In July 2025, Sadler’s Wells will launch the first YFX Youth Festival to showcases the range of youth work across the United Kingdom, partnering with One Dance UK to present work from the National Youth Dance Companies of England, Scotland and Wales, new choreographed work from young people and performances from youth groups from around the country.
The festival, which will take place at Sadler’s Wells Theatre and the Lilian Baylis Studio in Angel and the new Sadler’s Wells East which opens in Stratford next year, will also host workshops for young dancers, talks and symposiums centred on dance for children and young people.
Highlights include the London première of England’s National Youth Dance Company’s new work by hip hop dance company Boy Blue, U.Dance National Festival from One Dance UK’s U.Dance programme and Sadler’s Wells Making Moves initiative and One Dance UK’s Young Creatives, which encourage young people to develop their own choreographic creations.
Sir Richard Alston, Children and Young People’s Dance Champion, said, “the U.Dance National Festival and Young Creatives programme mark a highlight in the youth dance calendar, showcasing the creativity of young people and group leaders across the country. Dance has a unique ability to bring communities together and to inspire. I am so excited to witness the next generation of dance talent.”
Tickets for England’s National Youth Dance Company at Sadler’s Wells Theatre are currently on sale, while those for Young Creatives, Making Moves and the U.Dance National Festival showcase performances will go on sale in 2025.