitch: 12th February 2027 (attendance is mandatory)
Commission period: Flexible, 2027-28
Presentation of finished work in 2028 (tbc)

Support Provided To The Winner

£2,000 commission

Free studio space (first-come, first-served)
A place on our Professional Artist Programme
Marketing support from our Marketing & Communications team
Possibility of a presentation of finished work (tbc)

How To Apply

Submit a link to your work: plus, a letter detailing your/company info, relevant experience, how your work aligns with Swindon Dance's ethos, and a work timeline
Apply by Video: If you prefer, send a video link showcasing your work and the requested information. Keep it under 5 minutes.
We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and identities.
Send your materials to viv.slayford@swindondance.org.uk. Be ready for a possible informal chat if we need more details. Rest assured; every applicant will receive our final decision.

Applications Now Open

For Participating Voters

A New Artistic Choice

At Reverse Pitch, the spotlight is on the artists, and the audience holds the reins. Imagine this: 4 talented young artists, each armed with a 20-minute slot to captivate the audience with their ingenious pitches. The mediums of expression are boundless – from live performances that will leave you spellbound, to thought-provoking talks that challenge conventions, and cinematic marvels that transport you to another realm. It’s a celebration of art in its myriad forms.

Empowering Your Voice

But here’s the twist – you have the power to make a difference. After every artist has presented their vision, it’s your turn to be the judge. Cast your vote for the pitch that resonates with you the most. This isn’t just about appreciation; your vote determines which artist receives a £2,000 commission to bring their vision to life. Your voice is the catalyst for change in the art world !

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

The excitement doesn’t stop with the pitches. Picture yourself sipping on delightful mocktails as you revel in a VIP evening, designed exclusively for 14-20 year olds. Immerse yourself in the world of the artists and witness first-hand how their ideas materialize into breath-taking creations. Your journey doesn’t end with the applause; it extends into the heart of artistic transformation.

“Supporting young voices and young professional choreographers”

Our Reverse Pitch gives the younger generation a voice in the creative decision making process at a VIP red carpet event specifically designed for them.

At this unique event, young minds get the chance to shape the future of dance. Four selected professional choreographers pitch their ingenious ideas to an audience of 14-20 year olds. The spotlight is on the choreographers but it is the audience that hold the reins. No adults are allowed.

The pitched ideas must be for new live dance works created with this age group in mind, on topics or in styles of dance that they feel they are interested in. Each choreographer has 20-minutes to inspire the audience with their vision and demonstrate how their ideas materialize into breath-taking creations. Each pitch includes a question and answer session led by the audience and after the curtain falls, they vote for the pitch they would like to see developed into a live piece.

We are thrilled to announce the winner: Billy Maxwell Taylor

The evening was testament to the power of youthful imagination and artistic expression and it was Billy’s intention to find calm and stillness in a world  saturated with information, that captivated the audience.

Not only will he receive a £2,000 commission to bring his idea to life, Billy will also join our Professional Artist Programme as an Associate Artist for 2026-2028 .

Congratulations Billy! Pictured right