MILTON KEYNES DANCE THEATRE
SENIOR & JUNIOR COMPANY COHORTS
MK Dance Theatre continues to evolve, entering an exciting new season with a refined programme structure designed to further enrich the training, creativity, and performance experience of our young dancers aged 12–18. Building on the success of previous years, this updated approach places an even greater emphasis on consistency, artistic development, collaboration, and meaningful performance opportunities, while reflecting the expectations and working practices of today’s professional creative industries.
Young dancers aged 12 and above are invited to apply for a place within our Senior Company Cohort for the 26/27 performance season. This year-long programme offers high-level contemporary training, weekly rehearsals, creative development, and the opportunity to perform in multiple original productions and external events across the season. Designed for committed and passionate dancers, the cohort provides an immersive environment that encourages both artistic growth and personal development, supporting students as they explore future pathways within dance and the wider arts sector.
We are delighted to announce our Junior Company Cohort for the 2026/27 performance season, open to young dancers aged 8–11. This year-long programme offers inspiring contemporary training, weekly rehearsals, creative exploration, and the opportunity to perform in original productions throughout the season. Alongside developing performance experience and creativity, the cohort is designed to enhance each dancer’s technical progress and overall development within a supportive and engaging environment. Created for enthusiastic and dedicated young performers, the programme nurtures confidence, teamwork, and artistic growth, while introducing students to the experience of working within a youth dance company setting.
Course Inclusions
Students accepted into the MK Dance Theatre Company Cohorts will benefit from a rich, structured programme designed to reflect the demands and opportunities of professional company life. The course includes:
Major Creation Cycles:
• Participation in two full-scale productions each year:
• A full-length narrative work
• A mixed bill featuring varied choreographic voices and creative themes
• Casting is approached flexibly to align with dancers’ development and evolving creative direction.
Additional Performance Opportunities (Senior Cohort Members):
• Three Gala Evenings annually, open to all Company Cohort members
• External performance opportunities, including community partnerships and special events (e.g., church performance projects, youth company collaborations)
*These will be offered at the discretion of the artistic team, who will consider extenuating circumstances, readiness and alignment with the company’s ethos.
Workshops & Intensives:
• Access to seasonal workshops and summer school sessions
• All enrichment activities are included in the course fee with no additional costs
Professional Practice & Mentorship:
• Engagement with guest choreographers, educators, and creative professionals
• Classes and short-term creation projects mirror the structure and standards of a professional dance environment
• Students gain experience in artistic collaboration, adaptability, and industry-level processes.
Key Course Benefits
MK Dance Theatre’s Company Cohort offers a comprehensive and enriching experience, providing dancers with immediate and long-term advantages that support both artistic development and personal growth.
Immediate Benefits
• Increased performance opportunities, fostering creative expression and public presentation
• Broader exposure to various aspects of production, including costume design, lighting, choreography, and promotion
• A deeper culture of artistry, collaboration, and growth, encouraging a supportive, dynamic environment for learning
• Closer relationships between dancers and staff, enhancing mentorship and individualised guidance.
Long-Term Benefits
• Strong preparation for further dance education and professional careers, equipping students with the skills and experience needed for the next steps in their dance journey
• A training environment that simulates a professional company, helping students to understand the realities of a career in the performing arts
• Development of transferable life skills, including discipline, teamwork, resilience, and creative thinking—qualities applicable to all areas of personal and professional life
These benefits work together to ensure that each dancer not only thrives within MK Dance Theatre but also is well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in the future.
Time Commitment & Expectations
Participation in the MK Dance Theatre Company Cohort requires a consistent and dedicated time commitment, reflecting the structure and discipline of a professional training environment. All dancers are expected to fully engage with the scheduled programme throughout the year.
Weekly Rehearsals:
• 38 Sundays per year are scheduled for company activity
• Senior dancers are required to attend from 10:00 to 16:00
• Junior dancers are required to attend from 10:00 to 13:00
• An additional rehearsal window from 16:00 to 18:00 will be used for external event rehearsals, should students choose to participate.
Performance Periods:
• Each production cycle culminates in a 4-day performance period, including technical rehearsals and public performances
• Dancers are expected to be fully available for these intensive phases
Gala Evenings (Senior Cohort Members):
• Three single-day Gala Events are held annually
• All cohort members will participate in these performances, showcasing a range of works and creative developments.
External Performance Opportunities (Senior Cohort Members who choose to participate):
• Additional performances outside of our main season will be scheduled throughout the year
• Participation in these events will be by invitation or casting, and dancers must be prepared for occasional additional commitments as part of their course
Summary:
The course is designed to simulate the rhythm and demands of professional company life, and students are expected to maintain high levels of attendance, focus, and commitment throughout all scheduled activities.
We ask for clear communication and an 80% minimum attendance to maintain the integrity of what we deliver.
Course Participation Fees
At MK Dance Theatre, we remain committed to providing high-quality training and performance opportunities at an accessible price. We believe in transparency and strive to ensure that all costs are clear from the outset, with no hidden or additional charges throughout the year.
Annual Cost:
• Senior Cohort Member (Plus External Performance Opportunities): £1100.00 for the full year of participation (£100p.m Sep-Jul)
• Senior Cohort Member (Internal Performances Only): £990.00 for the full year of participation (£90p.m Sep-Jul
• Senior Cohort Member (Main Productions Only): £900.00 for the full year of participation (£90p.m Sep-Jun)
• Junior Cohort Member (Internal Performances Only): £660.00 for the full year of participation (£60p.m Sep-Jul)
Payment Plan:
• Payment is split into 11 monthly instalments from September 2026 to July 2027.
All-Inclusive:
• There are no additional charges for rehearsals, performances, workshops, or summer schools.
The fee covers everything included in the programme.
What’s Included in the Course Fee:
• 38 Rehearsal Dates = Over 220 hours of professional-level training for Senior members & Over 110 hours for Junior Members.
• 12 Guaranteed Performances throughout the year, including core productions and gala evenings.
• Free participation in workshops and summer school sessions, enhancing both artistic development and personal growth.
• Unlimited access to additional performance opportunities as they arise (For those who choose to participate)
Value Breakdown
• This equates to less than £3 per hour for high-quality, professional-level training, performance experience, and personal development.
We believe this structure offers exceptional value while maintaining our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity for all dancers.
MK DANCE THEATRE ARE CURRENTLY TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING:
- COMPANY COHORT 26/27 -
40 SENIOR SPACES AVAILABLE - STARTING 01/09
10 JUNIOR SPACES AVAILABLE - STARTING 01/09
Applications should be submitted via the form linked below.
All applicants will then be invited to attend an Experience Day at MKDT on Sunday, 28th June. While this day will not act as a formal audition, it will provide applicants with the opportunity to be seen in person in support of their application, while also allowing them to experience what a typical day at MKDT is like and whether the programme feels like the right fit for them as a dancer.
Application Results will be announced by Sunday, 5th July 2026.