GradPro London Regional Semi-Final 2025

GradPro London Regional semi-final 2025

2nd March 2025

The annual GradPro competition begins in January each year when dancers who have undertaken at least three years vocational training to Company level are invited to apply. Regional semi-finals are held in front of live audiences in five cities: Edinburgh, Leeds, Birmingham, London and, new for 2025, in a European city - this year in Zurich. This year’s London regional semi-final was held on March 2nd at the beautiful Aud Jebsen Studio Theatre at the Royal Academy of Dance.

Julie Bowers, creator and executive director of GradPro, was unable to attend so the afternoon was introduced by Stephen Wicks, former Royal Ballet dancer and current GradPro executive artistic director. Under the direction of former soloist dancer and freelance teacher Darren Parrish, and accompanied by Richard Norris on the piano, the 17 students were first led through a technically demanding classical set class in front of the panel of distinguished judges, Cynthia Harvey, Alice Crawford and Andrew McNicoll.

After a short break the students each performed a short classical or, in most cases, a more contemporary solo of their choice. These had either been choreographed by them or for them and allowed the students to show their personalities and to express themselves more fully.

Stephen warmly congratulated all the students for their hard work and thanked them for making our day better. Cynthia Harvey announced the five finalists: from left to right - Aayush, Lydia, Marius, Brianna and Max. However, she emphasised that the experience would help all these participating talented students to grow as dancers.

LBC members will have the opportunity to join an invited audience, which will include Company Directors, to watch the winners from all five regions compete in the final showcase at Elmhurst School on Sunday May 11th. Further details will follow.

Following this event a donation to GradPro of £375 was made.