OVERVIEW

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.

Founded in 2000, NYDW has worked with some of the UK’s finest, award-winning choreographers – including Wayne McGregor, Henri Oguike, Errol White, Theo Clinkard, Odette Hughes, Kerry Nicholls, Caroline Finn, Laila Diallo, Arielle Smith, Lea Anderson MBE a Mario Bermúdez. 

NYDW PROGRAMME 2024

In partnership with Ballet Cymru

In 2024, National Youth Dance Wales will be working with two choreographers to create new works that will be performed live in autumn 2024 nationally and internationally, showcasing some of Wales’s most promising young dancers. National Youth Dance Wales are delighted to be working in partnership with Ballet Cymru to deliver this year’s programme. 

The NYDW programme promises to be an immersive experience designed to provide our members with an invaluable window into the life of a professional company dancer, exploring dance technique choreographic practices and performance skills.  

The programme is designed to strengthen dance training and develop members' artistic voices within dance. At its core, the residency offers a rare opportunity for participants to delve deep into the world of live performance whilst on their journey of creative exploration. The programme is an arena where the vibrancy of the dancers' movements and creative explorations are celebrated.  

The residency nurtures the growth of the dancers' unique artistic voices. It empowers them to delve deep into their inner creativity, encouraging them to express their personal interpretations, emotions, and storytelling through their movements. Each dancer is encouraged to explore and embrace their individuality. 

Members will also become part of The Celtic Collective, in partnership with the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland. Members will take part in a series of masterclasses delivered by leading industry professionals, bringing together talented young performers through shared passion for dance. 

We want to provide members with an authentic experience that will illustrate the life of a company dancer, immersing those taking part in a professional environment, and exposing them to working with some of the most exciting dance artists working in the UK and beyond – inspiring the next generation of dancers in Wales. 

DATES

Main Residency (Creative) 

When: Monday 12 August – Sunday 25 August 2024

Where: Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff 

Rehearsal & Performances

When: Tuesday 29 October – Saturday 2 November 2024 (Half term) 

Where: Cardiff Bay & Newport (The Riverfront Theatre) 

COST

£600

Your membership fee includes all tuition costs, accommodation, food and board, travel within the residency and social activities. Thanks to the generous support from our funders and supporters, National Youth Arts Wales subsidises a significant part of the costs of being a member of one of the national youth ensembles.

Our Bursary Fund could help to cover some or all of the membership fees, so that no-one is deterred from applying for the NYAW Ensembles for financial reasons. If you have an annual household income of less than £70,000, you could be eligible for financial support.

Additionally, for the first time this year and with support from The Leverhulme Trust, we can offer full Fee Waivers and additional support towards travel expenses and other costs associated with NYAW membership for those who need it most. Visit NYAW BURSARY FUND for full information including how to claim help toward audition costs and membership fees.

Eligibility

NYAW accepts applications from people who live/study full-time in Wales or were born in Wales.   

We are looking for talented young dancers aged 16 – 22 years who live/study full-time in Wales or were born in Wales and who regularly engage in dance classes through their school/college, private dance school and/or with their local youth dance company at intermediate level or above. For the 2024 residencies participants must be aged between 16 and 22 on 31 August 2024. This means that you may be able to audition aged 15, as long as you will be 16 by this date.  

NYAW reserves the right to exclude anyone from taking part in its ensembles at its reasonable discretion, to be exercised by senior staff or trustees.

For any questions about our eligibility criteria, please email us at: nyaw@nyaw.org.uk.  

Bursary Fund

Our Bursary Fund could help to cover some or all of the membership fees, so that no-one is deterred from applying for the NYAW Ensembles for financial reasons. If you have an annual household income of less than £70,000, you could be eligible for financial support. Visit NYAW BURSARY FUND for full information including how to claim help toward audition costs and membership fees.