The Reverse Pitch 2025

Calling all choreographers

 
Prepare for a unique commission opportunity:  REVERSE PITCH ’25 is where creators like you seize the artistic lead and inspire future generations.

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.

 
QUICK OVERVIEW:
 

  • Date: Friday, February 28th 2025
  • Time: 6:30 p.m. start
  • Location: Court Theatre, Swindon Dance

 

 

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 14 to 20-year-old audience with your concept, and they’ll cast their decisive votes. We embrace diverse dance styles and themes that resonate with this age group. 

 

 

 
WHAT SWINDON DANCE BRINGS TO THE TABLE:
 

  • £2,000 commission
  • Free studio space (first-come, first-served)
  • A place on our Professional Artist Programme
  • Marketing support from our Marketing & Communications team
  • Presentation of finished work

 

 THE DETAILS:

  • Date: Friday, February 28th 2025, starting at 6:30 p.m.
  • This is an Application Only event
  • 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
  • Technical requirements discussed individually
  • Technical rehearsals on February 28th, 2025
  • Presentation of finished work in 2026
  • Young attendees invited to the mixed bill

 

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.

 

MARK THESE DATES
 

  • Application Deadline: October 25th, 5pm
  • Applicant Notifications: November 4th, 2024
  • Initial Pitch: February 28th, 2025 (Attendance is mandatory)
  • Commission Period: Flexible, 2025-26
  • Presentation of finished work in 2026 (tbc)

 

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.
 
Don’t let this golden opportunity slip through your fingers! Get ready to take the stage! We can’t wait to witness your creative energy at our REVERSE PITCH ’25!
 
 
 

Reverse Pitch 2024!
 
This extraordinary red carpet event, that took place on 23rd February at the Court Theatre, Swindon Dance, was the epitome of creativity, innovation, and collaboration, tailored specifically for the young generation aged 14 to 20.

 
Unveiling a New Artistic Choice
 
  
 
At Reverse Pitch 2024, the spotlight was on the artists, with the audience holding the reins.
 
Imagine being one of 4 talented young choreographers, each armed with a 20-minute slot to captivate the audience of young people aged 14-20 with their ingenious pitches. The mediums of expression were boundless – from live performances that left the audience spellbound, to thought-provoking talks that challenged conventions, and cinematic marvels that transported people to another realm. It was a celebration of art in its myriad forms.
 

But here was a twist –

 
Empowering young Voices
 
 
 
– it was the young people that held the power to make a difference.
 
After all the artists had presented their visions, it was the turn of the audience to be the judge. They cast their vote for the pitch that resonated the most with them. This wasn’t just about appreciation; it was the vote of these young people that determined who would receive a £2,000 commission to bring their vision to life. The audiences voice was the catalyst for change in the art world!
 
 

The evening has ended, the Ferrero Roche and macaroons have been eaten and the red carpet has been rolled up for another time

 

 
 
 
 

The votes have been counted
 
 
the winner is …
 
 
📢 Orla Hardie 📢

 
Many congratulations to Orla Hardie for her winning pitch which was selected by an audience, exclusively made up of 14-20 year olds from our community dance classes. Orla will receive a £2,000 commission, complimentary studio space, marketing wizardry, and priceless mentoring from Swindon Dance experts to bring her artistic vision to life.
 
We would also like to extend a big thank you to the following people for their support on the night which helped make this such a special event, Jenny Jefferies, Clare Fantini-Stephens, Catarina Britto and Banxy.