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A national dance initiative is uniting young people aged 16 to 24 from across England, offering them a platform to perform on prominent stages and broadening opportunities beyond traditional dance training pathways. This project, known as the National Youth Dance Company (NYDC), is administered by the London-based Sadler’s Wells theatre. It places a particular emphasis on recruiting dancers from diverse backgrounds and a wide range of dance styles rather than focusing solely on those with formal training.
The current group of 32 dancers represents 25 different towns, cities, and villages, stretching geographically from Blackpool to Brighton and Colchester to Exmouth. Earlier this year, the ensemble debuted its production Memory Keepers, which continues to tour in July with shows scheduled in locations such as Falmouth, Sadler’s Wells East, and Coventry.
The programme comes at a time when concerns regarding young people’s access to the arts are intensifying. Research commissioned by London’s Roundhouse found that 87% of 18- to 30-year-olds feel they have fewer opportunities compared to prior generations to socialize, gain confidence, and explore creativity outside formal settings like school or work. In response, the Roundhouse and the Centre for Young Lives are spearheading the Young Creatives Commission, a national investigation aimed at improving access to arts, culture, and creative careers.
Hannah Kirkpatrick, head of the National Youth Dance Company, highlighted the importance of representation within the programme, now in its 14th cohort. She explained, “We want young people to come and watch the company and see themselves represented. It’s the country’s national youth dance company so it is important that young people from all different backgrounds, from different areas of the country, from different dance styles and disabled and non-disabled dancers are there.” Since its inception, NYDC has worked with over 12,000 young people, with a 10-year report revealing that 90% of members pursued further training or employment in dance or performing arts. Moreover, 24% of participants originate from the 30% most deprived postcodes in the country.
Michael Omoruyi, an 18-year-old dancer from Blackpool, shared with Positive News how the NYDC experience has benefited him personally and creatively. He said, “NYDC has helped me not only perform on one of the world’s most renowned stages but also network and befriend lots of like-minded creatives across the nation. Cohorts become families filled with passion and love for our art and for each other, and that’s what dance is about – bringing us together, with no barriers or boundaries.” This statement resonates with the company’s mission to create inclusive opportunities and foster a supportive community among young dancers nationwide
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