In June 2024,  Scottish Ballet’s  Youth Exchange made up of 10 young dancers, spent an exciting week in New York collaborating with our Exchange partners, MOVE|NYC| who brought 10 talented young people form their pre professional programme.

The Scottish young dancers had the opportunity to take daily classes with working New York professional dance artists, as well as working intensively with Chanel da Silva from Move NYC and the opportunity to take classes at a range of studios across the city.

The group of Scottish and NYC young dancers presented a short sharing of their own solos, a short piece staged by Kamille Upshaw and a new piece by Chanel da Silva.

Paul Barrett and Elsa Cloutier, two of the participating young dancers took the time to share her experience of the programme and their time in the USA. Find out how SB Youth Exchange has prepared them for a career in the dance industry whilst meeting dancers from all over the world.

Getting Into Youth Exchange

Paul: When I first heard about the Youth Exchange auditions, I honestly didn’t know much about it. My teachers kept telling me that it would be a good opportunity, so I decided to trust the process. Surprisingly, the audition felt more like a regular class, which was a relief. The atmosphere wasn’t too intense, and it helped that everyone involved was really supportive.

Elsa: The audition process was quite formal, in the sense that it had multiple steps, similar to the auditions we’re used to as dancers. What stood out was the creative approach—they didn’t just give us a step to replicate. Instead, we did creative exercises, improvisation, and tasks with the other auditionees. It was a refreshing change from the usual audition atmosphere. The final interview was nerve-wracking for me since it was something I hadn’t experienced before. However, the team made me feel so comfortable, and it turned out to be more of a casual chat.

The Most Enjoyable Part

Paul: One of the highlights for me was the lead-up to Destinations, especially the four-day intensive. Even though it was exhausting—we were in from early to late—it felt like real company training. It was refreshing to step out of the usual college routine and experience a different way of training for those four days.

Learning from Diverse Choreographers

Elsa: The environment was always fun and open, and it was great to feel that our voices and opinions were valued throughout the process. That’s not something you always experience, so it was a refreshing change. One of the highlights of Youth Exchange was working with various choreographers. Each session felt like it flew by. The workshops were not only enjoyable but also a great opportunity to learn from the knowledge and expertise the choreographers brought.

Challenges and Difficulties

Paul: The most challenging part of the program so far has been working in groups. It can be tough finding the moments where everything connects because different people have different ideas, and not everyone is at the same stage in terms of leadership. I often find myself wondering, “Should I take charge, or should I let someone else step up?” It’s hard to know what the next move should be, and there’s a lot to consider when you’re putting your ideas into a group setting.

Balancing School and Youth Exchange

Elsa: Youth Exchange and my regular school training were two very different experiences, yet they complemented each other. Our school focuses heavily on technique, and we do more modern contemporary. Youth Exchange, on the other hand, offered a more contemporary-based experience, which I loved. It was a nice escape, allowing me to explore a different style. It was a refreshing change to leave the school setting and immerse myself in a space that was freer and more creative.

Learning and Growing

Paul: Through everything we’ve done I’ve picked up movements that are now embedded in my body. I feel like I can use them in my own work or when I’m freestyling. These experiences have added tools to my toolbox that I can use in future situations. The workshops were also great for bringing in new vibes and seeing how people from different backgrounds and cultures move. This was especially valuable to me as someone who wants to teach. Watching how different people manage a class and present themselves was inspiring.

New York: The Highlight of It All

Paul: The highlight of the entire experience was, without a doubt, New York. Working with the dancers in New York was lovely. Even though there were some accent and language barriers, everyone got on with it. We all came together like a company, and the environment was welcoming.

Elsa: Reflecting on how this experience shaped my view of success in the dance industry, I’d say it reinforced some key lessons. Chanel’s talk, for instance, emphasized the importance of simple, yet crucial elements like showing up every day, being on time, and doing the work. These are things we’ve all been taught, but hearing them laid out so plainly and directly made a big impact. It’s a reminder that if you put in the effort, you can forge your own path in the dance world. Things might not happen as you expect, but persistence is key.

Leadership, Communication and Teamwork skills

Elsa: Youth Exchange greatly improved my ability to create and communicate ideas in dance. It’s one thing to have a movement in mind, but articulating it clearly to others is a different skill altogether. The experience taught me how to collaborate effectively with other dancers and choreographers in a healthy and cohesive way.

I learnt the importance of patience and keeping an open mind. It’s crucial not to get too attached to a single idea but to trust the process and be open to others’ ways of working. In the end, this approach leads to creating something beautiful that you can be proud of.

I’ve learnt alot about leadership. Leading, especially your peers, is challenging but rewarding. It requires respect, an open mind, and ensuring everyone feels heard. It’s about balancing the dynamics of friendship and leadership, something that will undoubtedly help in a future dance career.

Advice for Future Participants

Paul: Be yourself, stay focused, and be prepared for anything. Trust the process, don’t overthink it, and adapt to the people around you. Sometimes you’ll need to step up and lead, and other times it’s better to listen and let others take charge. Just be open to the experience, and you’ll gain so much from it.

Elsa: If I were to give advice to someone considering the Youth Exchange program, I’d say it’s an incredible experience. Adjusting your schedule around it might be challenging at first, but the memories, lessons, and the exchange itself are 100% worth it. Don’t take it for granted—it might seem like just another week after week, but it’s truly special. Keep an open mind every day and be thankful for the opportunity.

Youth Exchange greatly improved my ability to create and communicate ideas in dance. It’s one thing to have a movement in mind, but articulating it clearly to others is a different skill altogether. The experience taught me how to collaborate effectively with other dancers and choreographers in a healthy and cohesive way.