X Factor Education Work

The X Factor Dance Company, under the directorship of Alan Greig, has achieved national recognition for its Education Work.  Alan has created over 40 works for youth and community groups throughout the UK, including Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Dance Base, London Youth Project and Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts.  Education is an integral part of X Factor's identity. The company is fully committed to the development of youth and community dance through workshops and residences.

"The improvisations were like a breath of fresh air"

Thomas (19) Northern School of Contemporary Dance

Dance workshops are based on the premise that everyone has creative potential waiting to be unlocked and expressed.  Through carefully guided improvisations, the young dancers learn to develop their own unique movement styles and ultimately to experiment with choreography.  The education workshops allow greater insight into professional dance, giving inspiration, confidence and the opportunity to learn new skills.  Above all, they are about having fun.  The workshops introduce a new dimension to their existing class and many young people have gone on to further training.

"Improvisation is a way of exploring myself; it's been a great experience."

A-Jull Lim (17) LPC, United World College of Hong Kong

"Working with Alan gave me real inspiration, enjoyment and a very challenging experience"

Leanne (20) Northern School of Contemporary Dance

Workshops and residencies can be developed into exciting performance opportunities.  X Factor has presented youth groups in "curtain raisers" - short pieces using rep form the X Factor performances presented on stage just before the professional show begins - and worked in site specific situations e.g. The Royal Museum of Scotland, shopping centres and a car park.  Most recently Alan Greig choreographed work for Pilrig Park School which was performed at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Theatre.

"I've never considered myself a dancer but the workshop has opened up new possibilities - energising - enlightening - an absolute treat"

Kelly (20) 1st Year Acting, Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh

"Alan's workshop was challenging and exciting.  We were left with many interesting ideas that I am sure we will be using in the future.  I had a brilliant time."

Helen (18) Laban Centre, London

"Dance Base is one of the many organisations who value and respect Alan's work with children of all ages.  He has a unique talent that is able to draw out natural creativity and keep control of a group without resorting to the conventional teacher pupil role models"

Morag Deyes, Artistic Director, Dance Base, Scotland's National Dance Agency