Wellness, meditation and yoga - new wellbeing resources from National Youth Arts Wales

Decompress, destress and take a moment to look after your physical and mental wellbeing with a series of instructional yoga and meditation sessions from us here at National Youth Arts Wales.

We all know that 2021 hasn’t got off to easiest start, and it’s important to take some time to look after ourselves. We’re fortunate to have yoga instructor Jess Jones taking us along with her on a meditation and yoga journey, with something for everyone - whether you’re a total beginner or no stranger to a yoga mat, Jess’ sessions are designed for a range of experience levels.

View the full playlist on Youtube here.

In conversation with Anthony Matsena

As Anthony Matsena joins our Board of Trustees, we spoke to the choreographer and dancer about his new role, about his career, and about dancing through the current pandemic.

NYAW: Congratulations on being appointed to the NYAW Board of Trustees - we are thrilled to have you on board. What does it mean to you to be joining this organisation and what do you hope to be able to bring/influence in reference to your respected career as a professional dancer?

AM: It means everything to be a part of the organisation that I would confidently say had a massively positive impact on my career in the field of dance. It's a massive privilege, I mean it was only 4 years ago I was sharing the stage with my fellow NYDW members. I'm hoping to affect positive change on the dance programme in ensuring that as an organisation the work we are delivering is in tune with the work that is out there today. Contemporary dance is an ever-morphing beast so it's hard to make sure that younger people are getting the right training to ensure long successful careers in Dance. I want to make it easier for dancers with different training to the standard ballet and contemporary find their way into the programme. I know there's an incredible amount of talent out there in Wales that needs to be reached to its full potential. Lastly, I'm excited to give back to Wales and an organisation that has a special place for me in my heart.

NYAW: How did NYAW inspire you as you pursued your career?

AM: It inspired me to go beyond my limits and maintain a level of excellence and pride in the work we make and produce here in Wales. Having those residencies were I felt like a sponge, learning from all the talent around Wales was second to none. NYAW made me realise the bigger goals and ambitions of what I thought was possible.  

NYAW: Why do you think aspiring Welsh dancers age 16-22 should strive to represent Wales as a member of NYAW? 

AM: I think two things for young dancers striving to represent Wales; one is the pride of the country of Wales that has so much beauty and culture that you need to shout about for the world to learn of how special a country it is and second, to strive for excellence in their careers, experience and connections shape our careers. Here at NYAW, you get to make connections with industry leaders and get to have the highest level of experience with peers you will be working with for years to come.

NYAW: What top tips would you offer to aspiring young dancers (or performers in general)?

AM: I have one tip which is open yourself up to all experiences. You can never predict what you will like and what will be useful at that stage in your career and really in life, so if you see an opportunity to grow and learn then TAKE IT no matter what anyone says.

NYAW: Increasing diversity in the arts is a crucial development we all need to address. NYAW is working hard to reach new audiences and raise awareness of its Bursary scheme which prevents cost from being a barrier for any talented young welsh performer offered a place. How do you feel organisations like NYAW can most effectively reach and promote diversity?

AM: I have thought of this deeply and I think for me it's quite simple. Employing people of colour who understand the communities and cultures they need to reach would have a massive impact. Representation is important, having people who look like the people who we are trying to connect to makes it easier for them to feel more welcomed and not fearful of applying if they feel they belong there.

NYAW: What are your career highlights? 

AM: My career highlights are performing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2010 as A3 with my brothers.
Performing Kerry Nicholls work 'aM' for NYDW 2015 on Sadler's Wells Mainstage.
Me and my brothers first triple bill 'Out Of Options' at The Bunker Theatre in 2017.
Sharing my work 'Vessels of Affliction' on Sadler's Wells Mainstage last year.
Performing in 'Tree' by Idris Elba and Kwame Kwei-Armah last year at MIF and Young Vic Theatre.
Been appointed Associate Artist for NDCWales and Messums Wiltshire this year.
Joining the Board of NYAW. 

NYAW: What are you working on right now? 

