U.Dance National Festival 2023 Brochure

The nation’s annual youth dance festival

Choose TL for Dance and Dance

Cover image: India Island Academy at U.Dance National Festival 2022 by One Dance UK, Dani Bower This page: Anaya Vasudha Bolar by One Dance UK, Dani Bower

WELCOME

Andrew Hurst MBE Chief Executive, One Dance UK

The nation’s youth dance festival, an inspiring symbol of the future of dance, is back for another year!

The U.Dance National Festival celebrates the quality and vibrancy of young people’s dance across our nation. Over three days in venues across Newcastle, witness the showcases involving almost 450 talented young dancers, chosen by regional and national panels, along with special guest companies and artists. The U.Dance National Festival celebrates young dancers from all over the UK, as well as shining a spotlight on the talent from the North East region, and on emerging choreographers through One Dance UK’s Young Creatives programme.

Participants will work with internationally renowned artists who will inspire them to develop their dance skills and introduce them to new creative ideas, taking part in technique classes, choreography workshops, mentoring and discussion sessions.

Alongside this, U.Dance on Screen showcases will take place at BFI Southbank and online, featuring exceptional youth dance films, with additional exciting workshop content on offer for these talented young dancers.

Special thanks to our funders Arts Council England and Bronze and Access Sponsor, Trinity Laban, and the dedicated volunteers who help us bring this wonderful event to life.

Join us in celebrating the next generation of dance performers, creators and leaders. The future of dance is right here!

Laura Nicholson Head of Children and Young People’s Dance, One Dance UK

Dance has the ability to entertain, to challenge, to make us think differently and to make us question. I am certain that nobody achieves this with more power and conviction than the UK’s young people, who never fail to amaze me with their talent, energy, tenacity and creative courage.

The U.Dance National Festival weekend is an incredible and joyful celebration of the exceptional outcomes that can be achieved when young people are given opportunities to excel and shine. This serves to strengthen even further our passionate belief that access to high-quality dance for ALL young people is more vital than ever before. We extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the wonderful and inspiring dance teachers, group leaders and educators who work tirelessly to provide life-enhancing experiences and outstanding training and support for the next generation.

If this weekend’s performances are anything to go by, the future of dance is in very safe hands.

The U.Dance National Festival marks a highlight in the youth dance calendar, showcasing the creativity of young people and group leaders across the country. Dance has a unique ability to bring communities together and to inspire. As U.Dance Champion I am so excited to witness the next generation of dance talent.

Sir Richard Alston Champion of U.Dance

Anand Bhatt Artistic Director and CEO, Dance City

It’s an honour and pleasure to be one of the partners to host the U.Dance National Festival this year. Dance City is the central hub for dance in the North East and is committed to promoting and advocating the best quality of dance through classes and performances. It is an inclusive and creative environment where all people can enjoy, learn and share in a dedicated space that encourages the development of skills, collaboration, and experimentation.

We hope to inspire and share Dance City’s passion and values with the next generation of young dancers.

Kate Denby Executive Director and Joint CEO, Northern Stage Natalie Ibu Artistic Director and Joint CEO, Northern Stage

Northern Stage is thrilled to be a partner venue for this year’s U.Dance National Festival. As a producing theatre company, venue and charity that collaborates on creative projects, we understand how important it is to support life-changing experiences for people who would not normally have access to such opportunities

We are proud to help provide young dancers from across the UK the opportunity to learn from established dance professionals and perform on stage. Empowerment is at the heart of what we do, constantly evolving and collaborating with artists, practitioners and communities in the North East and beyond - Northern Stage is much more than what you see on our stages and we can’t wait to welcome you into our creative community.

Jack Redpath Head of Curriculum, Newcastle College

We are thrilled to be one of the partner venues hosting this year’s U. Dance National Festival. Here in the Performance Academy, we deliver a whole range of Music and Performing Arts courses from Level 2 through to Level 6. Our dance programmes are highly vocational with an underpinning of theatrical knowledge and industry expectation.

We recognise the importance of supporting and promoting dance in education and we see many of our students reap the benefits as they move into the world of work. The benefits of dance are far greater than just doing ‘the steps’ and as a college we fully support dance opportunities for young people which offer knowledge, experience and growth.

Martin Wilson MBE Executive Director and Co-founder, TIN Arts

Tess Chaytor MBE Artistic Director and Co-founder, TIN Arts

TIN Arts are delighted to be a partner organisation of the U.Dance National Festival 2023 and to welcome you to the North East. As a dance organisation, we have a long history of taking part in U.Dance and attended festivals in many other regions, so we’re excited to have the opportunity to welcome the next generation of dance artists to our home region and hope you enjoy your time here with us. We wish all young dancers the best of luck with their performances and hope you have lots of fun this weekend.

Photo credits

L-R: N/A, Christopher Owens, Mark Savage, Ian Paine, David Lindsayr

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Each centre is unique, offering different dance styles including Contemporary, Ballet, Circus, South Asian and Street Dance. Means-tested grants are available.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY TO JOIN NATIONALDANCECATS.CO.UK

WHAT IS U.DANCE?

U.Dance is the national programme of events offering high quality dance opportunities to young people. Each year, our nation’s young dancers can explore their creativity, learn more about dance careers, and experience the thrill and sense of achievement of performing!

One Dance UK works with partners to deliver and support U.Dance events all over the country. Since its inception, the programme has reached over 200,000 young people.

U.Dance Regional

U.Dance Regional Platforms are hosted by a network of partner organisations and offer exciting performance and workshop opportunities to thousands of young dancers each year.

Regional Platforms take place in the spring each year and form part of the selection process for the U.Dance National Festival. Applications will open in autumn 2023 for the 2024 U.Dance Regional Platforms so keep an eye on One Dance UK’s website and social media channels to get involved.

U.Dance National Festival

The U.Dance National Festival takes place each summer on stage and on screen. It celebrates the achievement of selected groups from around the UK through performances live on stage and on screen. Alumni from the U.Dance National Festival have gone on to study, create, manage and perform dance in a huge variety of settings.

