Mentor programme launched for Scottish boys who want to dance

Three male dancers have launched a project to support and mentor boys in Scotland hoping to become dancers.

Luke Watson, Cameron Flynn and Mark Samaras have created ‘Project Alba’, representing ‘Artistic Local Boys Across Scotland’.

The three professional dancers will give online workshops to boys interested in dancing in a bid to provide more resources for boys hoping to make it in the industry.

The first workshop will take place on May 30 10am – 1pm, with each dancer giving a 45 minute workshop.

Luke Watson, from Edinburgh, trained at the Dance School of Scotland in Glasgow before moving to London to train at the English National Ballet School.

Cameron Flynn trained at Laine Theatre Arts and made his first professional appearance in Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet 2019 UK tour.

Mark Samaras also trained at the Dance School of Scotland and worked for Ballet Ireland before joining Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures.

“We have created Project ALBA to give young, aspiring, male dancers the opportunity to get an insight in to the professional world through classes and workshops with three dancers in the industry,” said Luke Watson.

“At the forefront of this is to give the opportunity to Scottish boys, which is why we felt it was important that the project was organised, led, and run by three, young, Scottish professionals.

“All three of us have trained in Scotland before branching out to different vocational schools across the country.

“We feel that there isn’t enough opportunity for boys in Scotland who are considering the arts as a hobby or profession which is why we have created this platform.

“All three of us have had previous professional dance contracts put on hold and so we’re trying to use this time in a creative way to create work for us and give dance opportunities for boys across Scotland.”

The event on May 30 can be booked for £10 by contacting [email protected].