National Youth Dance Wales turns

In 2025, National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) will mark 25 years of empowering young dancers and providing exceptional dance opportunities for young dancers across Wales. To celebrate this milestone, NYAW proposes a national initiative to celebrate the rich history of NYDW, highlight its former members and contributors, and inspire future generations of dancers. This project will honour NYDW's history while showcasing its innovative vision for the future of dance in Wales.

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How will we be celebrating 25 Years of NYDW?

1. National Touring Exhibition and Workshops

NYDW will tour a dynamic and interactive exhibition to locations across Wales, including theatres, community spaces and libraries. Each location will host a free NYDW dance workshop led by alumni and NYDW staff, offering participants a chance to connect and discover the joy in dancing.

Exhibition Features:

Costume Display

Performance Videos

Interactive Information Boards

Alumni Case Studies

Timeline of NYDW History.

Workshops:

Each exhibition location will host a two-hour dance workshop for up to 30-participants. Led by alumni and NYDW facilitators, these sessions will celebrate the organisation’s dance delivery and creative processes. Locations and dates TBC.

2. NYDW Celebratory Programme

We will be publishing a 25th Year celebratory programme to honour everyone who has been involved with NYDW over the years and to use as a resource for future generations. The programme will include amazing images of our performances, exclusive interviews with choreographers and alumni, never-before-seen sketches of our gorgeous costumes and much more! This publication will serve as a record of NYDW’s legacy and a guide for aspiring dancers, arts educators and supporters.

3. Performances in London and Newport

NYDW’s 25th Year company will perform a special choreography at Sadler’s Wells, London, on 25 July on the same bill as National Youth Dance Company of Scotland and National Youth Dance Company (England). NYDW’s company will return to Wales and perform live at The Riverfront, Newport, on October 30 and 31 2025.

4. 25 Years of NYDW celebratory party!

Join us for a celebration, with some cake and beverages, for a change to re-connect with NYDW members and alumni from over the years. Location and date TBC.

If you would like to help support National Youth Dance Wales’ 25th Year plans, please email: jamiejenkins@nyaw.org.uk

Were you part of NYDW? Celebrate with us!

Share your name, location, and year of membership – and if you have photos or videos, we’d love to see them!

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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 and Mario Bermúdez.