From Classrooms to Centre Stage: National Youth Arts Wales inspires performers throughout Wales

Former National Youth Theatre Wales member, Niamh Moulton, presenting on the roadshow. Photo: Kirsten McTernan

At a time when the Arts sector across Wales faces growing financial pressures and uncertainty, National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) has been a vital lifeline for creative young people. Throughout February and March 2025, NYAW visited 15 secondary schools, colleges, and youth theatres, engaging over 550 students aged 14-18 in dynamic workshops designed to nurture the next generation of performers.

Delivered by a young team of National Youth Theatre Wales (NYTW) alumni—many of whom have since built careers in the arts—the NYAW Roadshow provided not just skills development, but a powerful message: opportunities in the arts should not be reserved for the few, especially as funding cuts threaten to narrow the path.

Megan Childs, Theatre Producer at National Youth Arts Wales said:

“Meeting students, teachers, and course leaders from every corner of Wales has been inspiring. Yet, beneath that enthusiasm lies a stark reality: many schools, especially in areas facing economic hardship, are working miracles to keep arts education alive despite dwindling resources. There’s no shortage of talent or commitment among young people -what’s lacking is the consistent investment to support them.”

The Roadshow is part of NYAW’s new Ambassador programme, offering paid training and facilitation opportunities for former NYTW ensemble members. These alumni not only led workshops but also shared their own journeys, showing students how involvement in the arts can lead to professional careers and lifelong personal development.

Niamh Moulton, a 2017-2019 NYTW member and now working professionally in the arts, reflected:

“It was great getting to tell students interested in creative arts what National Youth Theatre Wales can offer them. They were at the perfect age to be able to apply and audition over several different years, which is something I wish I’d done. I’m also glad schools in Wales are as passionate and eager about the arts as NYAW is - a positive step in the best direction for the future of the industry.”

Dafydd Leonard, who has been part of NYTW since 2019, added:

“I found the eagerness to get involved from the students really inspiring. I wanted to be [an ambassador] because of how special my time with the National Youth Theatre Wales was. I wanted to enlighten the next generation of young creatives about how they could get involved and have an unforgettable experience, just like I did.”

One stop on the Roadshow, Afon Taf, Troed y Rhiw, illustrates the stakes. Drama teacher Miss Jones shared:

“The experience [of NYAW’s visit] was invaluable for our students, many of whom come from a generally deprived area where opportunities in the arts are limited. As the sole Drama teacher since qualifying, I have been working to build the drama department from the ground up, striving to provide creative opportunities in a time when Arts Education is increasingly underfunded and under resourced. Seeing the students engage so enthusiastically with the workshop and opportunities in front of them reaffirmed just how vital the arts are in inspiring confidence, creativity, and self-expression.”

Photo by Kirsten McTernan

Participating in the performing arts offers young people proven benefits—boosting confidence, communication, academic performance, emotional well-being, and employability. Yet, these pathways are increasingly under threat.

Earlier this year, National Youth Arts Wales Chief Executive, Evan Dawson, issued a strong call to action in response to more proposed cuts to arts funding in Wales:

“We cannot afford to be the generation that watches from the sidelines as our cultural legacy and the potential of our youth are stifled by shortsighted budget cuts. Let’s champion a renaissance in Welsh arts—not just for culture’s sake, but for the holistic development of our society.” Read the statement here.

Applications are now open for National Youth Theatre Wales 2025 auditions, closing Thursday 27th March. Selected members will benefit from three intensive residential training programmes, partnerships with leading companies like Theatr Clwyd and Wales Millennium Centre, and the chance to shape NYAW’s 2026 Anniversary production—all while working bilingually and building friendships for life. Book your audition here.  

As Wales faces difficult decisions about the future of arts funding, National Youth Arts Wales commitment to empowering young people in the arts sends a clear message: our young people’s creative voices deserve not only to be heard—but championed.

If you would like to find out how donations could help provide young people with opportunities and access to the arts, click here.

Empowering the Next Generation of Welsh Singers

The National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) Côr Skills programme is designed to help young singers across Wales develop the confidence and expertise to take on a wide range of vocal and choral opportunities. From the National Youth Choir of Wales to county ensembles and beyond, the programme provides a stepping stone for passionate singers, regardless of prior formal training or experience.  

NYAW staff Mason Edwards and Bruna Garcia at Côr Skills 2025

This half-term, Côr Skills continued its way around Wales, with a four-day residential course designed to inspire and develop young singers aged 14–18.  Held in Lampeter from February 24–27, the residency brought together a team of expert vocal leaders and special guest mentors to nurture participants' musical talents. 

