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Join the BDSA Youth Advisory Group
We need your voice
The British DanceSport Association (BDSA) is on a mission to unify the dance community and ensure every dancer—from grassroots to elite—has the support they need to thrive. But we cannot build the future of our sport without the people who are its future.
We are launching the BDSA Youth Advisory Group (BDSAYAG), a new initiative designed to put young people at the heart of our work. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals aged 16–24 to help us shape the purpose and direction of the BDSA, now and for years to come.
Who are we looking for?
We want to ensure that young people who don’t usually get a seat at the table are heard and seen. You do not need to be a champion dancer to apply—we welcome budding choreographers, promoters, costume designers, teachers, or those who simply dance for fun.
We are looking for evidence of passion for dance sport, communication skills, and a willingness to collaborate. Whether you are currently working in dance, studying, or have faced barriers to participating in the past, we want to hear from you.
To apply, you must be:
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Aged 16–24 (as of the application deadline).
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Based in the United Kingdom with the right to live, work, or study here.
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Involved in dance in any capacity (all forms and disciplines welcome).
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A current BDSA member (or willing to join).
Next Steps
All the information about the role of being a Youth Advisor for BDSA such as what they are aiming to achieve, benefits, commitments, key dates and timelines, download our full application pack here:
You can also read through our frequently asked questions linked to the button below:
Ready to apply, fill out the online application form below.
Online Application Form
FAQ's
I have never been a Youth Advisor before. Does that matter?
No experience needed at all! What matters is your passion for dance sport, your openness to share your lived and learned experience, your willingness to learn and develop your leadership skills and that you are invested in supporting the future of dance.
What are you looking for?
The BDSA are looking for young people who are passionate about dance sport, who have lived and learned experiences and care deeply about improving outcomes for young people in dance sport. You might have faced challenges like barriers to your chosen pathway in dance sport, exclusions from activities, competition, work experience or other opportunities in dance sport. We also welcome young people who are already working in dance sport, or those who have changed career paths or are seeking a career in dance sport. We are looking for representation across all dance forms, disciplines, abilities and experiences. You do not need to be a dancer; you might be a budding choreographer, promoter, costume designer, dance teacher, or you simply dance for fun. We want to make sure that young people who don’t usually get a seat at the table have the chance to be involved, be heard and be seen.
What will I be doing for the BDSA?
In this post, you will be advocates and representatives of your peers. We want you to share your thoughts and opinions with us and take a lead on creating change in all areas of dance sport. Your ideas, ability to work with your fellow YA’s to review, share feedback and ensure the youth perspective is reflected in our work is at the core of this group’s activities. You will become ambassadors for the BDSA, you will be able to attend events, BDSAYAG meetings and activities in order to amplify youth voice in dance sport, and we want to support you to grow your skills as a leader and advocate for your sport in return.
What is the commitment?
Length of post: 2 years Commitment required: approximately 5 hours a month, which may be made up of: - 1hr skills meeting throughout the year, which all members must attend - 3 / 4 BDSAYAG meetings, with 1 meeting in person compulsory for all and the other three online/hybrid or in person Your will be required to attend the following meetings as part of your induction and training - Induction Day (in-person): 18th April for half a day The BDSAYAG aims to have up to four and at least three “dynamic meetings” per year to bring members together. Some of these will be online, and some will be meetings in person. For in-person meetings, there will be a requirement to travel, and BDSAYAG members will need to assist with the booking process by providing basic details which enable the BDSA YEP Team to plan. You may be asked to prepare for these meetings, and we will arrange for support meetings in between if they are needed to help you plan. Meeting Dates: 1) Induction and first meeting – in person, 18th April for half a day (start time dependent on location) 2) Meeting 2 – Online – Monday 29th June, evening for 2hrs 6-8 pm 3) Meeting 3 – in person – Saturday 19th September for half a day (start time dependent on location) 4) Meeting 4 – Online – Monday 16th November, evening for 2hrs 6-8 pm
I have other commitments and responsibilities; can I still apply?
Yes. We can work with you to ensure that sessions and activities work around your responsibilities. Typically, we hold sessions at times that work for the majority of the group, and we will plan scheduled activities in advance. We will discuss your particular needs during our onboarding process.
What does the application process involve?
1. Complete the application form to tell us about yourself and why you would like to be a BDSA Youth Advisor 2. Submit your form and if you are including a vlog then make sure to send us this to by 8th March 2026 3. You will be invited to join an online interview with our BDSA Youth Engagement and Participation (YEP) Team between Monday 23rd and Sunday 29th March 2026. 4. We will inform those successful on 30th March and provide feedback for all applicants by 18th April 2026
How many Youth Advisors are you recruiting?
We are recruiting 8 Youth Advisors to create the first BDSA Youth Advisor Group.
Do I need any qualifications?
No, qualifications are not required. This role is about creating a space for your experience, skills and insights to be shared so we can help shape the future of dance sport.
What support will I receive?
You will be supported by the dedicated BDSA Youth Engagement and Participation (YEP) Team. If you have other commitments (work, school, competition, caring responsibilities), we will work with you to make this commitment manageable. Youth Advisors will also be supported with: - A structured onboarding process - Workshops and training to help you grow your skills - Mentoring and shadowing opportunities with the BDSA team (and in the future Advisor Alumni) - References for work and educational applications were relevant.
Can you tell me about accessibility?
As an organisation that supports inclusivity, we aim to ensure that everyone that works or volunteers with the BDSA has the necessary support in place to engage and participate fully. If you require additional support or accommodations, please tell us in your application. As part of our onboarding process, we will ensure that all new Advisors have their individual needs discussed and support arrangements are put in place following this consultation – we can review them at anytime if you need us to. If you need help with your application form, contact us, and we will help you to complete the process.
Will I get paid?
The role is voluntary, but we will support with travel and expenses so that this isn’t a barrier to engaging in our work (please see below for more information).
Will I need to travel?
There will be some requirement to travel to at least one of our in-person meeting dates; most meetings will be online or hybrid. There will be some events that will take place in person, and we will confirm these and the locations in advance. Travel will be required, and we’ll cover expenses.
I am 15 can I apply?
The age group is from 16 to 24, and you will need to be 16 on or before the final application date of the intake year. Applicants under the age of 18 at the time of application will require a consent form from a parent or guardian along with their email and phone number on the application form.
I am 25 can I apply?
If you are 24 at the time of applying but turning 25 during the calendar year, you can still apply.
Why are you not recruiting advisors from outside the UK?
The BDSA is a UK-based governing body, and therefore, we are only looking for Youth Advisors who are involved in the UK dance sport industry. If you are based in the UK but are doing a placement, a job, or studying at a UK University, you can still apply as long as your availability to engage in our core events and meetings can be done so during your time in the UK.
Safeguarding and BDS Checks
All selected Youth Advisors over 16 years on the 1st of January of the year of intake will be required to undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Check). This is a standard safeguarding measure and helps us maintain a safe environment for young people.
What happens after my term ends?
After your term of two-years, you will join our BDSA Advisor Alumni, where you can stay connected and continue to contribute. If you step down early, you may be able to join our alumni early.
Still have questions?
For further assistance you can contact BDSA team member Maria via email on the link below:
PLEASE NOTE: We will only respond to emails directly related to the application process or about the role via the above contact email.