Normground
By FAR FROM THE NORM
Deadline for applications: Thu 26 Mar 2026, 11:59PM
FAR FROM THE NORM's dedicated artistic learning and development programme for performers from Hip-Hop and other intersecting style backgrounds is back in 2026.
With an emphasis on process and letting go of outcomes, interrogating creative ideas and techniques, NORMGROUND invites artists to explore, delve into and embody the creative methodologies developed by FAR FROM THE NORM and Artistic Director Botis Seva.
NORMGROUND was created to address the lack of development opportunities for Street dance artists pursuing performance careers. We saw the need for a distinct space where our dance language could exist without dilution, we believe many creatives continue to face the same barrier.
In its 3rd edition in 2026, NORMGROUND continues filling the gap in skills development for artists in this field, contributing to a stronger performer community, supporting ongoing professional growth and facilitating artists to create their own toolkits.
NORMGROUND 2026 is presented in collaboration with Lowry, and all activity will take place in Salford, Greater Manchester, UK.
Dates, Location and Bursary
Programme dates
- 13-15 May 2026: Auditions
- 27-31 July / 10:00-18:00
- 10-14 August / 10:00-18:00
- 24-28 August / 10:00-18:00
*Some of the training timings might shift slightly.
Location
NORMGROUND 2026 will take place in Lowry, Salford.
Bursary
All successful NORMGROUND participants will be awarded a £1500 bursary for participation in the programme.
Who is Normground for
NORMGROUND is not a choreographic development programme - it was designed specifically for performance artists. While the intensive programme challenges participants in various aspects, its primary aim is to engage with motivated and open-minded artists whose current focus is pursuing a career in performance.
We hope that during the programme NORMGROUND artists will gain tools to navigate tasks, challenges and unfamiliar industry environments with confidence and ease in the future.
Previous participants of NORMGROUND (2023-25) became performers in UK and international companies, some embarked on their own choreographic journeys, some have gone onto work with FAR FROM THE NORM.
Please note: participation in NORMGROUND does not promise future involvement with the company - participants are here to develop and authentically grow as performers, not to act as potential Norm members under the gaze of Botis Seva.
Application Criteria
NORMGROUND seeks artists who:
- Are 18+ and are based in the UK or Europe
- Are interested in professional development and upskilling as performers
- Feel overlooked; falling between Hip-Hop and Contemporary Dance (or other intersecting dance forms) practice
- May have developed within the Hip-Hop underground/commercial dance communities but seek to widen their practice
- Have an evidenced practice for a minimum of 2 years - this could be battling, performing on film or live, freestyling, working in the commercial scene
Important to note:
- We strongly encourage applications from artists who didn’t attend formal dance training.
- Both UK-based and international applicants are welcome; applicants will be responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation independently. We are committed to at least 4 participants being UK based, prioritising 2 Greater Manchester artists. (Those who have an active artistic practice and life based in Greater Manchester; Greater Manchester includes Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan.)
- We are open to applications from previous NORMGROUND participants but we will prioritise new applicants. Please note that participants from the latest 2025 cohort will not be considered.
- You must be available for the whole programme, maximum 2 days non availability.
Important to note
FAR FROM THE NORM will provide selection insight to applicants who apply but don’t receive an invite to the audition; and to those who audition but don’t get invited to the call backs.
Written feedback will only be given to artists who were invited to call backs but weren’t offered a place on the programme.
FAR FROM THE NORM will not be able to financially contribute to audition expenses.