Throughout the residency, aspiring young singers honed their vocal technique, musical theory, and audition skills through a series of tailored workshops. The course also placed a strong emphasis on community and social connection, with activities such as a silent disco and other fun events designed to help participants build friendships and confidence. 

NYAW partnered with National Music Plan in Powys to deliver taster workshops ahead of the residency, strengthening its presence in Mid Wales and encouraging more young people to engage with choral music. 

Parents were full of praise for the impact of Côr Skills: 

“[My daughter] had an amazing time and learnt a lot at her time there. After learning so much [my daughter] was wondering if there is anything similar you will be running this year.”

- Parent of Côr Skills participant  

“We just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone for giving [my son] the most incredible week at Côr Skills. The performance this afternoon was beautiful and quite breath-taking. We couldn’t believe what you had all achieved in just a few days – amazing!”

- Parent of Côr Skills participant  


“Our Côr Skills 2025 residency was huge success! I’m so proud of all the young people who joined us and grateful to our amazing partners and funders who helped to make this happen!” 
- Participation and Learning Officer, Bruna Garcia 

NYAW extends its heartfelt thanks to supporters including ABRSM and The Backstage Trust, whose generous contributions made Côr Skills 2025 possible. 

Watch highlights from Côr Skills 2025 here 
 
Find out more information about Côr Skills here 
 

Supporting Young Strings Players Throughout Wales

The National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) programme “Strings Attached” has continued its roll-out around Wales. During February, we welcomed over 50 young string players at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen, for an intensive, ambitious day of musical learning.

The strategic initiative for young musicians is aimed at those at Grade 5 and above and was run in collaboration with Powys Music Service. Strings Attached offers talented young musicians a friendly development platform to enhance their skills and musical experience, whilst making new friends.  

Throughout the workshop, held on Saturday 15th February 2025, participants worked closely with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) team, focusing on both string repertoire and playing techniques while honing their skills. They were supported by tutors from local music services and a group of Peer Mentors—young musicians from NYOW. 

The workshop also included a valuable session about the audition process for National Youth Arts Wales music ensembles. The Q&A session was led by Matthew Jones, Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive at National Youth Arts Wales; tutors who serve on audition panels; and Peer Mentors, who have firsthand experience of the auditions. 

The day finished with a showcase performance where the young musicians played the repertoire they had worked on, from Mozart to Morfydd Owen. The high standard of the performances reflected the dedication and hard work of the participants throughout the event.
 

Matthew Jones said: “This has been our second year of running Strings Attached and it was fantastic to see the young talent coming up through the mid-Wales and beyond. We hope some of the musicians who participated have been inspired to continue striving and audition for our National Youth ensembles in the coming years.” 

“This truly was a fantastic opportunity.  Thank you again for what you do for our children and the arts in Wales.”  
- Parent of Strings Attached participant 

“Many thanks for putting this on and I hope there are other regular events of this nature for young string players in
S. Wales.”  - Parent of Strings Attached participant 

NYAW extends its gratitude to the Colwinston Charitable Trust, A&B Cymru, ABRSM, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, as well as its core funders Arts Council Wales and the National Music Service, whose support has made Strings Attached 2025 possible. 

Strings Attached 2025 participants from across Wales at University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Welsh Youth to feature in the European Brass Band 2025

The team at National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW) is bursting with pride as three of our outstanding young musicians prepare to represent Europe on one of the most prestigious stages for young brass musicians. 

Solomon (Sol) Maghur, who plays the Cornet, Gwen Howe on the Bass Trombone, and Sean Linton on the Tuba, have been handpicked to join the European Youth Brass Band (EYBB) 2025. The trio will travel to Stavanger, Norway, this May to perform alongside Europe’s finest young brass players in a week of thrilling music-making and camaraderie. 

The EYBB residency is a dream come true for many aspiring brass musicians. For Sol, Gwen, and Sean, it marks a significant milestone in their musical journeys. Over the course of the week, they will rehearse and perform under the guidance of world-class conductors, culminating in spectacular performances at the European Brass Band Championships. These concerts, which include the Grand Gala Concert and Opening Ceremony, promise to be unforgettable highlights. 

Matthew Jones, Senior Producer for NYBBW, said: “Sol, Gwen, and Sean represent the very best of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales. Their selection for the European Youth Brass Band is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of their exceptional talent and dedication. We are thrilled to see them take this next step on their musical journey and are confident they will inspire and impress audiences in Norway and beyond.” 