Find out more: www.udancedigital.org

Folkestra

Folkestra are a folk ensemble based in the North East founded by Kathryn Tickell. They bring an exciting mix of new composition and tune arrangements, led by Andy May.

The Last Tree TIN Arts

Choreographed by: Maria Mandehzadeh and Rachel Graham

TIN Arts is an organisation dedicated to ensuring as many people as possible have access to high quality dance and performing arts. The group performing this evening features dancers from classes that meet weekly in their Durham studio.

The Last Tree is a newly created outdoor performance piece that will be showcased at TIN Arts’ inclusive outdoor festival “IncludFEST 2023” adapted especially for U.Dance 2023 to be presented indoors.

The One Reason Aoife B, TeesDance, Young Choreographer Programme

Choreographed by: Aoife B

TeesDance champions dance in, and for, the Tees Valley and delivers a programme called MoveUP for young dancers to develop their choreographic skills and make their own piece for stage. This piece is choreographed and performed by Aoife, a participant in MoveUP.

The main theme of Aoife’s piece is resilience. It is about finding the one reason to keep going and be resilient even throughout the tough challenges of life. Her individual interpretation is about her one reason to keep dancing. Despite all the challenges of dancing (especially during lockdown) she kept going because she loves it. It can however, be interpreted in your own individual way: your reason you keep going.

At the Barre Liberdade Youth Dance

Choreographed by: Heather Huggins & Kelly Turnbull

Liberdade Youth Dance was formed in September 2019 and come together on a Wednesday evening at Gosforth Civic Theatre. The group take part in contemporary dance technique class, followed by creative sessions where they learn new skills in contemporary dance, physical theatre and choreography.

At the Barre was choreographed specifically for Liberdade Community Development Trust’s annual performance platform for people with SEND. Using our bespoke barre, the group explore the idea of being young and carefree.

Photo credits

L-R: Barry Pells, Ian Paine, N/A, Amy Swalwell, N/A

Star and Shadow Rapper Star and Shadow Rapper perform north-east sword dancing, originally from the mines of Northumberland and Durham.

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The Elegance of Power

Annabel L, TeesDance, Young Choreographer Programme

Choreographed by: Annabel L

TeesDance champions dance in, and for, the Tees Valley and delivers a programme called MoveUP for young dancers to develop their choreographic skills and make their own piece for stage. This piece is choreographed and performed by Annabel, a participant in MoveUP.

This performance represents the idea of growing into yourself and owning the power you hold over your own destiny. Annabel hopes everyone feels some connection to this piece but it’s particularly for any girls/women who feel that they can’t voice their opinions or need to hide their intelligence. Remember, you have just as much power as your male counterparts.

Stuck Darlington Hippodrome Youth Dance

Choreographed by: Debbie Harbin

Darlington Hippodrome’s Contemporary Dance classes meet weekly and equip young people with excellent dance skills and techniques, working towards exciting performance opportunities. Young people are encouraged to develop their own creative ideas and choreography, and will regularly have the chance to perform.

Created for returning student Leah’s A Level Sport course, Leah wanted to develop a piece about the mind and being stuck in your own head. Originally a solo piece, it explores a teenager’s mind and all its ruminating thoughts, frustrations and struggles.

Enough Division Dance Company

Choreographed by: Claire McGrath

Division is a youth company that meets weekly and focuses on creating thought-provoking choreography that reflects the world of its young dancers. It offers performance opportunities and strives to push their students to their fullest potential.

Enough is a contemporary dance piece depicting the pressures on youth to conform to societal norms. It explores themes of appearance, behaviour, academic performance, and social media. The dancers express the struggle of maintaining individuality amidst societal expectations.

Eadfrith Dance City CAT Graduates

Choreographed by: Anthony Lo-Giudice

The Dance City CAT Graduates have been training on the programme for a range of years in contemporary, ballet and creative work. All graduates are going on to pursue dance & academic subjects at HE Level.

This work studies a series of pages from The Lindisfarne Gospels, created in part by the monk Eadfrith around 700AD. Eadfrith uses weight and weightlessness, where complex and elaborate patterns and structures meander around images of local birds and human figures.

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Abundance Boundless

Choreographed by: Lizzie Klotz

Boundless is Dance City’s 55+ company which provides a unique opportunity for mature dancers in the region to develop their contemporary dance and performance skills as well as technical ability. The company creates original work for digital and live performances.

This is a work that considers how we feel about abundance and how it feels to be abundant. It’s about joy, freedom, age, family, reflection, opportunity, guilt and sharing. It’s about having just enough but not too much. Plenty.

Breathe it in. Breathe it out.

Walk Of Life Toon Tappers

Choreographed by: Caroline Banks

This enthusiastic tap group meet once a week to discuss ideas around performance and choreography. They support one another both on and off the dance floor and really look forward to their sessions.

This performance is a celebration of the North East; Walk Of Life by Dire Straits is written by fellow Geordiie, Mark Knopfler and the group are performing as the Toon Tappers in Newcastle United football shirts.

Faiseurs de Joie Adult Ballet Improvers

Choreographed by: Alex Mitchinson

Adult Ballet Improvers is a weekly class at Dance City. Some participants started learning ballet as children, others as adults, but they all work together to perform one or two group pieces a year.

The music is by Tchaikovsky, from Swan Lake. This piece is danced by merry makers (faiseurs de joie) at Prince Seigfried’s birthday party in the fifth scene, Act 1.

The Two Tied Dance City CAT Students

Choreographed by: Michaela Wate

The Dance City CAT students have been training on the programme for a range of years in contemporary, ballet and creative work. This piece was created in collaboration between teachers and students for the CAT Easter Show.

Two Fridas is a painting by Frida Kahlo referring to a traditional and radical version of herself, tied together with arteries from heart to heart. Self-portraits and what to keep or what to change about ourselves has led this work.

