HAMPSHIRE young dancers are to benefit from a major cash injection.

The Point theatre in Eastleigh has received a grant of £115,000 to deliver a new project which aims to give dancers new development opportunities.

The funding came from the Linbury Trust and will be used towards the Fuelling The Next Generation of Dance Artists programme.

The theatre is to set up links with the internationally-renowned Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance based in Twickenham.

The project is aimed at young dancers from 14 years old to graduate age, and will provide them with the chance to benefit from performance platforms, specialist training, placements and mentoring.

Vicki Hargreaves, dance development manager at The Point, will oversee the programme.

She said: “The Point’s ambition is to galvanise its commitment to giving young people and emerging artists extraordinary experiences in the development of their talent.

“We have identified significant gaps in provision leading to young people slipping away at crucial moments as the ladder of training is not available locally to them.

“With support from The Linbury Trust, we will now be able to build on our provision and provide a clear progression route in areas where it is lacking in the current landscape.

“It will help us support the development of young dancers in the early stages of their career through to potential world class artists.”

The theatre on Leigh Road is supported by Eastleigh Borough Council, which has welcomed the funding.

Councillor Derek Pretty, Eastleigh Borough Council’s cabinet lead for economy said,: “It’s fantastic news that The Point has received this funding from The Linbury Trust.

“The Point has long been regarded as a trailblazer when it comes to the development of young artists and performers, with many of those who begin their training at the venue going on to have successful careers in their chosen creative field.

“I look forward to seeing the results of this exciting new programme - the next generation of dance artist, coming from Eastleigh, prepared to survive in a constant climate of change, armed with the skills to have a sustainable and successful career in the dance sector of the future.”