A “unique” training scheme is to be set up in memory of Northampton dancer Jonathan Ollivier.
The 38-year-old died hours before he was due to perform in the final show of Matthew Bourne's production of The Car Man at Sadler's Wells Theatre.
Bourne called the ballet dancer “one of the most charismatic and powerful dancers of his generation”.
Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and its charitable arm Re:Bourne are collaborating with Northampton’s Royal and Derngate on the training scheme in Ollivier’s memory, A Project for Jonny, and are looking for young people to take part.
At Christmas 2016, Royal and Derngate will stage the European première of the Tony Award-winning show Peter and the Starcatcher. The venue and Re:Bourne will be working with young people from across Northamptonshire to develop a response piece under the leadership of two New Adventures and Re:Bourne dance artists.
The piece will be presented on Friday 16 December, complementing the evening performance of Peter and the Starcatcher.
Youngsters aged between 14 and 21 with little or no previous experience of dance are invited to apply for A Project for Jonny by e-mailing [email protected]. More information is available at the Royal and Derngate web site. The deadline for applications is Friday 7 October.
Peter and the Starcatcher runs at Royal and Derngate from Tuesday 29 November until Saturday 31 December. It then goes on a national tour.