Photo

N/A, N/A, Tom Banks, Tom Banks

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U.DANCE NATIONAL SHOWCASES

Each year the U.Dance National Festival hosts a selection of creative, dynamic youth dance groups from all over the UK as part of the U.Dance National Showcases. Hundreds of groups were involved in the U.Dance Regional Platform process nationwide, showcasing the talents of thousands of young dancers. This year, the groups were selected by the U.Dance National Panel, Dance Ambassadors and representatives from their host region.

We would like to thank all panel members for their expertise and feedback. We would also like to thank the organisers of the U.Dance Regional Platforms and partner organisations, group leaders, teachers, parents and carers, and of course the talented, dedicated participants.

Photo credit: Artistry Youth Dance by One Dance UK, Dani Bower

Reasons

Shift Dance Company LONDON

Choreographed by: Akeim

Toussaint Buck

Shift Dance Company is one of The Place’s resident dance companies. Led by Rehearsal Director Lucy Evans, the group is for young dancers 14-19 (school years 10 to 13) who want to build on their creative and technical dance skills in a warm and supportive environment.

When the world is plagued with infected thoughts and behaviours, we lose where we can find solace to cover from the fires of the apocalypse. Immobilised by the pressure of our predicaments we fall apart from the inside, oozing out the fear we hold deep within. We beg, plead, seek, reasons to keep going, failing as we continue to find more reasons this house is just not a home...

In Order Of Rodillian Dance Academy YORKSHIRE

Choreographed by: Rodillian Dance Academy

Rodillian Dance Academy is open to any pupil who has a passion for dance. The group meet weekly and explore a range of dance techniques to develop physical and creative skills.

The piece is an exploration of how the traumatic experiences in Word War 1 formed the Shelby men’s character and mental health. A quote we used for inspiration was, “I just want to be able to walk in society like a normal man.”

We and Everybody Else Lothian Youth Dance Company SCOTLAND

Choreographed by: Molly Scott Danter

LYDC is Dance Base’s in-house youth company. They bring young dancers together to train, create and perform together, focusing on contemporary dance styles. Their dancers come from different backgrounds and experiences from across Edinburgh and the Lothians, who share a love for dance.

“All of us and you too: in a dance of time and worlds and memory and me and you and us.”

Am I Not What You Expected? 4D Dance EAST

Choreographed by: Sara Ford

4D Academy is a collective of 10 young creatives from 4D Dance, based in Cambridgeshire. Showcasing the dancers’ skills in various styles, the piece includes hip hop, waacking, acro, contemporary and experimental styles. Enjoy their fierce performance and watch their passion for dance shine through.

Am I Not What You Expected? explores the ignorance surrounding gender stereotypes. Created from the perspective of a young female in a world who underestimates her, we are taken on a journey through the multi-faceted world of discovering who we are, which often comes after discovering who we are not. We ultimately find comfort in the strength of our character.

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Liberty Chhaya Youth Dance Company SOUTH WEST

Choreographed by: Kay Crook

Chhaya Youth provides high level contemporary dance training and professional development opportunities for young dancers across Devon.

Finding light within darkness; celebrating human connection and our collective power to overcome adversity. “Elite panic comes from powerful people who see all humanity in their own image. Dictators and despots, governors and generals – they all too often resort to brute force to prevent scenarios that exist only in their own heads, on the assumption that the average person is ruled by self-interest, just like them.”

- Rutger Bregman, Humankind: A Hopeful History

The Flood Momentum Boys YORKSHIRE

Choreographed by: CAPA College

Momentum Youth Boys is a new strand to Momentum Dance, one of the performance companies of CAPA College.

The Flood is based on the painting of the same name by Joseph-Désiré Court which illustrates the biblical flood that wiped out humanity on earth. In the biblical story, Noah and his family survive. The painting is seen as an allegory of a man clinging to his past, reaching out to save his father who represents the past, instead of saving his own son who represents the future or his wife who represents the current.

WEST MIDLANDS

Choreographed by: Katy Sterran

Sterran Touring Company is a contemporary dance company housed within Flexus Dance Collective. Under the Artistic Direction and choreographic vision of Katy Sterran, the company holds an outstanding reputation for their professional standards of training and innovative annual outreach and touring programme.

Through storytelling, dance and song, The Pearl examines the depths and layers of human emotions, duality and identity. This is an excerpt of a full length work.

“Approach her with caution! Her mind swims at depths most would drown in.” - J.Iron.

Did Somebody Say Party? Ground Breakers NORTH EAST

Choreographed by: Conor ‘Doke’ O’ Kane

The group was formed in 2015 when Doke was invited to The Lawnmowers to deliver some tasters in Breaking. Now in 2023 the group battle, perform and participate in the hip hop culture as Ground Breakers Crew.

Ground Breakers Crew present their first new show since the pandemic, welcoming new members alongside their core squad. A normal Friday night in gets exciting when a group of friends are invited to a party.

The Pearl Sterran Touring Company

Photo credits L-R: N/A, CAPA College, Matt Cawrey/FABRIC, Scott Akoz

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Still I Rise Kalakunj SOUTH EAST

Choreographed by: Ananya Chatterjee

Kalakunj is a performing arts group from Reading, Berkshire, aiming to promote, preserve, and nurture South Asian arts, culture and heritage. Kalakunj has been awarded the Pride of Reading Award in 2022 for Cultural Contribution.

The piece celebrates femininity in all its glory through a dance interpretation of Maya Angelou’s poetic interlude, Still I Rise. It culminates with the vibrant Thillana from the Bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance) repertoire, aiming to empower girls and women to embody self-love and self-acceptance.

Fix You Danscentre SCOTLAND

Choreographed by: Michelle Whyte

Danscentre’s group have been dancing together for around two years and study ballet, modern and contemporary styles. From a variety of areas across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, all are passionate about dance and delighted to be taking part in this prestigious national dance event.

Throughout this piece the dancers explore the themes of loss, suffering and feeling stuck in reverse. A central character embodies these feelings and at times when dancers appear to be falling, friends come in and lend support and comfort.

