FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

We support emerging professionals into employment through work experience placements, training and paid performance opportunties.

Offering responsive 1-1 mentoring from our core team whilst developing skills in performance, choreography and facilitation. 

Different opportunties available:

         • Co-teaching on our programmes or in schools to create and perform with/amongst young people

         • Creating and/or performing at our annual event Light up Lancaster

         • Volunteer experience 

         • Administration/ project manager expereince

         • Bespoke 1-1 mentoring. 

MORE ABOUT OUR APPROACH...

One of our most distinctive and central strands at Ludus Dance is Artist Development. As a youth-focused organisation, we support young professionals in a variety of ways, helping them to develop their skills through opportunities that are tailored, meaningful, and responsive to their individual goals. We recognise that every artist’s journey is different, so our approach is flexible and collaborative, enabling participants to shape their own development in ways that feel relevant and empowering.

Through mentorship, hands-on creative facilitation and performance projects, and professional guidance, we create space for artists (aged 18 to 30) to explore their practice, build confidence, and take meaningful steps into the creative industries. 

Whether at the beginning of their journey or refining an emerging practice, we aim to nurture talent and encourage play and expression, whilst supporting sustainable freelance career pathways alongside. Our Artist Development strand is not just about building skills, but about fostering identity, voice, and a strong sense of place within the arts sector.

Please see our staff and freelancer page for examples of our young freelance professionals and their stories of their bespoke journey’s through Ludus Dance’s Artist Development programme.

 

MEET OUR CURRENT ARTISTS AND HEAR ABOUT THEIR LUDUS JOURNEYS...

Meet  Meg, Tamzin and Rebecca - all emerging artists that have grown through different Ludus projects and pathways on their way to becoming professional artists.

Their journeys are three different examples in detail of how tailored development pathways have been created around Emerging Artist's interests.

• Meg followed a route through to creative adminisration such as project management ad marketing.

• Rebecca followed a route through to more creative lead roles in projects.

• Tamzin is following a pathway through our different facilitation methods in schools and weekly community classes. 

Meg Fairley

LEARN MORE ABOUT MEG...

I was first introduced to Ludus Dance whilst in my final year at Lancaster University, by one of my lecturers. I took part in a workshop to be part of Light Up Lancaster 2024, and subsequently performed across all three nights. This was something that I didn't think I would ever do, and my first performance to the public outside of school or university!

After Light Up, I knew I wanted to still be involved with Ludus, but wasn't sure how; after a few chats with Rebecca, Sophie and Sara, they were happy for me to help facilitate their Studio Training Programme on Tuesday evenings. This was really exciting for me, as I already had pervious teaching experience, but I was able to watch and learn a new style of teaching: through play and exploration. Helping with STP helped me gain more confidence in my teaching ability. I loved the end of term sharing, and being able to see the joy that the final piece brought to friends and families.

I had a few routine check-ins to make sure that I was happy and confident with everything that I was doing, as well as being asked if there was anything else I would like to try. I wasn't entirely sure at the time, what exactly I wanted to do once I had graduated, so this was quite a daunting question. However, the continual support and flexibility from the team at Ludus allowed me the space to be able to take some time and think. 

I was given the opportunity to spend the afternoon at Company Chameleon - a contemporary dance company based in Manchester - taking part in their professional dance class, as well as watching some of their rehearsals for upcoming shows. As much as I thoroughly enjoyed being able to dance and learn about the rehearsal process, I was intriqued about the behind the scenes aspects too. 

After graduating and moving home, I was still keen to be involved in Ludus, and having previously expressed my intereset in creative administration, I was asked if I would like to do some of the marketing for the 50th celebration, as well as being a part of the community cast! (My infographics can be seen to the right).

In March 2026, I officially joined Ludus as their marketing officer! 

As well as support and guidance, Ludus has given me more confidence in myself and my abilities. After leaving university, I didn't think I would become a freelancer, as it was not a world I knew anything about, however, they made the transition as smooth as possible and helped me every step of the way!

Rebecca Callow

LEARN MORE ABOUT REBECCA...

Rebecca's testimony coming soon...

MORE ARTIST TESTIMONIALS COMING SOON...

Do you need help with your artistic development?
Talk to the Ludus Dance team today!

TOP
Skip to content