THE Isle of Man Arts Council has received record entries for the biennial Young Dancer of Mann Competition.

The first round of the competition will be held at the Studio Theatre at Ballakermeen High School, Douglas, on Sunday, February 6.

It will be judged by Lynda Cardwell, Fellow and Examiner IDTA (International Dance Teachers' Association) chairman of the Ballet Faculty), Registered Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Adjudicator and Loraine Hastings, Fellow and Examiner IDTA.

The dance styles to be judged, for both individuals and groups, are Classical: Ballet, contemporary, character, Greek; Theatre: Musical theatre, commercial theatre, modern jazz, tap; National: Manx, Irish etc; Modern Trends: Street Dance, HipHop, Freestyle.

The competition is open to anyone aged from 6 to 18 living in the Isle of Man.

Lloyd Mayor was the winner of the Young Dancer of Mann Competition in 2009 with a contemporary dance piece he choreographed with Pippa Salter.

Lloyd has since gone on to attend the world renowned Rambert Dance School.

The winner of the solo competition will receive the Dixon Hughes Trophy for two years and the chance to travel to the UK to take a class in a dance studio or with a teacher of their choice.

This is the first year there has been a group section and the winning group will receive the best group trophy for two years together with a workshop from a dance professional of their choice.

The Final of the Competition takes place on Saturday, March 5 at The Studio Theatre at Ballakermeen High School. 

Unfortunately, due to the size of the venue, only competitors' immediate family and friends will be allocated tickets.

Chairman of the Arts Council Quintin Gill MHK said: "We are delighted to have a record number of entrants in every category and look forward to some fierce competition."

Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK said: "This is the third time the Young Dancer of Mann Competition has been organised by the Arts Council and it undoubtedly gives young people the chance to show their skills in many forms of dance and an opportunity to be judged by these highly qualified officials."

For further information contact the Isle of Man Arts Council on 694598, email iomartscouncil@dtl.gov.im or visit www.iomarts.com

Lloyd Mayor, winner of the 2009 Young Dancer of Mann Competition, with the Dixon Hughes Trophy (Photograph courtesy of Ken Rush)