Golygfa

National Youth Dance Wales WALES

Choreographed by: Isaac Lewis and Layla Johnson-Sanchez

National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) provides some of Wales’ most-talented young dancers with first-class training and performance opportunities. It draws on the energy and excitement of young peoples’ enthusiasm for dance and dancing, and channels it into a creative, contemporary force that celebrates the very best youth dance in Wales today.

Golygfa is a duet created by NYDW’23 members Isaac and Layla, which explores the dancer’s different prospectives of living in rural Wales, the piece takes influences from the landscapes of Wales and its rich culture.

Self-Depreciation Northampton School for Boys EAST MIDLANDS

Choreographed by: Alison Clinton and dancers

The group is made up of students who attend Northampton School for Boys. They meet weekly to create dance as part of the extracurricular programme.

Self-Depreciation is an exploration of behaviour that we all experience at some point; that voice which tells us we are no good, and how this stops us from being the best we can be. It explores how we become fearful of criticism and getting things wrong, and the way we deflect help and support to protect ourselves.

L-R: Shyam Prasad, Graham Read, Aaron Childs, Alison Clinton

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The Gathering

TIN Arts Young People’s Creative Group

NORTH EAST

Choreographed by: Tess Chaytor, Tertia Brigham and dancers

The group brings together talented and committed young dancers to train, create and perform new dance work. Made up of dancers with and without a disability, the group reflects the broader vision of TIN Arts that everyone should have access to high quality art.

The Gathering is about what happens when The Addams Family ancestors come together. The piece was inspired by the quote, “Once a year when the last leaf of autumn falls, we gather to honour the great cycle of life and death.”

To speak or to die?

Nic Lee and Aoibh Ryan

NORTH WEST

Choreographed by: Nic Lee and Aoibh Ryan

Aoibh Ryan began contemporary/ballet training at the North West Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) and Nic Lee began his training at Company Chameleon after being self-taught. They are both members of The Lowry CAT and members of NYDC England.

This piece asks the ultimate question: is it better to speak or to die? Do you tell someone you love them and risk rejection, or do you stay silent and drive yourself into a painful spiral where you feel your only way of living is through that one person’s existence?

T.R.I.B.E

Belfast Boys

NORTHERN IRELAND

Choreographed by: Sean O’Neill

Belfast Boys is a youth engagement project created by DU Dance NI to spark interest and curiosity in dance for young males. The project positively discriminates towards them and all sessions are led by male dance artists. The group create three performances a year ranging from theatre to site specific venues.

T.R.I.B.E: Together. Real. Individuals. Brotherhood. Equals. is the exploration of what it is to be a tribe, and who Belfast Boys want to surround themselves with. Community and friends are key to every young adult and help them strive for greatness and elevate them to their highest potential.

The Art of Falling National Youth Dance Company of Scotland SCOTLAND

Choreographed by: Choreographed by Anna Kenrick and directed by Philippa Clark

Formed by YDance in 2011, the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland is the flagship contemporary dance company for Scotland’s exceptional young dancers aged 16 – 21.

“…instead of being nervous about keeping our balance in a world in which so many aspects of our lives are in danger of falling apart, we need to accept our falls with grace and learn how to land with intention.” - Ann Cooper Albright, How to Land: Finding Ground in an Unstable World (2019)

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D0-P3

Dope Male Performance Company NORTH WEST

Choreographed by: Jack Robinson

Dope Male Performance Company is an allmale company founded in 2011. Since then, the boys have performed annually around the UK, with the older professional company members creating their first piece of touring work in 2022. These boys meet once a week to train to create their work.

D0–P3 explores the themes of a dystopian future. They looked into ideas from Black Mirror, Mad Max and Cyberpunk to create a futuristic landscape, where robotics and A.I. have taken over leaving the few to rebel against the new regime.

Ganesh Vandana

Shiamak Davar International EAST MIDLANDS

Choreographed by: Ganesh Vandana

Shiamak Davar International is the world’s largest Bollywood dance academy, enriching the lives of over a million dance enthusiasts across India, Canada, USA and UK.

The group couldn’t think of a more auspicious way of putting their combined energies into the universe than through the mythological roots of their belief in Lord Ganesha (universally known as the elephant head god), who was blessed by his father to be the most intelligent. The Lord was given a boon to be worshipped first on all occasions, and this piece builds that positive, natural energy amidst the performers upon which they bond. “Ganpati Bappa Morya”

Kajal Patel

NATIONAL YOUTH DANCE COMPANY ENGLAND (NYDC)

Novacene

Choreographed by: Wayne McGregor CBE

National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) is England’s flagship youth dance company. NYDC brings together talented young dancers from across the country to work with leading artists and create world-class performances. The company supports young artists to realise their potential and gain an insight into the dance profession.

Novacene is a new work by multi-award winning choreographer Wayne McGregor CBE to celebrate the company’s 10 year anniversary. In his role as Guest Artistic Director for 2022/23, Wayne McGregor has created this work in collaboration with the dancers, who come from across England and from a range of different backgrounds and dance styles. The company presents an exclusive extract of the full-length work for the U.Dance National Festival.

10 years of NYDC England

• 10 Guest Artistic Directors

• 11 Productions

• Over 300 company members

• 7000+ young people taking part in projects and workshops

• 50,000+ audience members

• 94 performances

Photo credit: NYDC by Ravi Deepres

CELEBRATING A DECADE - IN PICTURES

Key of Images – Production Title – Guest Artistic Director – Year – Photographer:

