Elevate 2026

Celebrating Dance in the Highlands

Tue 17 Nov 2026
Eden Court, Inverness

We are delighted to announce the return of Elevate; a dance platform celebrating the participatory dance sector in the Highlands. It is especially exciting in 2026 as this is the 50th year of Eden Court.

Elevate sits within a programme of dance development facilitated by Eden Court which aims to nurture the participatory dance sector in the Highlands. We want to use our platform to elevate community and co-created dance.

Elevate is an opportunity for dancers to gain experience of dancing on Eden Court’s main stage, with full professional production support, as well as to connect with other groups from across the Highlands. At Eden Court we want to acknowledge the diversity of dance taking place across the region, as well as the dedication and commitment of the dancers and their dance teachers/leaders. Our aim is to represent a diversity of ages, styles, cultures and geographic locations.

Elevate 2026 – So, you want to take part?

Elevate aims to represent the diversity of the participatory dance sector in the Highlands and as such we have a particular interest in providing opportunities for: inter-generational groups, inclusive groups of disabled and non-disabled dancers, groups that work co-creatively with participants, groups performing in non-Western dance styles (e.g. Classical Indian) and groups situated in remote geographic locations.

  • A maximum of 20 groups will be selected to perform at Elevate and performances must be no longer than 6 minutes
  • Groups may have a maximum of 25 dancers
  • Participation is free. We do have a small access fund to support groups that require financial assistance. Priority will be given to groups travelling over 30 miles to Eden Court. If you wish to apply for funding to support your group’s participation please include this in the relevant section of the application form.
  • As part of Eden Court’s commitment to the climate emergency, we encourage all groups to be mindful of carbon emissions when making their travel plans.
    Our selection panel includes: Louise Marshall, Producer for Dance + Accessible Arts; Euan Borland, Head of Engagement and a 3rd external panellist TBC.

To apply:

To apply, please complete the online application form, which can be found here: Elevate 2026 Celebrating Dance in the Highlands – Fill-in form

When applying groups will be asked to identify how they will benefit from this opportunity.

The criteria for selection are as follows:

  • The piece is creative, including the theme/content, the choreography, the style, the movements, the groupings and the spatial arrangements.
  • Participants/performers have been involved in or co-created the piece.
  • The piece has a theme or message.
  • The content/movement/music is suitable for the age of the performers and a family audience.
  • The choreography positively represents the participants, considering all genders, ages and ethnic groups involved.

In the application you will be asked to provide a link to a video clip (Vimeo, YouTube or similar) of up to 6 minutes. This should be of the group you wish to perform in Elevateand it should give a flavour of your performance piece. We understand that this may not be fully rehearsed.

Deadline for applications: Fri 15 May 2026, 5pm.

If you have any questions or difficulties with the online form, please get in touch with Louise Marshall by email on [email protected]