YORK is set to host the final heat of an exciting new dance competition from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) called Moving North.

Hosted by Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya, the July final in Salford will be judged by Matt Flint, West End performer, choreographer and winner of So You Think You Can Dance and Lynn Wallis, RAD Artistic Director.

Up to 158 dancers in 52 acts are set to compete in York's choreographic and performance competition, for ballet, contemporary, jazz, or street dance/hip hop, on Sunday, June 21. The judge will be the principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance Janet Smith, at the Chapman Theatre, Queen Margaret’s School, York.

Northern-born Matt Flint says: "I come from Scarborough, so I'm really excited to be judging the Final of Moving North at The Lowry. Having been through similar experiences before, I think giving young people the chance to perform motivates them hugely: the fact that everyone can enter in four different genres is a real key to accessibility, and I would particularly encourage male dancers to give it a go. Well done RAD."

Moving North is part of the BBC’s Get Creative campaign. The Salford final is on July 18. The overall winners will receive a Moving North trophy along with a VIP box at the Royal Albert Hall, London, for Dance Proms on November 15. The competition is open to all eight to 18 year olds from the UK or Republic of Ireland.

For more information about Moving North, visit rad.org.uk/moving-north