AM: I am quite lucky to be working on a performance and film with my company that I co own with my brother, Matsena Performance Theatre, commissioned by Messums Wiltshire. I say lucky because we all know how devastating COVID-19 has been on our careers as performers and makers. There's light at the end of this dark tunnel. Let's all keep making and moving, so we are ready for when the time arrives to share art again.

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Read More: National Youth Arts Wales dance alumni Anthony Matsena appointed to Board of Trustees

National Youth Arts Wales to create new paid training roles through Youth Music Incubator Fund

National Youth Arts Wales will create three new trainee producer roles and six freelance Future Mentor roles over the next two years, thanks to funding awarded through the Youth Music Incubator Fund today (4 November 2020).

The roles are paid at least the Real Living Wage, and are specifically for young people aged 18-25 from under-represented communities within the arts workforce.

These paid roles are designed to help young musicians and music producers from underrepresented communities gain valuable work experience – greatly expanding NYAW’s existing work to help develop a more diverse workforce in the arts. Recruitment is limited to those young people who may face barriers to a career in music, such as D/deaf and disabled young people, young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and Black and non-Black young people of colour.

The trainee producers will work with our team to deliver our work supporting young people across Wales. Our freelance Future Mentors will help to design and deliver our Music Futures project, which will continue in 2021 to develop young pop and rock talent across Wales.

All roles will receive external mentoring, tailored work experiences based on their individual interests, and individual career development support. All roles will be filled through open recruitment, with job adverts starting within the coming months.

This project is supported by Youth Music’s Incubator Fund, thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. This new £2 million Incubator Fund – expected to run over at least the next two years - is designed to help music industry organisations, particularly micro-businesses and SMEs, to harness the skills and creativity of diverse young talent. It offers grants of up to £30,000 to forward-thinking music industry employers to support the careers of people aged 18-25. The funding, which can be spent on wages and support, provides a tangible way for small, independent organisations in the music industry to thrive and collaborate with the next generation and the wider sector.

National Youth Arts Wales dance alumni Anthony Matsena appointed to Board of Trustees

National Youth Arts Wales has appointed choreographer and dancer Anthony Matsena to its Board of Trustees, bringing a fresh and inspiring perspective to the governance of Wales’ leading youth arts charity at this defining time.

An exciting and rising talent in contemporary dance, Anthony is a former member of the National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) and now professionally recognised for his work with Sadlers Wells, National Dance Company of Wales (NDCWales) and performing most recently in Tree at the Young Vic, created by Idris Elba and Kwame Kewi-Armah.

Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Swansea from the age of 13, Anthony developed his passion and skill for dance attending hip-hop, African and Contemporary lessons. His first professional performance came in 2014 when he was spotted by Matthew Bourne’s artistic team and selected to perform in Lord of the Flies, New Adventures at Wales Millennium Centre. He soon joined National Youth Dance Wales where he gained a pivotal early career highlight; performing Kerry Nicholls work aM for NYDW 2015 on Sadler's Wells Mainstage. A year later he was accepted into London Contemporary Dance School, where he quickly became an exciting choreographer and ‘one to watch’. In the same year he graduated from his BA (Honours) in Contemporary Dance, Anthony returned to Sadlers Wells where he was prestigiously awarded the role of Young Associate 2018-2020.

David M Jackson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, National Youth Arts Wales said:

“I’m delighted to welcome the brilliant young dancer and choreographer Anthony Matsena to the Board of NYAW. Now working on the global stage, Anthony brings new energy, and a new, diverse perspective to our work for the gifted and talented young people of Wales. I’m already enjoying working with him, and look forward to his enjoying a long, fruitful and inspiring partnership with NYAW.”

Anthony Matsena said:

“It means everything to be a part of the organisation that I would confidently say had a massively positive impact on my career in the field of dance. It's a huge privilege, especially given it was only 4 years ago I was sharing the stage with my fellow NYDW members.