1. (in between) - Jasmin Vardimon – 2013 –Tony Nandi

2. The Rashamon Effect - Akram Khan – 2014 –Tony Nandi

3. Vertical Road (extract) - Akram Khan – 2014 –Tony Nandi

4. Frame[d] – Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui – 2015 – Tony Nandi

5. In – Nocentes - Michael Keegan-Dolan – 2016 – Jane Hobson

6. Tarantiseismic - Damien Jalet – 2017 – Tony Nandi

A thank you from NYDC England

7. Used to Be Blonde – Sharon Eyal – 2018 - Stephen Wright

8. MADHEAD -Botis Seva - 2019 – Stephen Wright

9. A Year Like No Other – Russell Maliphant – 2020Alessandro Castellani

10. Speak Volumes- Alesandra Seutin – 2021 – Stephen Wright

11. Quartier Paradis- Alesandra Seutin- 2022- Tom Banks

12. Novacene - Wayne McGregor - 2023 - Ravi Deepres

NYDC really is a national programme and we are so grateful to all the dancers and creatives who have been part of the past 10 years and for the residency, workshop and performance venues who have hosted us. We know that the majority of our young people join us from other youth companies and training programmes and we are thankful to all the teachers and youth leaders for their support. We hope that NYDC is a platform to champion all the wonderful things happening in youth dance across the country and a celebration of young artists! As the youngest of the national youth dance companies, we are extremely grateful for the support and advice we had from colleagues in Scotland and Wales when we were starting out, and we are still grateful for that network today.

The U.Dance National Festival 2023 marks the end of the 2023 NYDC tour of Novacene by Wayne McGregor. Next year the company will be led by Oona Doherty and the final audition for this will be on 30 July. There are lots of ways you can get involved in NYDC from school workshops, to summer schools, to experience workshops.

To find out more please visit nydc.org.uk or email nydc@sadlerswells.com

YOUNG CREATIVES

One Dance UK’s Young Creatives is an exciting two-year programme for young people who are interested in developing their choreographic skills and artistic potential. The programme provides a wonderful opportunity for young dancers to learn from industry leading artists and, through mentoring, supports them in creating an original piece of dance work which is premiered in front of a live audience at a professional venue.

Throughout the first year of the programme, Young Creatives participate in a series of workshop sessions with industry professionals to help them develop their creative ‘toolkit’.

Year two is all about making work supported through high-quality mentoring and face-toface workshops. This year’s cohort have been supported and inspired by Creative Lead Rhian Robbins and Mentors Kate Flatt OBE, Vidya Patel and John-William Watson, who have offered remarkable insight into their own practice and encouraged and nurtured the creative voice of each young choreographer.

“I am incredibly privileged to have been part of the journey with our young choreographers. From our very first meeting, their openness and creativity has been truly inspiring. Making work is exposing and takes courage and it’s so wonderful to see the generous spirit and support for each other that the young artists and their dancers alike have developed.

The choreographers have devised and worked with their dancers in their own communities, all then meeting in person to share their work in process. As well as choreographing and rehearsing their work they also take responsibility for staging, lighting and costume with the guidance of their wonderful Mentors.

The Young Creatives programme allows participants space to explore, challenge and develop their physical voices in whatever direction it takes them. Their commitment and growth over the last few months have been awesome and humbling in equal measures and I have no doubt the future of choreography is in very good hands!”

Rhian Robbins Creative Lead Young Creatives

“Being part of the Young Creatives programme was one of the best things I have ever done. I completed the two-year programme with a newfound love for choreography and collaboration and a completely new outlook on the creative arts industry. The programme has given me the confidence to believe in and be proud of my creative ideas.”

Jasmine Ainley-Kaur, 2022 Young Creative

Scan the QR code to see this year’s Young Creatives in full flow at the start of their creative process during our launch day activities!

CURTAIN RAISER

Flora by Dance City Youth Company, choreographed by Emily-Fleur Peake and the dancers

Steadfast by Dance City Senior Youth Dance choreographed by Michaela Wate, Amy Becke, and the dancers Company

The Dance City Youth Company (performing first) and the Dance City Senior Youth Company (performing second) are Dance City’s in-house flagship dance companies. Based on a foundation of contemporary dance, these companies develop different dance techniques led by professional dancers and dancers are supported to learn choreographic skills as well as achieve their Arts Awards. They are dedicated semi-professional groups who perform their work at least three times a year.

The Youth Company provides an opportunity for young dancers aged 12-17 to build their dance skills with a dedicated group and rehearse pieces for performance at a range of showcase events. The Senior Youth Company began in 2021 to give further opportunities, post Covid-19, to the more senior dancers of the Youth Company who lost most of their studio time during the pandemic. Made up of dancers aged 15-18, they work with talented dance artists who support them to develop their dance and performance skills and hone their stagecraft and choreography.

Selfhood

Choreographed by: Maximus Mawle

Mentor: John-William Watson

As a choreographer, this is the first time I am presenting work on a professional stage. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and challenge. My dancers are fellow students at college, and bring their own individual flair to the choreography.

What is personality? If you were to peel back what makes an identity, and an individual, would we like what we see underneath? In philosophy there is the idea of ‘the shadow’; what would happen if it were set free?

The Queens That Played Espionage

Choreographed by: Amber Griffiths-Rowe

Mentor: John-William Watson

Currently studying at The Brit School, Centre for Advanced Training (The Place) and Crouch End School of Dance, I’m a North London based dancer/choreographer. My dancers similarly train at The Brit School alongside me in a variety of styles.

James Bond, George Smiley. Where are the tales of smart female spies that changed history? I explore the realistic, desexualised accounts of women in a male dominated profession, so they are appreciated as their male counterparts have been.

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GLIMPSE OF US

Choreographed by: Blythe Hood

Mentor: Vidya Patel

Andrew and I have been dance partners since 2019 when we were both students at the Orpheus Centre which is a performing arts college for young people with disabilities. We currently dance with Tailfeatherdance. Now being a Young Creative I have finally been given the chance to create a piece for us both that has real meaning for us as dancers.

I wanted to explore a dance showing that people with Down syndrome can be just as expressive and graceful as any other dancer. To begin with the dancers hide behind a mask and then at the very end they reveal their true identity by removing the mask.

Epithimia Yia Vasilia

Choreographed by: Bobbi Walker

Mentor: Vidya Patel

I have been training at Phoenix Youth Academy for five years, and CAPA College for two, where I have met the dancers in my piece. We train in a variety of dance styles and are so grateful for this opportunity.

