BBC Young Dancer 2017
6th April 2017
Second Year Student Jacob Lang is one of five young dancers through to the Contemporary Category Final of the BBC Young Dancer 2017, which is to be televised on BBC Four on Friday 14th April.
Fellow Second Year Student Connor Scott (pictured) currently holds the title, having won the Grand Final of the inaugural competition in 2015. Jacob O’Connell, Class of 2016 and now dancing with Rambert dance company, also enjoyed success at the competition that year, winning the Contemporary Category Final.
We caught up with Connor for a chat about his experience as the reigning champion of the BBC Young Dancer:
How has your life changed since winning the BBC Young Dancer?
Since the competition I have been exposed to so many opportunities and have learnt a great deal of knowledge and wisdom from so many individuals that I have had the pleasure and privilege to work with. The competition was an amazing platform that allowed me to develop as an artist and to be recognised as an individual.
What was the best thing about winning the competition?
One of the things I most valued is the relationships I have been able to build with the people I have met. I think I have learnt a lot from them and a lot about myself also.
How did you find the experience of working with a professional mentor?
Working with my mentor, Glenn Wilkinson, was such a pleasure because I felt immediately this care and warmth in his approach in the studio. The way in which we connected was very down to earth and honest, which is extremely important to me in and outside of the studio.
What words of advice would you offer to Jacob (Lang) as he competes in the Contemporary Category Final?
It’s quite surreal to see Jacob now going through his own journey in the competition and I feel proud to see him doing so well. My advice to Jacob would be to fulfil his image and desire for the pieces he has created and to not let the cameras, and the actual outcome of the competition, become a factor. No matter what the result, he is an incredible mover and the judges and audience will see this!
Connor will perform at the Grand Final of this year’s competition, to be broadcast live from Sadler’s Wells on BBC2 on Saturday 22nd April.