The EYBB, established in the early 2000s, is not just a celebration of musical talent but a unique opportunity for young musicians to connect, collaborate, and push the boundaries of their artistry. Sol, Gwen, and Sean will join forces with peers from across Europe, creating music that transcends borders and leaves a lasting impression. 

While these young stars prepare for their European adventure, the National Youth Brass Band of Wales is also gearing up for its exciting 2025 programme. Rehearsals will begin in April, followed by a week’s residency and a tour that will bring unforgettable performances to audiences across Wales. This year, National Youth Brass Band of Wales welcomes back sought-after Welsh conductor, Paul Holland.

For more updates and to follow the incredible journey of these young Welsh ambassadors, visit NYAW’s website. 

Statement on proposed closure of Cardiff University's Music Department

The proposed closure of Cardiff University's music department is a profound blow to the cultural and educational landscape of Wales. 

Evan Dawson, CEO of National Youth Arts Wales said:

“The music department at Cardiff University has a proud history, interwoven with the development of Welsh music, notably through the influence of Professor Alun Hoddinott. As a former head of the department, Hoddinott was instrumental in shaping the institution into a powerhouse for musical education and innovation, fostering talents like Karl Jenkins and many others who have enriched our cultural landscape. This department has been the cradle for many composers, musicians and scholars who've left an indelible mark on the arts both in Wales and globally.  

We are witnessing a worrying trend where the arts, particularly music, are being systematically devalued through funding cuts and institutional closures. This decision by Cardiff University threatens the immediate future of current students, staff and the broader music community – whilst it also jeopardises the long-term cultural health of our nation. 

Music education is not merely an academic pursuit - it is a fundamental part of our community's identity, offering young people avenues for expression, personal development and professional opportunities. The closure of this department would drastically reduce the pathways available for those aiming to contribute to Wales's rich musical heritage. 

In our recent "Youth Arts Crisis" statement, we highlighted how chronic underfunding in youth arts is denying opportunities for countless young people, impacting their health, education and community wellbeing. This decision by Cardiff University starkly illustrates the very issues we've been campaigning about. It is imperative that we recognise and invest in the arts as essential to our society's fabric. 

We urge Cardiff University to reconsider its decision. We must all act now to secure a future in which every young person in Wales has the chance to benefit from the arts, ensuring that the cultural legacy of our nation, once nurtured by figures like Alun Hoddinott, continues to flourish for generations to come.”

NYAW is in touch with our many members of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Choir of Wales and National Youth Brass Band of Wales who are currently studying at Cardiff University.

"I’m currently in my second year undergraduate at Cardiff University, studying music. The proposal to shut the School of Music has deeply affected staff and students. We’re all unsure how the future looks now, but we know we will feel the impacts of the closures over the next year. For the capital city to lose its music school is a huge blow.” 

NYOW member

"As a third year student at Cardiff University, the School of Music have provided me with many valuable experiences throughout my journey. It's heartbreaking news that our music course at Cardiff might be coming to an end, and a shock to everyone that future students might not have this same opportunity."

NYOW member

Youth Arts Crisis: National Youth Arts Wales Calls on Welsh Government to Act Now

As advocates for youth creativity in Wales, National Youth Arts Wales is today raising the alarm about the “shameful” state of youth arts funding in our nation. We call on the Welsh Government to address this urgent situation, ensuring every young person can access the transformative power of the arts.

The recent Senedd report "A Decade of Cuts" reveals a landscape of neglect and chronic underfunding, jeopardising not only the arts, but also our cultural identity and the development of future generations.

Wales, once vibrant with artistic expression, now ranks the second lowest in Europe for investment in the arts per person. This decline is not merely numbers on a spreadsheet - it's a narrative of lost opportunities, diminished creativity, and a future in which our children don’t have access to arts opportunities that could shape their lives. As highlighted by Arts Council Wales in its recent Economic Impact Report, there has been a 40% real-terms reduction in revenue funding for culture since 2010. With every passing year, we are losing ground in an area that Wales should be leading.

Contrast this with the compelling evidence from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) study published a few weeks ago. This research underscores what those of us in the arts have known for years - engagement in arts and culture has a profound impact on health and wellbeing. The study reveals that regular participation in cultural activities can reduce the need for healthcare services, enhance mental health and foster community cohesion. More specifically, it quantifies the social return on investment, showing that for every pound invested in arts and culture, there is a substantial return in economic, social and health benefits. As Arts Council Wales’s own Impact Report demonstrated, the Welsh economy benefits by £2.51 for every £1 spent on cultural activities. Put simply, the more we spend on the arts, the more we save elsewhere.