Epithimia Yia Vasilia is based on Aesop’s fable The Frogs Who Desired A King. A group of frogs ask for a leader, and they are given a shock with the terrifying log supplied. After initially being tentative, the frogs soon realise the log has no power.

Vagrants

Choreographed by: Esme Peal

Mentor: Vidya Patel

As a dancer and choreographer I’m grounded in contemporary with acrobatic and balletic influences. Myself and my amazing dancers study together at sixth form and have collaborated with some of our brilliant musician friends to create this work.

We portray a flock of yellow warblers, migrating south from Alaska. Their journey was disrupted by the devastating 2020 California wildfires. Air pollution from the blazes forced a route diversion over desert lands where they starved, simply falling out of the sky.

Behind The Sun

Choreographed by: Chloe Olivia Fear

Mentor: John-William Watson

As founder of the Fearless Collective, I like to explore the fusion of hip hop and contemporary dance styles to create powerful dance theatre. My piece’s dancers and I are based in the South West and are all dance graduates.

Behind The Sun is an expression of the fight to find the light. The dancers explore how supporting each other gives them strength to escape the darkness. This piece allows the viewer to draw on personal experiences of finding their light.

5.

6.

A Changing Connection

Choreographed by: Isabel Ava Hancock

Mentor: Kate Flatt OBE

I am excited to be a part of the Young Creatives programme and look forward to the opportunity to share my work. I am currently training at CAPA College, I am grateful for the support of my mentor, teachers and dancers.

My piece explores the use of mobile phones and its overall effect on society. I hope for my piece to highlight the behaviours and relationships people have with phones; both good and bad.

A Freudian Slip

Choreographed by: Esther Carr

Mentor: Kate Flatt OBE

I met my dancers through our university dance team, working together on various showcases and pieces of choreography. Most recently, I choreographed for The Great Gatsby at The Oxford Playhouse, as well as several pieces of dance for film.

Defined by the Oxford Languages Dictionary as ‘an unintentional error [...] revealing subconscious feelings’, A Freudian Slip explores this literally and metaphorically, in a sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes comedic, itching representation of the subconscious and suppressed exposing itself through dance.

LOVES to dance?

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BA Hons Degree Professional Dance Programme

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Be physically, technically and creatively challenged through our student-centred teaching in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. Create your dance future at Dance City.

Dance City is in partnership with University of Sunderland

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THE NEXT GENERATION

One Dance UK supports the dance creators and leaders of the future. Check out some of the amazing programmes and resources on offer below, and scan the QR codes to find out more!

DANCE CAREERS GUIDE

A comprehensive guide to the amazing career pathways dance offers

Interested in a career in dance? The One Dance UK Careers Guide gives expert insight into a range of pathways such as performing, creating, teaching and supporting dance.

DANCE AMBASSADORS

Gain experience and advocate for dance

WHY STUDY DANCE AT SCHOOL OR COLLEGE?

A guide to the many benefits of taking part in dance education

Thinking about taking Dance as an exam subject at school or college? Find out more about the many skills you will gain!

One Dance UK’s Dance Ambassadors are a team of young people aged 18-25 from across the UK who believe in the power of dance. Dance Ambassadors are passionate young people who advocate for dance in general and assist with the delivery of our activities at local, regional and national level.

U.DANCE ON SCREEN

Alongside incredible stage performances, the U.Dance National Festival also celebrates youth dance on film this summer with U.Dance on Screen.

Following a national callout, a brilliant mix of youth dance films have been selected to represent their home region or country on a national platform as part of a U.Dance on Screen Showcase. They will see their film being screened at London’s prestigious BFI Southbank as well as take part in workshops and a special digital showcase on One Dance UK’s channels.

SAVE THE DATE!

The films were selected by the U.Dance on Screen National Panel, Dance Ambassadors and representatives from their host region. We would like to thank all panel members for their expertise and feedback. We would also like to thank the organisers of the U.Dance events and partner organisations, group leaders, teachers and supporters, and of course the talented, dedicated participants.

U.Dance on Screen Showcase

BFI Southbank

Sunday 6 August 2023

11:00am

Register for a free ticket

to watch the showcase

“Capturing dance on film is not an easy task. The diverse films selected for U.Dance on Screen show a real commitment from some talented young filmmakers and artists, showcasing the grace, storytelling power and unique visual impact of dance.”

Mark Reid, Head of Education,British Film Institute

Find out more: www.bit.ly/UDANCEONSCREEN2023

The One Dance UK Awards are an annual celebration for people from across the dance sector to unite, celebrate, acknowledge and reward the people who have made an impact on the vibrant UK dance landscape!

Championing the excellent work of dance artists, teachers, practitioners, educators, schools, choreographers, companies, venues, scientists, and writers, this is a glittering evening of celebrations, all for those who contribute to the dance sector throughout the UK.

Photo credit: Anaya Vasudha by One Dance UK, Dani Bower

SUPPORTING YOU, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Become a member of the One Dance UK community today and get access to expert help, support and more.

Become part of the vibrant community of dance artists, practitioners, organisations, educators and enthusiasts, working in and supporting dance today.

