Putting Young People at the Heart of Dance Sport: Introducing the BDSA Youth Advisory Group
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
At the British DanceSport Association (BDSA), we believe the future of dance sport should be shaped by those who live it every day. That belief has led to an exciting and important step forward for our organisation: the launch of the BDSA Youth Advisory Group (BDSAYAG).
This new initiative places young people firmly at the centre of our work, ensuring their voices, experiences and ideas help guide how dance sport is governed, developed and supported across the UK.
Why a Youth Advisory Group?
Young people are the future of dance sport, not only as dancers, but also as teachers, choreographers, adjudicators, promoters, organisers and leaders. Their experiences matter, and listening to them strengthens our sport as a whole.
By creating the Youth Advisory Group, the BDSA is making a clear commitment to:
Meaningful youth involvement, not tokenism
Stronger safeguarding, built through listening as well as policy
Improved inclusion, access and fairness across dance
Rules, guidance and competition environments that reflect real lived experience
Integrity, transparency and democracy within dance sport
This initiative reflects our belief in the freedom to dance without prejudice and our responsibility to create safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces for everyone involved in dance.
What is the BDSA Youth Advisory Group?
The Youth Advisory Group will be made up of eight young people aged 16 to 24, drawn from across the dance sport community. These Youth Advisors will work directly with the BDSA, contributing insight, ideas and feedback that help shape our policies, programmes and long-term strategy.
This is structured, supported involvement, with safeguarding, mentoring and a clear purpose at its core. Youth Advisors will act as representatives for their peers and play an active role in influencing real decisions that affect dance sport now and in the future.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from passionate young people aged 16 to 24 who are:
Based in the UK and have the right to live, work or study here
Involved in dance in any capacity, including competitors, performers, teachers, choreographers, costume designers, promoters, organisers, or those who simply dance for enjoyment
Keen to improve experiences for young people in dance
Willing to share ideas, challenge thinking and contribute to positive change
No formal qualifications or previous experience are required. What matters most is enthusiasm, honesty, lived experience and a willingness to collaborate.
What Does the Role Involve?
Youth Advisors will serve a two-year term and are expected to commit around five hours per month, designed to fit alongside education, work and competition schedules.
The role includes:
Attending regular meetings (a mix of online and in-person)
Sharing feedback and representing the views of peers
Contributing to BDSA strategy, projects and policy development
Taking part in training, mentoring and skills development opportunities
The role is voluntary, with travel and expenses covered to ensure accessibility for all. Youth Advisors will be supported throughout their term by the BDSA Youth Engagement and Participation Team.
A Strong Commitment to Inclusion and Safeguarding
Safeguarding sits at the heart of everything we do. All Youth Advisors will be supported in a safe, structured and respectful environment. As part of standard safeguarding procedures, those aged 16 or over will be required to complete a DBS check.
This approach ensures that young people are not only heard, but properly supported, protected and valued throughout their involvement with the BDSA.
How to Apply
Applications officially open on 1 February 2026.
Applicants can:
Access the full application pack and apply online via the BDSA website
Request application forms by emailing maria@bdsassociation.com
The application process includes an online interview taking place between 23 and 29 March 2026, with successful applicants informed by 30 March 2026.
How Members and Schools Can Help
We encourage members, schools, studios and organisers to support this initiative by:
Sharing the opportunity with eligible young people
Encouraging those who may not usually put themselves forward
Supporting youth voices to be heard, valued and respected
Together, we can help ensure dance sport continues to grow as a fair, inclusive and forward-thinking community.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the BDSA Youth Advisory Group is more than a new panel. It is a statement of intent. It strengthens our organisation, our safeguarding culture and our shared future.
We are proud to be building a dance sport community that believes in listening, learning and doing better together, with young people at its heart.
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