NORMGROUND 2025

Far From The Norm welcomes artists for the 2nd edition of NORMGROUND.

NORMGROUND is a 3-week dedicated artistic learning and development programme for performers from Hip-Hop and other intersecting style backgrounds.

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 in response to an absence of development opportunities for dancers from Street dance backgrounds, who wish to focus on pursuing a career in performance. We realised our dance language needed its own space in the industry, without its form and messages being diluted as a result of trying to fit in the cracks between Contemporary and Hip-Hop brackets. We feel there are more creatives now encountering that same barrier.

In its 2nd edition in 2025, 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.

Deadline for applications is now closed.


NORMGROUND 2025 & 2026 (UK editions) are supported by Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement, Jerwood Foundation and The Linbury Trust
Photo credit: Camilla Greenwell

  • NORMGROUND is not a choreographic development programme - it was designed specifically for performance artists. While the intensive programme will challenge 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) 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 improve and authentically grow as performers, not to act as potential Norm members under the gaze of Botis Seva.

  • NORMGROUND is led by Far From The Norm Artistic Director Botis Seva drawing on his lived experience of navigating the sector into the design and delivery of the programme.

    NORMGROUND delivery will be supported by Creative Associate and Performer Victoria Shulungu and Performer Jordan Douglas, providing participants with an opportunity to work with multiple company members.

    NORMGROUND will also be co-designed by Far From The Norm Producer Gabija Cepelyte, a well respected  producer and dance artist working within Hip-Hop and Norm’s Executive Producer Lee Griffiths, who both bring experience of nurturing Hip-Hop performers, makers and artist development offerings. 

    In addition to our team, there will be external guest facilitators who will expand on the delivery of Far From The Norm’s practice.


  • 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; international applicants will be responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation independently. We are committed to at least 4 participants being UK based.

    • We are open to applications from previous NORMGROUND participants but we will prioritise new applicants.

    • You must be available for the whole programme, maximum 2 days non availability.

  • Programme dates

    • 14 - 18 July / 10:00-18:00

    • 04 - 08 August / 10:00-18:00

    • 15 - 19 September / 10:00-18:00
      *Some of the training timings might shift slightly.

    Location
    NORMGROUND 2025 will take place in London.

    Bursary
    All successful NORMGROUND participants will be awarded a £1500 bursary for participation in the programme. 

  • How to apply?
    Please fill the 2 following application forms linked below:

    1. Anonymous Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form

    2. NORMGROUND Application form

    Deadline for both forms: 28 February 2025 23:59 GMT

    For any questions, or to receive the applications in a different format please contact audition@farfromthenorm.com. 

    Timel    ine

    • DEADLINE - 28 February 23:59 GMT
      *Unfortunately we do anticipate a high volume of applications and therefore, we won’t be able to accept any late applications.

    • 17 March - all applicants informed of invitations to auditions

    • 1-2 April - Audition

    • 3 April - Call Backs

    • 20 April - Applicants informed of the final outcome 


    Please 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.

  • We are pleased to announce NORMGROUND will return in 2026 and 2027 at different locations, including an edition outside of London.

    If you are unable to participate this year, you are encouraged to prepare for the opportunities ahead.

  • Please contact our team on audition@farfromthenorm.com.

    Please note th    at any urgent inquiries within the 24 hour period before the deadline might not be answered in time - please plan accordingly.

“This was very beneficial for my growth as an artist and as a human being. There is a need for this sort of development where dancers are seen for who they are as people.”

“You have pushed me to my limits in a safe environment. I have experienced, many times, people trying to push me to my limits but within a very toxic environment. I got to explore my artistry in a safe environment.”

- NORMGROUND 2023 participant feedback