Photo credit: Chinyanta Kabaso by One Dance UK, Dani Bower

DANCERS

SPOTLIGHT ON THE NORTH EAST SHOWCASE

Aaron Norman

Abbie Riney

Adrian Woolley

Aida Jabero

Alan Baird-Smith

Alexandra Ramsay

Alexandrea Probert

Alison Thain

Amelie Grace Banks

Ann Catherine Purcell

Annabel Livesey

Annabel Mostyn

Annie Murray-Bryan

Aoife Baines

Autumn Nicholson

Ava Bradley

Aydan Gargett

Barbara Rule

Beatrice Duncan

Ben Routledge

Caitlin Davison

Cala Ash Molinos

Carolyn George

Carolyn George

Cathy Cunliffe

Charis Nicholson

Chloe Humphrey

Christine Margaret

Hully

Claire Gate

Claire-Louise Byrne

Dobby Okorodas

Edith Merrick

Elizabeth Rowland

Emily Louise Clements

Emily Price

Eva Cothey

Eva McCall

Finlay Dobson

Florrie Jackson

Francesca Hookway

Francesca Nancy

Etherington

Francesca Nelson

Francis Morgan

Gabby Ace

Georgie Telfer

Gillian Gray

Grace Reed

Hannah Middleton

Harry Faran

Heather Milnes

Hollie Robson

Holly Metcalfe

Isabella Grace Fowler

Ishaan Pandya

Isla Floreza

Issy Wheeler

James Grover

James Hope

Joan Watson

Joanne Knight

Joanne Ribton

John Vitorino

Josie Murray-Bryan

Joy Bottomley

Karin Ann Smurthwaite

Katie Barker

Kelsea McAndrew

Kenzhegul Mallon

Khushi Sharma

Kiera McMonagle

Kieran Blair

Kitty Kan-Lloyd

Laura Armstrong

Layla-Ann Leaning Shaw

Lillyanna Navuso

Lily Calladine

Lily Middleton

Liz Highmore

Lucy Berry

Lucy Cummings

Lucy McDonough

Lynda Susan Blakey

Lynn Rycroft

Maria Gordon

Marian Jenkins

Megan Chaytor Wilson

Megan Mallaburn

Mia Hartley

Mihlali Nkwinti

Molly Grainger

Naomi Kunda-Dunn

Natalie Sibanda

Nicola Gilroy

Norah Loftus

Oona Kay

Posie MacIver

Prentice Belton

Roksi McDonald

Rosie Keay

Rosie Kennedy

Ruby Sue Deakin

Sara De Jong

Sarah Felicity Large

Sona Jawara

Sophie Mitford

Susie Diamond

Thomas Relton

Valerie law

William Mickelburgh

U.DANCE NATIONAL SHOWCASESATURDAY

Abbie Stephen

Adam Marley

Agness Sze Yu Lai

Ailie Scott

Alex Cioc

Ali Sutera

Alicja Marulewska

Amya Eve Ellis

Ananya Anilkumar

Annika Mattioli

Ansel Frakulli

Antonia Kalidonis

Arianne Abbott

Ashcon Rahmani

Barbara Polak

Belle Novak

Benjamin Burke

Beth Ferguson

Brooke Stones

Caitlin Perkins

Cali Ross

Callum Younger

Carlisle Lonsdale

Charlie Townsend

Chloe Jeavons

Chloe Shen

Chloe Weitzen

Dani Abbott

Darcie Mason

Eilidh Hogg

Elina Saryazdi

Elizabete Bele

Ella Fletcher

Ellen O’Keeffe

Ellie Pringle

Emmy Keenan

Emmy Oates

Ethan Rooney

Ewan Smith

Finlay James Sutherland

Florence Pittman

Florrie Booth

Giovanna Skoufalou

Grace White

Haiden Battison

Hana Khan

Harper Bone

Imogen Scordis

Indya Rose Ashburn

Inès Oulevay

Isaac Lewis

Isabelle Fillingham

Isla Isabella Robb

Jack Gibson

Jake Newton

Jasmine Woolsey

Jermaine Collison

Joe McCormick

Joseph Green

Joshua Cambridge

Joss Phillips

Kaitlin McCann

Kate Malcolm

Katie Bryant

Katie Smith

Kevin Mensah

Khaleil Fell

Kieran Gartland

Kristi Howell

Lauren Barham

Lavena Yang

Layla JohnsonSanchez

Layla Wild

Leon Hoyle

Liam Jeffrey

Lidia Gaudie

Lliam Foster

Lois Argo

Lola Harfield

Loren Gonski

Louise Lawson

Luana Bryan

Maddie Gandy

Madilyn Homes

Mael Thomas

Malya Kabwe

Matthew Houston

Maximus Mawle

Meeri Niva

Mia Tandon

Nathan Jordison

Noah Ashton

Olivia Morley

Oliwia Blachut

Otis De Ville Morel

Phoebe Bytheway

Pippa McNeill

Prarthana Pradeep

Princess Ichella

Ruby Clews

Ruby Higgins

Ruby-Rose Glasse-Kerr

Sachie JaikaranRoberts

Samuel Antwi

Agyekum

Sashka Petrovski

Savannah Swift

Scarlett Hamlyn

Sean Dodgson

Seb Spence

Sebastian Thomas

Spence

Shivani Kishor

Skye Hassell

Sophie Phillips

Suhani Bellur

Tanvi Rao

Teddy Childs

Thomas Slater

Toby Coetser

Tom Stokoe

Travis James Phillips

Venus Shury

Verity Dowding

Vernon Hughes

Vinnie Copeland

Yashmitha Bonthala

Zachary Shury

U.DANCE NATIONAL SHOWCASE - SUNDAY

Adrian Woolley

Aamani Seth

Ace Papworth

Adishri Pradeep

Aimee Farrell

Alex Johnston

Alexander Gordon Sinclair

Alexandra Ramsay

Alice Jones

Alyssa Eve

Amelia Brigham

Aoibh Ryan

Aoife Henderson

Arran Om Ketan Pau

Autumn Nicholson

Beth Rogers

Blaise Landsbert-Noon

Charlotte Knights

Chloe Humphrey

Ciara Hannon

Connie Jakeman

Corlee Haverty

Deanna Canny

Delisha Parmar

Diya Acharya

Emma Claire Read

Emma Staples

Erin Currie

Erin Mared

Freya Hattam

Gabriel Dunn

George McAuley

Gethin Scott

Giselle Bhalla

Griffin Canny

Hannah Dunn

Henry Cross Hill

Ishaan Pandya

James Cale

Jayda Dawkins

Jewels Kemp

Jocelyn Johnson

Joe McCullough

Josie Leigh Sellwood

Josie Linscer

Josie Sellwood

Judd Tucker

Katie Barker

Kieran Blair

Kitty Newton

Krish Bhakerd

Laura Armstrong

Leo Keery

Lila Sefi

Lily Calladine

Lily Kerek

Lucas Jones

Lucy Defty

Lydia Uwanogho

Maddy Westhead

Marcus Burns

Matthew Atkinson

Maura Armstrong

Meg Morgan

Megan Chaytor Wilson

Milly Bajpai

Naomika Madlani