I'm looking forward to effecting positive change on the dance programme to ensure the work we are delivering continues to be in tune with the work that is out there today. Contemporary dance is an ever-morphing beast so it's hard to make sure that younger people are getting the right training to ensure long successful careers in dance. I also want to help with the organisation’s work in widening access; to make it easier for dancers with different training backgrounds to find their way into the programme. I know there's an incredible amount of talent out there in Wales that needs to be reached to its full potential.  I'm excited to give back to Wales and an organisation that has a special place in my heart.“

Gillian Mitchell, Chief Executive of NYAW said:

“The NYAW Board plays an important role in helping shape the strategic direction of the organisation.  Since it was set up in 2017, the new NYAW Board has shown great leadership, helping to steer the organisation forward in a way that ultimately will make a meaningful impact on the lives of talented young Welsh performers, regardless of their background.

As the organisation continues to grow and further develop at every level, I am delighted that Anthony has agreed to join our Board of Trustees.  Encouraging aspiration amongst young people in Wales and reflecting the nation’s diversity is a huge part of our artistic approach and it is critical that is reflected in all elements of what we do in NYAW.  As well as bringing his own experience to the Board, we know that Anthony will be an inspiration for young Welsh dancers embarking on their own professional journey.”

Anthony joins the NYAW Board of Trustees alongside David Jackson (Chair), Bryan Hughes, Rhian Hutchings, Christine Lewis OBE, Mathew Milsom, Karen Pimbley and Mathew Talfan.

National Youth Arts Wales expands its digital programme in 2021

Following a successful summer of Digital Mini Residencies, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from members, National Youth Arts Wales will be expanding its digital activity further as social distancing continues to prevent face-to-face training.

Instead of our usual face-to-face residencies and concerts this summer, we offered workshops over Zoom to the nearly 400 talented young Welsh members that make up our national ensembles. These were members that successfully auditioned for a place in our ensembles, but lost out on joining our residencies due to Covid-19.

Between July and September, NYAW produced 121 digital sessions for its music, theatre and dance members – with 1732 attendances overall. 100% of members surveyed enjoyed the digital workshops, with 99% wanting us to produce more.

“The digital residency was a perfect substitute for a real NYCW residency. Obviously we couldn't be with each other in person but the workshops and welfare chats were amazing to connect with people you can't see year round.” (NYCW member)

Very interesting getting to speak with some awesome people in the industry. [I] learnt many new skills that will be invaluable when I hopefully go into working within the arts (NYTW member)

Highlights of the summer included:

• National Youth Theatre Wales members met illustrious alumni Rakie Ayola (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, On Bear Ridge), who took part in a Q & A and professional insight session with members as did Richard Elis (Eastenders, Tourist Trap, Hinterland/Y Gwyll) who also compered the cabaret evening. Theatr Clwyd's Artistic Director Tamara Harvey joined the members online for a training and technique advice session and they also benefitted from performance and theatre making workshops with director Hannah Noone, award winning NYTW alumnus Heledd Gwynn and Theatr Clwyd's Creative Engagement Director Gwennan Mair.

• All three music ensembles were able to ask questions and learn from their three musical directors – Carlo Rizzi (NYOW conductor, and Conductor Laureate of Welsh National Opera), Tim Rhys-Evans (NYCW conductor, Founder of Only Men Aloud and the Aloud Charity, and Director of Music at RWCMD) and Philip Harper (NYBBW conductor, and Musical Director of The Cory Band)

• National Youth Dance Wales members had regular Digital Yoga sessions throughout the summer, and were joined for an online masterclass by choreographer and dance artist James Cousins.

• For the first time, we were able to offer sessions in Alexander Technique, Sophrology and Coaching for Performers to members of National Youth Choir of Wales, National Youth Orchestra of Wales and National Youth Brass Band of Wales. Choir and band members had a daily warm-up together, and all had sectionals with leading instrumental and choral tutors – a chance to play and sing together whilst in lockdown.

Crucially at this time, these sessions also provided work for 55 freelance performers, at a time when many Welsh self-employed artists had little or no work due to the pandemic.

Whilst these digital sessions couldn’t fully replace our summer residencies, the workshops brought our members together during a traumatic time for young people, and helped to keep them performing and enjoying the arts during a time when almost all other youth arts activity has stopped.

Our Future Plans

Feedback from members has been overwhelmingly positive, and so we’ll be expanding this work throughout the rest of the year and into 2021:

• Between now and summer 2021, we’ll be offering regular monthly digital masterclasses across a range of artforms and ensemble interest areas for both new and existing members.

• We’ll be launching free online workshops specifically for young people aged 16-18 from underrepresented communities, particularly those who are most affected by the economic impacts of Covid-19.

• In November we launched National Youth Theatre of Wales’ online play reading club, which will run into 2021. Its first session was part of Signal Fires: a UK-wide programme featuring the UK’s leading touring theatre companies.   

• All of our 2021 plans will include blended learning, integrating digital workshops with face-to-face sessions with social distancing. In the event that social distancing prevents physical residencies, our contingency planning will allow for a full digital residency, minimising the disruption to young people’s advanced performance training.

New Bilingual Play Reading Club launches as part of Signal Fires

National Youth Arts Wales are launching the new MANIFFEST play reading club, led by Welsh freelance Directors in November, as part of the UK-wide Signal Fires project.

The new Play Reading Club will bring National Youth Theatre of Wales members together digitally for directed readings of new and acclaimed playwrights from Wales and beyond.

The ensemble of young performers aged 16 - 22 will gather around our virtual Aelwyd (The Welsh word for Hearth that also means a community coming together) to play and discuss stories for our stage that celebrate, explore, and give voice to the power of youth experience. 

The launch of MANIFFEST Play Reading Club will see NYTW's cast from all corners of Wales take part in an online Signal Fires evening of extract readings from this exciting canon for an invited audience of young people. 

Signal Fire (n): a fire or light set up in a prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration. 

In October and November, fires will light up across the UK with storytellers and audiences sharing in one of the original forms of theatre. The fires will signal the vibrancy of touring theatre, and the threat our industry continues to face. 

Companies involved are: 45North, Arcade, Beyond Face, Big Telly, Boundless, Eastern Angles, English Touring Theatre, Fen in association with Out of Joint, Fuel, Graeae, Headlong, Kestrel Theatre Company, Kneehigh, Macha Productions, National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, National Youth Theatre of Wales, New Perspectives, Pentabus, Pilot, Paines Plough, SBC Theatre, Scottish International Storytelling Festival, Slung Low, Spare Tyre, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men and Yellow Earth Theatre (with more to be announced).

From spectacular bonfires to digital blazes; the nation’s leading touring theatre companies will present a series of theatrical events at locations across the UK in celebration of our fundamental need to tell stories. 

The companies will be working with hundreds of UK freelancers. Each fire will span different disciplines reflecting the breadth and diversity of the touring circuit.

National Youth Arts Wales launches Digital Mini Residencies for 2020

National Youth Arts Wales will produce a series of free digital workshops and masterclasses throughout summer 2020, bringing together musicians, dancers and actors from across Wales through Zoom.

The free digital workshops will be offered to nearly 400 young people, who had already auditioned and gained a place in one of NYAW’s national ensembles, but had seen their summer residencies cancelled due to coronavirus.

The workshops currently planned include:

• For National Youth Brass Band of Wales, National Youth Orchestra of Wales and National Youth Choir of Wales, each ensemble will have its own 5-day Digital Mini Residency – a week of activities all delivered via Zoom during the period when they were meant to meet and perform together at their summer residencies. Each week of activity will include masterclasses, tuition from expert tutors, wellbeing sessions and social activities.

• For National Youth Theatre of Wales, a series of Digital Days throughout August are planned, with acting and writing masterclasses and Q&As from many of NYTW’s successful alumni – alongside social activities such as a digital cabaret from lockdown.

• For National Youth Dance Wales, members have already been benefitting from weekly Digital Yoga sessions, and will also benefit from masterclasses later in the summer.

Whilst nothing can replicate a live performance or rehearsal, these free workshops are designed to help young people to continue learning and practicing during such a vital part of their training. NYAW’s training is designed to help bridge the gap between local school and community arts provision and the professional creative sector – and so access to world-class tuition and masterclasses from professionals working in the industry are important parts of these digital workshops.

NYAW members will receive information about signing up to these sessions via email. Details of NYAW’s 2021 plans will be announced in the coming months.

NYTW member Lauren talks to Lysh Cymru

Recently Lauren Connelly, member of National Youth Theatre of Wales, shared her experiences of racism with Lysh Cymru and AM.

In this video, Lauren talks about her own experiences, about the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and about what white allies can do to educate themselves about racism.

Thank you to Lauren, Lysh Cymru and AM for sharing this. Click on the link below to watch the video. 

National Youth Dance Wales supports U.Dance Digital

We’re delighted to be supporting U.Dance Digital, this year’s online version of the UK’s national youth dance festival.

Taking place on 17-19 July 2020, with sessions on Zoom, Facebook and Instagram, we’ll be supporting some of the workshops throughout the weekend.

National Youth Dance Wales’s producer, Jamie Jenkins, will be taking part in a session on advanced training, and there’ll be a chance to find out more about NYDW’s work.

Visit the U.Dance Digital website to find out how to watch each session.

Sessions supported by National Youth Arts Wales

Friday 17 July, 14.15-14.45

Being an Artistic Director, with Hakeem Onibudo (Impact Dance)

Friday 17 July, 17.45-18.30

Spotlight on…Taking your Training Further

Including Jamie Jenkins, NYDW Producer

Friday 17 July, 19.30

Facebook Live Watch Party with the National Youth Dance Companies

Saturday 18 July, 09.30-10.30

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures masterclass

Exciting brass band weekend for under 22s in Wales

National Youth Arts Wales is delighted to be supporting an exciting opportunity for young brass players in Wales under the age of 22 led by the prestigious Cory Band. Thanks to support from Arts Council Wales (ACW) this digital August Bank Holiday weekend event will be free for all and consist of sectional and individual tuition and masterclasses from Cory Band tutors and full group sessions with Cory Band Musical Director Philip Harper. These will result in the production of some final performance videos featuring all participants soon after the event. The whole event will be delivered online, or semi-online, depending on government restrictions at the time.

Explaining the rationale for the new project, Philip Harper commented: “As we all try to find our way through this continuing lockdown, one of the big voids left in the musical life of young brass players in Wales is the cancellation of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales’s (NYBBW) Summer Course, which I was due to conduct and many Cory principals were due to tutor. We’re very pleased that National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW), the body which organises NYBBW, will be our partner in delivering this weekend.

“Entry requirements for NYBBW include Grade 8 in your instrument, however our Youth Brass Weekend will cater for all abilities with a unique modular approach. We will have shorter sessions available for beginner players which can be logged into and out of individually without any further commitment, right through to a full timetable for more advanced players where sessions run chronologically one after the other, and even the facility for individual lessons for a truly differentiated offer. So, this opportunity is open to absolutely every young brass player in Wales.

“At Cory Band we are itching to get back to the thrill of live music-making, and interacting with other musicians in the same room, but in the meantime we have begun to invest our efforts and develop new skills in online delivery. All aspects of this weekend can be enjoyed from participants’ homes, and we understand the need to build physical activity and other diversions into what we do, so it’s not just all day in front of a screen, especially on what might be a gloriously sunny Bank Holiday Weekend! We are very excited to be able to offer this, and we hope people will be excited to read about it.”

Gillian Mitchell, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales said "This is a wonderful chance for our National Youth Brass Band Members from all over Wales to unite under Philip Harper's leadership once more and recreate some of the flavour of the residency they have sadly missed out on this Summer. Widening the entry criteria is also a fantastic opportunity for younger players who may aspire to join NYBBW in the future; to gain both the expert tuition to develop their technique as well as an insight into the wonderful community spirit being part of the Ensemble brings."

More information will be announced in due course, including registration details.