Evan Dawson, CEO of National Youth Arts Wales, emphasised: “We call on the Welsh Government to reconsider how resources are allocated, placing renewed emphasis on ‘prevention’ as a strategic investment. A long-term plan is needed - one that recognises the arts, particularly youth arts, as critical infrastructure for a healthy, vibrant, and prosperous Wales. Crucially, this must be a comprehensive strategy that integrates budgets for Education, Culture, and Health. The arts are not a luxury,but a necessity for the development of young minds. They provide a platform for expression, learning and resilience. Investing in youth arts is investing in the future leaders, thinkers and innovators of Wales.”

Economic Argument

Beyond the intrinsic value of arts, there's a clear economic case. The arts sector directly contributes to GDP, supports local economies, and creates jobs. Moreover, the social return on investment in arts, as evidenced by the DCMS study, significantly outweighs the initial investment.

Health and Wellbeing

The wellbeing benefits of arts participation are undeniable. In times when mental health among young people is a growing concern, arts can offer therapeutic avenues, reducing the societal burden of health costs through prevention and early intervention. 

Cultural Preservation and Innovation

Wales is at risk of losing its unique cultural narratives if we do not nurture them through the arts. Youth arts programmes are not just about preserving culture but also about pushing boundaries and fostering innovation.

Community Building

Arts programmes bring communities together, creating inclusive spaces where diversity is celebrated. This social cohesion is vital, especially in an era where divisiveness can so easily take root.

Evan Dawson added: “Again, we urge the Welsh Government to re-evaluate resource allocation, prioritising 'prevention' as a strategic investment for the future. We cannot afford to be the generation that watches from the sidelines as our cultural legacy and the potential of our youth are stifled by shortsighted budget cuts. Let's champion a renaissance in Welsh arts, not just for the sake of culture but for the holistic development of our society.  Our children deserve a Wales where their creative expressions are not only heard but celebrated, where their involvement in the arts is seen as a fundamental part of their growth and our collective future.”

National Youth Arts Wales will award more bursaries to young people thanks to new funding from Leverhulme Trust

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) has been awarded an Art Scholarship grant of £171,990 by the Leverhulme Trust to support training opportunities for young people from lower-income backgrounds to access our advanced performance training in the arts.

Our vision is to build a creative, confident and generous future for Wales by empowering the next generation of musicians, actors, dancers and makers. As well as leading Wales’s five national youth ensembles (theatre, dance, orchestra, choir and brass band), we also have a strategic overview of the health of youth arts throughout Wales. Every year we engage with around 2,000 young people (aged 16-22), drawn from every county in Wales, through exceptional training and performance opportunities.

This new funding from the Leverhulme Trust will allow NYAW to grow its current programme of bursaries and development programmes, ensuring that household income should never be a barrier for the most talented young people to aspire to a career in the arts. As well as offering fee reductions of up to 100% for our summer residencies, those most in need will also receive a bursary grant to help cover travel costs and other expenses. NYAW will continue offering automatic fee waivers for young people coming from households receiving Universal Credit, Free School Meals or full Welsh Government Learning Grants, as well as young carers, those seeking asylum or care-experienced members.

Evan Dawson, NYAW’s CEO, commented on the announcement: “At National Youth Arts Wales, we are all delighted and humbled to receive this funding from the Leverhulme Trust. With their support, we will continue to ensure every young person in Wales can access advanced and joyful performance training in the arts, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Along with this grant from the Leverhulme Trust, the NYAW Bursary Fund is also supported annually by the Neil and Mary Ellen Webber Bursary Fund, and the Friends of National Youth Orchestra of Wales. We’re also grateful to all the individuals who give to our bursary fund by direct debit – you can join them by visiting https://www.nyaw.org.uk/support-us.

NYAW’s expanded bursary scheme is just one part of the ongoing effort to work towards a more equitable arts sector for young performers. NYAW is also expanding its range of development projects, designed to provide targeted tuition to young people from under-represented communities, such as those with a disability, or from communities who experience racism. These include the Strings Attached and Cor Skills programmes, and the Assemble project for non-mainstream schools.

About the Leverhulme Trust

Since its foundation in 1925, the Leverhulme Trust has provided grants and scholarships for research and education, funding research projects, fellowships, studentships, bursaries and prizes; it operates across all the academic disciplines, the intention being to support talented individuals as they realise their personal vision in research and professional training. Today, it is one of the largest all-subject providers of research funding in the UK, distributing approximately £120 million a year. For more information about the Trust, please visit www.leverhulme.ac.uk 

National Youth Arts Wales Launches Strings Attached Initiative

At National Youth Arts Wales, we believe all young people should have the opportunity to flourish through the arts. As part of our strategic responsibility for the ecology of youth arts in Wales, we identify key talent pathways into our five national ensembles, and work with partners to actively address any gaps.

Strings Attached is a new project for young string players of Grade 4 standard and above, run in collaboration with the South-East Wales music services.

The first 2-day event took place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff on 12 and 13 October, bringing together over 50 young string players from across South Wales to join National Youth Arts Wales.

Participants worked intensively with the NYOW Tutorial team, preparing some fantastic string repertoire whilst learning more about playing techniques and ensemble working. They were supported by tutors from the music services and a team of Peer Mentors, young musicians from within the ranks of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.

There was also an opportunity to hear more about the audition process for the National Youth Arts Wales music ensembles. The Q&A session was led by Matthew Jones from National Youth Arts Wales with tutors who sit on the NYAW audition panels and the Peer Mentors who have been through the audition process a number of times themselves.

The weekend ended in a wonderful sharing of the music they’d learned, with the standard of playing testament to the hard work and dedication the participants had shown across the weekend.

Megan George from RCT and participant in the project said: “It really enjoyed playing for the whole weekend. The choice of pieces was great and it was so useful to learn some proper string orchestral techniques”

 A parent of a participant said: “There are some areas of Wales that have lost their regional youth orchestra and making the jump from county to National level can feel like a hug leap. The standard achieved in two days was incredibly impressive and has given the students the opportunity to bridge that gap. We need more of these days!”

Matthew Jones, Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive at National Youth Arts Wales said: “During the COVID lockdowns, most opportunities for young musicians were taken away. Those who had just started their musical journey at the time arguably being the most affected. Suddenly their ability to progress was halted, weekly rehearsals and lessons were suspended, and playing with like-minded young people in a residential situation was impossible.

It is now a priority for everyone in music education in Wales to urgently provide intermediate learners with additional support to recover lost ground, regain their inspiration, and reach their full potential. Underpinned by the National Music Service for Wales, collaborative and joined up working with music services and other organisations means we can do more together.”  

This weekend was the first of what we hope will be a continuing programme of work, with plans already in the pipeline for similar projects in North, West and Mid-Wales.

NYAW is very thankful to the generous support of Colwinston Trust, ABRSM and the Arts & Business Culture Step fund as well as our core funders, Arts Council Wales and the National Music Service whose funding has made the Strings Attached project possible.

Shaping the Future of Music in Wales: NYAW’s Breathtaking Summer

This summer, National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) brought together the most talented young musicians from throughout Wales for a series of intensive musical residencies and concerts. Featuring our famous national youth ensembles – Brass Band, Choir, and Orchestra – it was a season of passion, creativity and unforgettable performances.

231 young musicians, representing every corner of Wales, took part. Together, they performed ten concerts in some of Wales’s most iconic venues: in St Davids (in partnership with Fishguard Festival), Bangor, St Asaph, Cardiff and Swansea. Each performance was both breathtaking and groundbreaking, with the energy and enthusiasm of the young musicians felt by everyone in the audience.

One highlight was NYAW’s first-ever relaxed concert at the All Nations Centre in Cardiff. This innovative event made live music accessible for everyone, welcoming people of all abilities to experience the joy of a live orchestra performance. Many of those attending had never been to a classical music concert before.

Guided by the expertise of world-class conductors Erik Janssen, Tim Rhys-Evans and Tianyi Lu, accompanied by their respective creative teams, each ensemble reached new heights of excellence. Their passion and leadership inspired the young musicians to give their best, creating performances that were not only technically impressive but also deeply moving.

Matthew Jones, National Youth Arts Wales Senior Producer said: “As always, it was an absolute privilege and pleasure to work with the extremely talented members of the NYAW Music Ensembles. There were so many highlights, including wonderful concerts in the beautiful St David’s Cathedral as part of the Fishguard Festival; a fabulous 40th Anniversary concert with the Choir at the Brangwyn Hall; and a first relaxed concert for the Orchestra. It is always a huge team effort to make these residencies and concert tours the success they are, so thank you to the whole NYAW staff team, the tutor, welfare, and stage management teams, our wonderful conductors, and of course the young people themselves! I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings – so get applying!”

With the 2024 season now behind us, the excitement is already building for what’s to come in 2025. NYAW continues to nurture and inspire the next generation of Welsh musicians, and with so much talent already shining, the future looks brighter than ever.

If you’re a young musician looking to be part of this incredible experience, now is the perfect time to apply for the 2025 NYAW music ensembles. Don’t miss your chance to work with world-renowned conductors, perform in amazing venues, and join a community of talented young musicians.

Evan Dawson, National Youth Arts Wales CEO said: “This summer, we have once again witnessed Wales’s extraordinary ability to produce world-class young musicians. What makes these ensembles so special is that, in addition to virtuosic playing, the young musicians form such a supportive community to help bring out the best in each other. It is humbling and inspiring. As we look to the future, it is vital that we continue to champion the importance of music for all young people, building on the excellent work being done in schools and communities throughout Wales, in very difficult circumstances. Please help us spread the word about our next round of auditions, and if there is anything you can do to support our work financially, we will ensure it is used to support the arts for young people throughout Wales”.

Are you the future of music in Wales? Apply to audition today for your chance to be a part of NYAW’s unforgettable journey in 2025. The stage is yours!

West End movement director and celebrated Choreographer Yukiko Masui kicks off National Youth Dance Wales 2024 residency and cross-border exchange with National Youth Dance Company of Scotland

Excitement is bursting as this year’s National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) residency, which is in full swing at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. Seventeen talented young dancers have been selected and have gathered from throughout Wales for an intense and exhilarating period of training and creation.  

This year, NYDW is thrilled to announce that the residency is being led by the internationally acclaimed choreographer and Equity Honorary Life Member Yukiko Masui, fresh from working as Movement Director on The Jamie Lloyd Company’s West End production of Romeo and Juliet. In addition to working with Yukiko Masui, our dancers will also have the opportunity to take daily classes with a diverse group of dance artists, exploring a wide range of styles from contemporary to physical theatre. This exposure to various techniques and perspectives ensures a well-rounded experience, allowing each dancer to expand their skill set and artistic expression. 

Watch "NYDW 2024 in the studio with Yukiko Masui".

This year’s company is a vibrant mix of returning alumni and fresh faces. We are proud to welcome back nine returning dancers, who bring with them experience and an understanding of the NYDW ethos and values. Alongside them, eight new dancers are joining the company for the first time following nationwide auditions last February.  

As part of our exciting Celtic Collective partnership, this year’s cohort includes a dancer participating in an exchange programme with National Youth Dance Company of Scotland. This initiative is designed to connect members of NYDW and NYDCS through a shared passion and desire to enhance their dance development and awareness of the sector, both nationally and internationally.  

Maura, NYDW member and Celtic Collective exchange student said: “Having never been to Wales, it’s been such an experience travelling down to a new part of the UK. I’m quite a shy, reserved person, the residency has really made me come out of my shell due to it's intense schedule, wellbeing and social programme. The residency has left me feeling so good about myself. Meeting other NYDW members has taught me so much about professional training, which has been so helpful and I’ve now made supportive connections with other youth dancers all thanks to this residency and the work of Anna from NYDCS and Jamie from NYDW”. 

 In exchange, Eira, a NYDW dancer from Gwynedd, North Wales, will have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience by joining the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland later in the year. 

Eira said: “I'm beyond excited to join the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland as part of the Celtic Collective exchange programme. The chance to work with such talented dancers and choreographers is truly incredible, and I can't wait to visit Scotland and immerse myself in this experience. I'm so thankful for this amazing opportunity”  

Jamie Jenkins, National Youth Dance Wales producer said: “This exchange with National Youth Dance Company of Scotland is a fantastic opportunity for our dancers to experience different creative environments and learn from their peers across the UK. It’s all about expanding horizons, building connections, and pushing the boundaries of what our young dancers can achieve. We’re so pleased to continue this partnership this year and we’re looking forward to seeing how this partnership evolves and enriches both our companies dancers.” 

As the residency continues, anticipation is building for the final performances as guest performers with the award-winning company Ballet Cymru, where these young talented dancers will showcase the results of their hard work under Masui’s expert guidance. With the combination of Masui’s visionary choreography, the diverse talents of the dancers, and the innovative spirit of NYDW, who’ll be hitting a significant 25-year milestone in 2025, this year’s residency is set to be a groundbreaking chapter in the company’s history.