Nicholas Lee

Noah Preston

Oisin Gordon Barrera

Pankhuri Chaudhry

Parth Patel

Perry Wade

Phoebe Mufushwa

Renee Miller-Reid

Riya Pancholi

Riya Shah

Rory Press-Worth

Rosie Robertson

Rushil Patel

Samuel Bromhead

Samuel Defty

Sebastian Thomas

Spence

Shenay Dhillon

Sienna Kachhela

Sienna Patel

Simran Johal

Taylor Barnes

Tiana Patel

Venus Shury

YOUNG CREATIVES SHOWCASE

Amber Murray

Amber Griffiths-Rowe

Amelie Burch

Andrew Self

Anemone Bennett

Arthur Creaner

Blythe Hood

Bo Bayne

Bobbi Walker

Cerys Addy

Chloe Olivia Fear

Eleanor Bye

Elle Hood

Elsie Grace Fairless

Esemena Etefia

Esme Peal

Esther Carr

Eva Barnard

Evie-May Hagan

Fran Coulson

Freya Watson

Gillian Konko

Hannah Bentley

Isabel Ava Hancock

James Argyle

Joseph Green

Joshua Redfen

Kate Senior

Kevin Mensah

Lauren Powell

Lea Wrigglesworth

Leilani Wessels

Lily Calladine

Lola Saunders

Matilda Clodore

Maximus Mawle

Mitzi Trought

Niamh Carnegie

Phoebe Burton

Rose Malone

Ruby Hill

Sanai Dixon-Thomas

Sarah Jones

Shannon Powles

Tabitha Hannant

Zuzanna Lisiecka

U.DANCE NATIONAL FESTIVAL TEAM

FESTIVAL PARTNER REPRESENTATIVES

Cheryl Baty

Dance City Dance Engagement Coordinator, Lead for Schools

Emily Nicholson

Dance City Engagement Coordinator

Helen McDonnell

Northern Stage Front of House Manager

Gemma Wynne

Newcastle College Course Leader for Dance

Jack Redpath

Newcastle College Head of Curriculum

Tess Chaytor MBE

TIN Arts Artistic Director

Martin Wilson MBE

TIN Arts Executive Director

Hannah Kirkpatrick and Becky Leslie

National Youth Dance Company – England (NYDC)

Rachel Elliott and Laura Connolly

English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS)

Mark Reid

BFI Southbank

U.DANCE NATIONAL PANEL MEMBERS

Amy Burdon

Anna Kenrick

Becky Leslie

Dom Coffey

Hannah Kirkpatrick

Helen Linsell

Jamie Jenkins

Maiya Leeke

Martin Wilson MBE

Natasha Player

Pippa Fisher Coldwell

Rachel Deadman

Richard Pitt

Vidya Patel

Zoe Phillips

PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM

Brian Slater Photography

Dani Bower Photography

Photography and Film

Von Fox Promotions

Filmmaker

THEATRE PRODUCTION – DANCE CITY

Nick Rogerson

Technical Manager

Jess Avery

Digital, Technical and Buildings Coordinator

Tess Chaytor MBE and Tertia Brigham

Spotlight on the North East Rehearsal Directors, with thanks to TIN Arts

Rhian Robbins

Young Creatives Rehearsal Director

THEATRE PRODUCTION – NORTHERN STAGE

Bill Deverson

Production Manager

Anthony Osborne

Stage Manager

Lisa Chapman

Rehearsal Director

Tess Chaytor MBE and Tertia Brigham

Finale Directors, with thanks to TIN Arts

Chris Durant

Northern Stage Head of Technical and Production

Daniel Smith

Northern Stage Chief Technician

Adam Carée

Production Manager, NYDC (England)

NATIONAL U.DANCE PARTNERS 2023

Dance East and University of Bedfordshire, East Dance City, North East

FABRIC, Midlands

Pavilion Dance South West and Exeter College, South West

South East Dance and MÓTUS, South East

The Lowry, North West

Trinity Laban, London

Yorkshire Dance

YDance, Scotland

National Youth Arts Wales

DU Dance, Northern Ireland

Thank you to all workshop leaders and companies, event staff, festival volunteers and Dance Ambassadors, and of course to the incredible group leaders and participants, for making the U.Dance National Festival such a special event. We’re immensely grateful to all the businesses and organisations who are supporting U.Dance National Festival 2023.

ONE DANCE UK TEAM

Andrew Hurst MBE

Chief Executive

Laura Nicholson

Head of Children and Young People’s Dance

Cameron Ball

U.Dance Festival Manager

Rebecca Bertram

Project Manager

Katie Stevens

Operations Manager

Amelia Bickley

Membership and Business Development Officer

Dani Bower

Marketing and Communications Manager

Lisa Chapman

Dance in Education Manager

Lara Coffey

Head of Marketing and Communications

Barny Darnell

Membership Manager

Beatriz De Castro Franca

Project Assistant

Alisha Kadri

Head of Membership and Business Development

Sam Lane

Dance in Education Manager

Jess Lowe

Dancers’ Health Wellbeing and Performance Administrator

Jo Gatenby

Dance in Education Manager

Jazlyn Pinckney

Head of Workforce Development

Amy Roberts

Dance in Education Manager

Chloe Sprackling

Marketing and Design Officer

Erin Sanchez

Manager, Health, Wellbeing and Performance

ONE DANCE UK PATRONS

Carlos Acosta CBE

Children and Young People’s Dance

Peter Badejo OBE

Arlene Phillips CBE

Champion of U.Dance and Young Creatives: Sir Richard Alston

_____________

Thank you to the One Dance UK Board, funders and supporters.

A Northern Stage Production

By Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Original Company Directed by Jake Smith and Katy Weir

With thanks to the U.Dance National Festival 2023 Bronze and Access Sponsor:

With thanks to event partners: