When I first got the call from NYDC offering me a place, and was asked not to tell anyone, I couldn’t help but smile and instantly call my family. This excitement stuck with me as I got on the train for my first residency and has continued to cling to me every trip since. I could feel […]
When did you become interested in joining NYDC? After reading about NYDC’s collaboration with Boy Blue in a blog post I knew I had to give it a shot and throw myself into an experience workshop. Although I had done ballet, street and contemporary previously, I had taken a huge break from dancing, so coming […]
National Youth Dance Company (NYDC), England’s flagship company for young dancers run by Sadler’s Wells, will perform at the Berliner Festspiele Theatre as part of Tanztreffen der Jugend in Berlin in September 2025. This will be the first time that NYDC has performed internationally and rounds off the 2025 tour of this year’s Guest Artistic […]
After just 10 days spent together, over the first two residencies of the year, Cohort 13 is really starting to feel like both a company and a family. The December residency was filled with fun, friendship and love, but it also had its challenging moments, with new experiences and opportunities for growth, development and improvement […]
Cohort 12 started their NYDC journey back in October 2023, when they came together as a company for the first time to work with Guest Artistic Director 2023-24 Oona Doherty. Fast forward to July 2024, and they are mid-way through their nationwide tour of ‘Wall’ – travelling across the country to perform at a host […]
When I got the letter, after the rounds of workshops, to say that I had been accepted as a part of NYDC Cohort 13, my first thought was “Wow!….Boy Blue… They want me!” The second thought that quickly followed was “…but I’m a ballet dancer?!”. Immediately I began to sit in self-doubt: Would I be […]
The start of my first residency at NYDC felt unreal. In the excitement of packing my bags the day before and preparing for the coach, I couldn’t quite get my brain to wrap around the idea that I was going to start this journey! However, stepping into an environment with such lively characters and shared […]
Over the four days I learnt a variety of things, some more individual to the process with Boy Blue and some to take with me throughout my own training back home. Kenrick and Mikey started our process with a lesson on what is Boy Blue and how do they create work. The 3 […]
As a third-year Dance student at De Montfort University in Leicester, I have been fortunate to experience a journey shaped by both the challenges of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and the transformative power of dance. In 2021, I had the opportunity to participate in a collaborative summer residency between the National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) […]
Ever since I was young, I always knew being a dancer was a creative place for me to express how I thought, felt, even battling my inner saboteur. Whether it was on stage or even behind it, the theatre was always an environment that I naturally gravitated towards. I never understood why I like theatre […]
About Hofesh Shechter
Choreographer and composer Hofesh Shechter OBE is Artistic Director of UK-based Hofesh Shechter Company, Co-Director of the L’Agora – Cité internationale de la Danse, Montpellier, Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells and Artist-in Residence of Gauthier Dance (2021-2026). Shechter is recognised as one of the most exciting artists making work for both stage and film and renowned for composing atmospheric musical scores to complement the unique physicality of his movement style.
Hofesh Shechter’s repertoire for his company includes Uprising (2006), In your rooms (2007), The Art of Not Looking Back (2009), Political Mother (2010), Political Mother: The Choreographer’s Cut (2011), Sun (2013), barbarians (2015), Grand Finale (2017), SHOW (2018), POLITICAL MOTHER UNPLUGGED (2020) Double Murder (2021), Contemporary Dance 2.0 (2022), From England with Love (2024) and Theatre of Dreams (2024).
Shechter has choreographed for theatre, television and opera, notably at the Metropolitan Opera (New York) for Nico Mulhy’s Two Boys, on Broadway for Bartlett Sher’s Fiddler on the Roof, at the Royal Court for Motortown and The Arsonists, at the National Theatre for Saint Joan and for the Channel 4 series Skins. Shechter has directed three award-winning short dance films: Clowns, broadcast by the BBC, POLITICAL MOTHER: The Final Cut and Return.
He has received many awards including the British Theatre Institute’s Award for Excellence in International Dance (2011), a Tony Nomination for his work on Fiddler on the Roof (2016), nominations for an Olivier Awards for Best New Dance Production for Grand Finale (2018) and Theatre of Dreams (2024) with Best Theatre Choreographer for Oedipus (2025) and Best Dance Film at Festival de Cannes (2023). In 2018, he was also awarded an honorary OBE for Services to Dance and Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2026.
About Hofesh Shechter Company
Hofesh Shechter Company founded in 2008, is a boundary-breaking dance company that produces exceptional work created by Artistic Director Hofesh Shechter OBE, with, at its core, an extraordinary company of internationally diverse dancers. Hofesh Shechter Company has performed in cities around the world including Paris, New York, Melbourne, Tokyo, Berlin, Montreal, Rome, Seoul, Rio de Janeiro and many more.
Central to its belief that dance can bring about meaningful change, is Shechter Moves the company’s learning, engagement and development programme. Primarily aimed at young people age 14+, this programme shapes opportunities for everyone to experience the life-enhancing potential of their creativity. Hofesh Shechter Company is Associate Company of the Brighton Dome.
Zak is a 17-year-old dancer from Brighton. He has been training in ballet since the age of three and is now training at the PreVoc course at Rambert. Zak is in his second year at NYDC and hopes to gain even more skills. He is auditioning for dance schools such as The Place, Central School of Ballet, Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Rambert School. In the future he wants to be a professional dancer in ballet, contemporary or hip hop styles.
Zachary is a 17-year-old dancer from Birmingham. He was at Ace Dance and Music for 11 years as well as a current dancer at Marshon Dance academy. He has been passionate about the arts from a young age and has been developing his skills from dancing with several different choreographers. He was introduced to NYDC through many different sources and believes it’s an amazing opportunity to understand what professional life as a dancer is like. He currently studies music at college and aspires to be either a sound engineer or choreographer.
Sona is a dancer from Newcastle who has been training at Dance City in Newcastle for four years on the CAT* programme and has spent most of her life doing sports. She started doing acrobatic gymnastics, which has helped her with her flexibility and determination to do well when it comes to training and performances. She has never performed a show on this scale and is very excited to be a part of the piece and is grateful to be given the opportunity to show her talent.
Nya started off as a self-taught dancer until she was accepted onto the Lowry CAT* scheme in Manchester at the age of 16, where she now continues her formal training in contemporary and ballet. She has a deep passion for movement, and in the future hopes to use this as a tool to help others and bring love and connection to the community around her. This is Nya’s second year with NYDC and getting the chance to work with Alleyne Dance has been an absolute dream!
Michael is an 18-year-old dancer from Blackpool. He started dancing around age four with traditional styles such as ballet, tap and modern. At the age of eight he then discovered and trained in hip hop with House of Wingz. He is also a fashion student and hopes to use his newly found creative outlook to be successful in both fields.
Lucy Bosworth is a 16-year-old dancer from Leicestershire. She is currently working on her diploma year for her BTEC in performing arts at Studio 79. Outside of college, she has been attending weekly sessions at CYCC and CAT* Nottingham. NYDC has helped her find a good balance between finding individuality and unity throughout the company. One of her strengths is her connection to musicality, as she grew up singing and playing the piano. She is specifically interested in storytelling, inspired by her previous experiences watching performances, and hopes to perform on more stages in the future.
Lola is a dancer from Sheffield who has spent most of her life dancing. She is currently in her final year of CAT* having been trained by the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and is also a member of the One Dance UK Young Creatives programme. Lola hopes that her NYDC experience will further equip her with the skills, insight, and professional understanding necessary to build a sustainable career within the contemporary dance industry.
Liv is from Cambridge and began dancing at three years old. She has always been movement-oriented, and dance is an essential part of her life as a mode of expression. Liv is particularly passionate about the positive impacts of dance and hopes to be able to help more people gain access to the joys she experiences when dancing. NYDC has given Liv the chance to push the boundaries of dance and delve into the creative process, broadening her understanding of the profession.
Lily is a 16-year-old dancer from Nottingham. She has been training weekly with Fabric CAT* Nottingham, Curve Young Company and Linden Youth for over four years. She has enjoyed many performance opportunities and worked with dancers and choreographers who have helped develop her as a dancer. Lily feels that her NYDC x Alleyne Dance experience provides a unique opportunity to train and tour with a company and help her prepare for a professional career.
Lewis is a 17-year-old dancer from Preston. He began dancing at the age of six, initially training in Freestyle Hip-Hop before going on to develop his skills across all major dance styles. Lewis trains at Tracy Rigby Dance and Fitness and Rare Studios Liverpool and regularly takes open classes around England to continue expanding his versatility and experience. A notable highlight of his training journey includes taking class with Luther Brown. Lewis is excited to be part of NYDC and hopes the experience will support his ambition of becoming a professional backing dancer and travel the world through dance.
Kitty is an 18-year-old dancer from Devon. She has immersed herself in creative dance from a young age and has progressed through the Exeter CAT* programme, UAL Dance Course at Exeter College and is now taking it further with NYDC x Alleyne Dance. She is an aspiring dancer and potential choreographer. Her main goal in life is to pursue creative involvement in all that she does.
Kenya is a 17-year-old dancer from Leeds and has been dancing since she was seven years old. She attends weekly classes at RJC Dance and is going into her 5th year on the CAT* scheme at Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Through this, she has performed at events like UDance and FRESH and has gained many opportunities working with different companies. She hopes that this experience with NYDC x Alleyne Dance will enhance her performance skills to prepare her for a career in dance.
Jonny is a 17-year-old contemporary dancer from London. He started with local ballet classes at the age of seven, and over the years has moved through a range of contemporary and hip hop classes, which have helped him find his own style that he continues to expand throughout NYDC. Jonny currently dances for Trinity Laban Youth Dance Company once a week. For Jonny, NYDC has been a beyond amazing experience and is making him dream big about what a future dance career could look like, potentially starting with vocational training.
Jay is an 18-year-old contemporary dancer from Berkshire. He studies on the CAT* scheme at Trinity Laban and is now completing his fifth year of the course. He also trains at Strodes College and Wentworth Dance Centre. Jay uses his hip hop background and contemporary training to create movement and in the future hopes to use these skills to choreograph pieces for stage.
Jack is a dancer from Washington, near Newcastle. Two years ago he joined Gosforth Civic Theatre Company, and prior to that performed at Barbara Priestman Academy. With them, he took part in Making Moves at Sadler’s Wells and learned various dance styles. Jack joined NYDC to help fulfil his dream of becoming a professional dancer.
Isla is 17 and from London. She has been attending dance classes from a young age, and her ambition is to become a professional dancer and choreographer. She currently trains at Rambert PreVoc and Dulwich Ballet School, and is a member of hip-hop dance company BirdGang with whom she performed at last year’s Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells. Since 2023 she has been studying and training full time at The Brit School. Through her past and current training and now with NYDC, Isla continues to strive to improve her skills and versatility as a dancer. Delighted and honoured to be part of this current cohort, she is excited for the tour and everything NYDC has to offer.
Izzy is a 17-year-old dancer from Exmouth who has been dancing since she was five. She studies an Extended Diploma in Dance at Exeter college and started in contemporary with Chhaya Youth. She also trains in musical theatre. She hopes to complete a musical theatre degree and work on stage in dance and musical theatre. She hopes that NYDC will help continue to inspire and fuel her passion for contemporary dance, as well as give her the opportunity to meet like-minded people and perform such a powerful piece.
Hannah is an 18-year-old contemporary dancer from Rye who began dancing from a young age at a local studio, attending ballet and modern classes. She is now studying an RSL diploma in dance at her sixth form and trains as a member of Jasmin Vardimon Youth Company. Hannah enjoys the collaboration and diversity NYDC has to offer, blending and exploring different movement styles alongside her own. She is eager to take the skills she is developing with Alleyne Dance to continue her training next year at Northern School of Contemporary Dance and beyond.
Emmanuel is an 18-year-old dancer from London whose passion has always been to portray himself through movement. From the age of 11-13 he performed in the West End with School of Rock and toured with The Bodyguard The Musical. He has now extended his skills by training with places like Rambert pre-pare, Artistry Youth Dance and Trinity Laban Youth Company. He continues his training with Boy Blue Adult Company, Trinity Laban CAT* program and GSB. He wanted to join NYDC to strengthen his contemporary skills and to experience what it feels like to enter the professional world while being able to combine his multiple disciplines. His future goal is to share his language through movement and more with the world.
Elliot is an 18-year-old dancer from Leeds. He has been dancing since the age of nine at local dance clubs and currently trains at CAT*, Northern School of Contemporary Dance. He studies at CAPA college and is part of One Dance UK’s Young Creatives Programme. Elliot hopes to gain skills to elevate his artistry and go on to pursue a successful career in the dance industry and believes NYDC x Alleyne Dance is the exact opportunity to do that.
Ellie is from Thornton-Cleveleys. She has danced with Dance Syndrome in Preston for five years and as of 2025 became an employed dance leader for the company and a youth role model. Ellie has a passion for many dance styles such as commercial, street dance, ballet, lyrical and jazz, but her favourite style is contemporary. Outside of dance Ellie also trains in aerial hoop and loves swimming. If Ellie summed up NYDC in three words it would be fun, challenging and creative!
Dylan started dancing at his local sports centre. From there he joined street dance classes at his primary school and went on to join Zoonation and Boy Blue. He attends Central School of Ballet, Rambert PreVoc, Khoronos and BirdGang. He is currently at The Brit School and is also a cygnet with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures. Dylan is excited to join NYDC and learn from the brilliant Alleyne Dance and make friends with other dancers from around the country.
Daniel is a 17-year-old dancer from London. He started dancing at the age of five doing ballet at the Royal Academy of Dance. He currently attends The Brit School as well as attending weekly classes at Rabert PreVoc, Central School of Ballet and BirdGang to allow himself to be a diverse dancer. Daniel has been on stage before, including being part of a professional national touring production of Motown the Musical, and is hoping that his participation in NYDC will allow him to develop his performing skills and mature into a capable industry professional.
Coco is a 16-year-old dancer from Brighton. She has been dancing for Project Female UK from the age of 14, focusing on hip hop fusion and commercial dance. She also attends Advanced Streetdance Collective through Project Female. NYDC has helped Coco train in contemporary dance, which is new for her. She hopes NYDC will help her gain insights into what working at a professional level and touring is like.
Charlie is a 16-year-old dancer from Blackpool. He started his dancing journey at the age of four and thanks House of Wingz for being a big part of this. He is also currently taking triple music BTEC at sixth form playing the drums and DJs on the side. Being part of NYDC is one of the best opportunities Charlie has had in his life so far and he feels like it has given him the ability to try a new style and express himself in a way that he didn’t think was possible. His future goals are to either be a successful Afro house DJ or a professional hip hop battle dancer.
Antony is a 17-year-old dancer from Bournemouth who has attended dance classes with Lawlor School of Dance since the age of 11. Since then, he has been part of the CAT* scheme at The Place for four years, where he trained in contemporary and ballet techniques, as well as gaining more confidence with improvisation. He was a member of Hampshire Youth Dance Company for two years, which gave him both insight into dance as a career and many performance opportunities – something he wishes to further through NYDC. He is now a member of Rambert School’s Pre|Voc programme and hopes to either go into vocational dance training or study medicine at university.
Amelie is an 18-year-old dancer from Lewes who has grown up dancing at SLH Dance Academy. She now trains in contemporary styles with Project Female and at college, where she is studying A-level dance and performs in BHASVIC Dance company. Alongside her passion for dance, she trains as both a competitive and artistic swimmer. Amelie hopes her experience in NYDC with Alleyne Dance will allow her to explore her creativity whilst working with a diverse range of dancers, in addition to preparing her for full time training next year at Northern School of Contemporary Dance.
Amelia is a contemporary dancer in her last year of sixth form. She is studying A level dance at High Storrs School in Sheffield. Before joining the CAT* scheme at Northern School of Contemporary Dance in 2021, her training was mainly commercial and urban based, where she was part of a youth crew ‘CARBON’ at INK Dance Sheffield. NYDC has helped Amelia grow and develop her artistic style while making connections she’ll keep for life. She hopes to go into full time training next year and take with her the skills she has learnt during her time in NYDC.
Amelia Leone is an 18-year-old dancer from Middlesbrough who taught herself using YouTube videos from her favourite choreographers. She started performing in 2022 with some of her own choreography before becoming a semi-professional dancer. She has choreographed for local carnivals, festivals and events, before getting involved with TeesDance Youth Company, which she has been a member of since late 2024. Now she is looking to start an accessible and inclusive dance company to improve the dance community in her hometown.
Aimée is 18 years old and started gymnastics at a young age. She then went on to find her passion for dance at GCSE and then further while doing A-levels. NYDC has pushed Aimée out of her comfort zone and she has immersed herself in the world of dance. She is really looking forward to being able to perform on a stage for a large audience. In September, she is going to study dance at university with hopes to later pursue a career within dance.
Abri is a Kent based Dancer, Inclusivity Advocate by lived experience and Climber that spent her early years training in gymnastics, ballet and Scottish Highland Dance. She continued dance training with Prima Associates with Prima Stage School, English Youth Ballet, Trinity Laban CAT; before restarting training with National Youth Ballet ‘All In’ as a dancer + young leader, and now NYDC. These experiences have been foundational building blocks for her and have further fuelled her passion for bringing her personalised expression of inclusive dance to the stage.
Her time as part of NYDC’s 14th Cohort continues to inspire and offer her the opportunity to broaden her dance skillset through the exploration, adaptation and translation of creative movement – Abri believes that dance can be a space where barriers are redesigned and our artistry can evolve as we do.
When not dancing this creative can be found enjoying art in its many forms: painting watercolours, creating digital art, drawing, singing, attending theatre performances or free dancing to her favourite songs.
Rowan is from Frome in Somerset. His dance journey began only recently when he started to dance at college. He joined NYDC as a company dancer in 2023, working under choreographer Oona Doherty and performing in NYDC’s 2024 production ‘Wall’. Now in his second year with the company, Rowan has decided to venture into the work of hip hop dance theatre once he finishes college.
Jacob began dancing when he was really young, starting out with ballet, tap and contemporary. He decided to stop dancing aged 10 to devote more time to sports, but rediscovered his confidence and love of dance aged 17 when he joined the CAT* Scheme at DanceEast. Now in his second year of NYDC, Jacob’s confidence and passion for dance just keeps on growing.
Luke started dancing aged 4 and has trained in many different styles such as street, Hip Hop, House, commercial, contemporary, ballet, afro fusion and jazz. He currently trains at Marshon Dance Company and Birmingham Ormiston Academy but has also worked with companies such as the Hippodrome, Zoonation Youth, Ace Dance and Music and more. His main dance inspirations are creatives like Paris Goebel and Les Twins and he looks to be a performer and choreographer to the stars.
Originally from Leeds, Francis has danced ever since he could walk, joining inclusive dance company MeshDance in 2009, and starting at Mind The Gap’s full-time Performance Academy last year. He is now in his second year with NYDC and is loving pushing his skills and ability as he works alongside Boy Blue. He would love to pursue a professional dance career on stage so hopes this is a springboard to reach the next step.
Megan is from Durham and trains in ballet and contemporary at Tinarts and DanceCity CAT*. Being in her second year with NYDC, Megan has learnt many lessons about collaboration, conservation, varying dance styles and giving herself and others grace. In the future she hopes to train at a dance conservatoire and have a career in choreography and teaching.
Monét’s dance journey began at the age of three when she started ballet lessons at Siegeris Dance Company. She dedicated thirteen years to ballet before joining Artistry Youth Dance Company, where she practiced Horton technique and jazz. After that, Monét trained in street dance and modern styles at Twiin Dance Company and Agency. She is now preparing to attend university this September to further her dance training.
Archie has danced since he was 3, starting in Ballet. He has since achieved Distinction in his Level 3 Diploma in Dance (Canterbury College), and two years on the CAT* programme at Trinity Laban. He has returned to NYDC after cohort 12 where he worked with Oona Doherty which helped him deepen his interest in Contemporary, improvisation and helped him grow as a performer. He wants to continue this with Boy Blue, pushing himself to attack Hip-Hop, a less familiar style to him.
James (‘Slayer’) is from Chesterfield. He started dancing when he was 8 and entered his first battle at 9. Since then has won numerous titles in popping and all styles categories and at 15 he became the youngest ever open world modern jive champion. James is in his second year at NYDC and intends to pursue a degree in dance after he has completed his A Levels.
Marshall is a contemporary and hip-hop dancer from Macclesfield. For him, dance is something that can be appreciated emotionally and physically, both with and without music. He describes his journey with Boy Blue and NYDC as both frustrating and inspiring, and wishes the experience could last forever!
Ella is from Mirfield and is currently training in dance at CAPA College. Her main styles are contemporary and commercial but she is enjoying the challenge of learning a new style as part of her NYDC journey, and feels it has pushed her to grow both as a performer as a person.
Hali is a self-taught dancer who has spent most of her life dancing in her bedroom. She is now completing a GCSE in dance and gaining more exposure to the dance industry through NYDC. Hali considers it a privilege to have this opportunity, having always dreamed of dancing on a huge stage for a popular artist. She is looking forward to performing like she never has before!
Faye-Elise has trained in numerous dance styles ranging from commercial, waacking, Krump, ballet, lyrical and contemporary. Her favorite styles to dance are hip-hop and is specifically drawn to the style of popping, but she also enjoys freestyling and creating her own movement. Working with Boy Blue through NYDC has impacted the way Faye-Elise thinks about dance and has encouraged her to treat herself and others with more grace. She hopes to continue dancing in the future, and travel the world while doing it!
Ada is 17 and is from Cornwall. She has had an unforgettable experience working the Boy Blue, NYDC and her fellow Cohort 13 company members, and will forever be grateful for the opportunity. Ada trains mostly in jazz dance but has always loved hip-hop and has had an amazing time exploring Boy Blue’s unique style and expanding her movement vocabulary.
Iona is a 16 year old contemporary dancer from Cornwall. She has been dancing since she was 6 and can’t help moving to music! NYDC has been a great experience for Iona, giving her the opportunity to learn a whole new dance style as well as building great stamina, discipline, and resilience. She says it has helped her grow as a person in so many ways she would never have expected.
Nya started off as a self-taught dancer, until last year when she was accepted onto the Lowry CAT scheme in Manchester, where she began her formal training in contemporary/ballet at age 16. She has a deep passion for movement, and in the future hopes to use this as a tool to help others and bring love and healing to the community around her.
Sonia grew up in Colchester and started dancing aged 7. She enjoys a range of dance styles including contemporary and African dance techniques as she comes from an African background. Being in NYDC has helped Sonia to step out of her comfort zone, opening up new experiences and life skills that she hopes to take into her future. Though she hopes to pursue a career in IT, she intends to keep dancing as it brings her joy.
Dayang Safiya Isabella Abang Suhaili (Bella) was born in Malaysia, but has lived in London since she was 4. She has danced from an early age, attending ballet lessons at Central School of Ballet from the age of 4 and becoming part of a street dance crew at 8. Bella is a student at the Brits School and continues to train in numerous styles including ballet, contemporary and street with companies like Zoonation. At NYDC she has learnt more about herself as both a person and artist, and is excited for what Cohort 13 brings.
Blake Rainey is a performer/creative from Blackpool and is a well rounded and versatile dancer however his dance background is predominately rooted in Hip-Hop styles. “NYDC has definitely furthered my understanding on how working in the industry could feel and learning from Boy Blue has made me work, develop, move and think in new ways making me want to also peruse jobs in and around dance”.
Thea is from London and attends The Brit School where she trains in contemporary, jazz , ballet, tap and street styles. She is also part of the street dance crew IMD Legion. Being in NYDC and working with Boy Blue has given Thea a great insight into working in Hip-Hop theatre, which is what she hopes to go onto in the future. She has also loved gaining relationships with lots of amazing dancers from across England.
Zak is from Brighton and trains weekly at Alta Academy of Dance and the Rambert Pre Vocational course. His background is primarily in ballet and contemporary but he has danced a range of styles, including Ballroom and Latin. Zak’s future aspirations include studying at Rambert and becoming a professional dancer with touring companies, though he is also interested in creating and producing his own contemporary work. So far as part of NYDC he has learnt the importance of giving yourself grace to explore and the fundamentals of hip hop in more depth.
Lucca Masters, BirminghamIndia lives in Brighton, where she dances with Project Female, focusing on commercial and hip-hop styles. She has loved her NYDC experience so far and has been inspired to push herself harder and embrace the opportunities she’s given. She hopes to take what she’s learnt and pursue dance in the future.
India lives in Brighton, where she dances with Project Female, focusing on commercial and hip-hop styles. She has loved her NYDC experience so far and has been inspired to push herself harder and embrace the opportunities she’s given. She hopes to take what she’s learnt and pursue dance in the future.
Florence is from London and has been dancing contemporary at The Place’s CAT* scheme since she was 11. NYDC has been an incredible opportunity that she believes will make her a more dedicated and versatile mover. Working in a setting with incredible teachers, team and likeminded people, Florence hopes the experience will prepare her for a future career in dance.
Kasra is from Lewes and has received the majority of his dance training at The Dance Academy, where he has focused on ballet, contemporary, freestyle disco and modern jazz. He feels that training in a new style with NYDC has allowed him to expand his knowledge of dance as an art form, while also developing his stamina and ability to pick up choreography. He hopes this will help him pursue a future in dance.
Sheldon is a 17 year old dancer from London. He attended weekend classes at performing arts school Platinum from the age of 6, went on to attend Italia Conti and Arts Ed full-time aged 11. Sheldon now studies at The Brit School and trains with Zoonation and Khronos. Sheldon has already worked in West End Musicals and hopes his NYDC x Boy Blue experience will equip him with valuable skills he can use throughout a career in the performing arts industry.
Mimi is from Brighton, where she trains in street dance, contemporary and commercial with Project Female. Being a member of NYDC has been about much more than learning choreography for Mimi. The journey has pushed her both physically and mentally, and she has loved having the opportunity to work with incredible artists and dancers.
Dexter grew up in a small town in Lancashire, but has spent many years training in Manchester, London and further afield. He describes himself first and foremost as a freestyler, battler and creative, bringing together his passion for hip-hop, house and all styles of music. Dexter is really enjoying being a part of the NYDC and Boy Blue family and wants to use what he’s learned this year to chase his dream of going on tour with a hip-hop theatre show.
Dylan is a Hip-Hop dancer from Blackpool. His relationship to dance has been the thing that has kept him grounded and allowed him to connect with himself and the world around him. Dylan describes dance as bringing him a sense of healing through expression and hopes to one day become a choreographer making his own work. “NYDC has helped me solidify my passion for dance and the love I feel for the culture of Hip- Hop. I will forever be grateful for the experience this company has bought to me”.
Born in Brighton and currently studying Dance at Varndean college, Luke started out training in Ballroom & Latin at his local dance school, East Sussex Dance. Having no experience with this style before, Luke has found it both challenging and rewarding working with Boy Blue. “The resources I have been given from the Boy Blue and NYDC team has been invaluable. I am so proud to represent youth dance across England, with a cohort of insanely talented individuals.”
Orson is an 18 year old artist from Blackpool who started out going to ballet, street and contemporary classes at the age of 11. After taking a long break from dancing, he is now a young leader and mentor at House of Wingz where he trains in Hip-Hop styles such as Breaking, popping, locking and many more. Orson is determined to seize all opportunities to craft new ideas and grow as an artist, and is throwing all of his energy into getting this most from his NYDC journey this year.
Starting with breaking, dance has been Kingsley’s passion since childhood. He is currently at The BRIT School and part of Khronos Dance Company (All England Dance Champions), Birdgang, and ZooNation Youth. Kingsley’s performance credits include The RSC’s Matilda (West End) plus workshopping the choreography and featuring in the film adaptation. He is thrilled to be in NYDC and on this creative journey with Boy Blue. His goal is to become a versatile, world-class performer, inspiring audiences globally.
Sara is from Leeds and is currently training in Musical Theatre and Dance at CAPA College. With a background in commercial and jazz dance, Sara has had an amazing time learning a brand new style with NYDC. She has been able to push herself out of her comfort zone, and in doing so has learnt a lot about herself as a performer and about the dance industry. Sara has a bright future ahead of her and has gained herself a place in Urdang once she leaves NYDC.
Yunus has been dancing for over a decade, specialising in hip hop styles like breaking, popping, and commercial. After winning the UDO and GDO World Championships with his crew, he decided to audition for NYDC, and was thrilled to be selected to work with Boy Blue as part of Cohort 13. Yunus’ style is inspired by music, he loves to experiment with musicality finding different approaches to hitting a beat.
Alleyne Dance (AD) is a UK based company with an international reach, founded in 2014 by award winning dancers and twin sisters Kristina and Sadé Alleyne. The choreographic aesthetic reflects the sisters diverse background in athleticism and dance training. Within their abstract contemporary construct, Alleyne Dance blend West African, Caribbean, Hip Hop, Kathak and Circus Skills, delivered as fast paced and dynamic movement. They infuse lyrical and fluid motion, layered with rhythm and textures in physically powerful, yet graceful performances.
Alleyne Dance strives for high quality and excellence as the Company delivers its three main objectives: performance, participation and development. In 2023, Alleyne Dance were winners of Black Female Icons of Lewisham with Brockley Max and The Mayor of London, and the Company also received the award for Best Independent Company at the National Dance Awards.
The 2023-2024 NYDC Guest Artistic Director is Oona Doherty.
Oona Doherty, born in 1986, is a Northern-Irish choreographer based in Belfast. She studied at St. Louise’s Comprehensive College in Belfast, at the London Contemporary Dance School, the University of Ulster and LABAN. She earned an undergraduate and a master’s degree in the Disciplines of Contemporary Dance. Since 2010, she has worked with several companies, including: T.r.a.s.h. dance/performance group (Netherlands), Abattoir Fermé (Belgium), Veronika Riz (Italy), Emma Martin/United Fall, Enda Walsh and Landmark Productions (Ireland).
She has won many awards for her choreographic work, which includes: Hope Hunt and the Ascension into Lazarus (2015), a 30-minute solo that won her the Best Performer Award at the Tiger Dublin Fringe (2016), the Aerowaves award (2016/17), the Total Theatre Dance Award and The Place Dance Award at the Edinburgh Fringe (2017); Hard to be Soft – A Belfast Prayer (2018), which won the Best Dance Show 2019 award from the English daily “The Guardian”; Lady Magma – The Birth of a Cult (2019).
She has been an associated artist as the MAC Belfast HATCH Artist (2016), an Aerowaves Selected Artist, Prime Cut REVEAL Artist (2017), Maison de la Danse Lyon and La Briqueterie Paris Associate (2017-20), and again the MAC Belfast HATCH Artist (2020).
She has collaborated on music videos with the Rubber Bandits, Girl Band, Jamie XX. She participated in the digital Dancing Nation festival promoted by BBC Arts and Sadler’s Wells with Hope Hunt (2020). Carla Holmes made a documentary about her artistic work titled Welcome To A Bright White Limbo, which won the Best Short Irish Film Award and a special mention at Tribeca in New York (2020).
Her choreographic experimentation has extended to the world of visual arts in an exhibition titled Death of the Hunter, shown at the Golden Thread Gallery in Belfast, Lothringer 13 Halle in Munich, ADC Gallery in Geneva and the Kanal – Centre Pompidou in Brussels.
Rowan has always had a passion for physical movement. As a child he took a few ballet classes but it just didn’t click for him. However, it was not until early last year he started showing a real interest in receiving formal training. Currently training at the Bristol School of Acting on a dance course, this is only the beginning of Rowan’s dance journey.
Frank first started dancing formally age 11 at a local dance centre were he took classes in commercial dance. He then went onto to train with Phoenix Dance Theatre and Northern School of Contemporary Dance (CAT) where he trains in Contemporary dance and ballet. Frank is hoping to undertake a degree in musical theatre once he finishes his A levels.
V began dancing in primary school through ballet and jazz classes before reaching secondary where she began contemporary classes with The Place. From there, she joined their resident youth performance companies as well as the CAT scheme. Currently, she is enrolled in the BRIT school dance strand where she will continue her training for the next 2 years. This is her second year in NYDC having worked with Wayne McGregor in Cohort 11 last year.
Ernie is a boxer/dancer who has had an untraditional way through dance. His style is difficult to pin, but he would describe it as highly physical and sensitive to audiences in site-specific dance. He currently dances with Stacked Wonky who create experimental, site-specific performance worlds using movement, choreography, sound and objects.
Aoibh started dancing ballet at the age of 3. She is currently training in contemporary and ballet at the Centre of Advanced Training at The Lowry. She is also involved in dance at her school, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, where she is studying for A-Levels. This is Aoibh’s second year in NYDC.
Anya started dance by attending creative-contemporary classes at Déda Dance Derby, since the age of three, and has progressed to their youth dance company ‘Bounceback.’ She has recently completed the first year of the One Dance UK young creatives program. She danced at Base Studios London, through a school trip, and alongside her dancing is studying A-level Mathematics, Chemistry and Spanish .
Meeri started dancing at the age of 3 and found her passion for movement while training at Tamara Rasmussen Opisto in Helsinki, Finland. Upon moving to the UK, she continued training in ballet and took contemporary dance classes at The Place, where she currently performs with Shift Youth Dance Company and trains with their CAT Programme. She also studies A-level Dance alongside Economics, Maths, and Further Maths. She finds joy and inspiration through dance.
Kitty started dancing at the age of 7, taking part in Tap and Modern dance classes at her local dance school. Later she began ballet and joined the CAT scheme at The Place. She trains regularly with Phillipa Hogan’s School of Dance and CAT. This is her second year with NYDC.
Phoebe started dancing at four and a half at Stagecoach, Winchester and joined Intregr8 three years later. She is now training with Hampshire Youth Dance Company and CAT at The Place. She was also part of last years Cohort.
Aleesha started dancing at the age of two at Baby ballet. At the age of 7 she joined her local dance school Barbara Mann Dance academy where she did Ballet, Tap and Mordern. She later trained at Northern Ballet, whilst at Northern Ballet she discovered her love for Contemporary Dance. This led her to Phoenix Dance theatre Youth Academy.
Ruben started dancing with the B company aged 8. He then moved onto working with Attik dance and Ben Dunks. Mainly focusing on contemporary but including aspects from a variety of styles. When lockdown happened Ruben stopped dancing and only recently decided to pick it up again by attending the nydc workshops and joining chhaya youth dance in Exeter. Ruben is currently studying fine art at Exeter College.
Wray has been dancing since she was three years old, training in ballet and tap at Glenda Ann School of Dancing. At the age of thirteen, Wray was introduced to contemporary when she joined Company Chameleon’s youth dance company. She is currently studying her A-levels in Biology, Physics, and Maths.
Jacob has loved dancing for as long as he can remember, training from a young age in a variety of different styles. Having taken a break from dance to focus on sporting endeavours, he joined DanceEast’s CAT scheme last year, and has since noticed a real boost in his confidence and technique. Jacob is at his happiest when he dances, so is really excited to be a part of NYDC this year.
Charly started dancing aged three at Susan Taylor Dance Academy. She is part of Motionhouse Youth Dance Company and trains at Fiery Feet Dance Studio as well being a competitive gymnast. She was in NYDC last year with Wayne McGregor CBE and in September she is excited to be starting her full-time training in professional dance and musical theatre at Bird College.
Lina started her dance journey at a local afterschool club, training in tap, ballet and modern. After some time, she turned acro gymnast at Bromley Valley for the next 5 years before training in jazz and Horton at Artistry Youth Dance. Now, she dances for Shift at The Place.
Luke started taking street dance classes when he was four years old but had always loved moving to music. He has trained in many different styles such as Hip Hop, House, commercial, contemporary, ballet, afro fusion, jazz and more. His main dance inspirations are creatives like Paris Goebel and Les Twins and looks to be a performer and choreographer to the stars. He currently trains at Marshon Dance Company and Birmingham Ormiston Academy but has worked with company’s such as the Hippodrome, Zoonation Youth Company, Ace dance and Music and more.
Francis has been dancing from a young age, training with MeshDance in Leeds and Stage Door Theatre School in Guiseley, and performing at venues such as Northern Ballet and National Theatre. Francis especially enjoys commercial dance styles and musical theatre, but is looking forward to learning new skills and working with other young dancers as a member of NYDC cohort 12.
Morgan started dancing at the age of 6, he became attached to dancing at Trinity Newbury performing arts school at the age of 12 studying the contemporary technique along side breakdance, jazz, and Horton. He teaches boys and girls dance company’s competing in competitions, he is self taught and is pushing this dream to continue is training after 6 form to pursue a career in performing arts.
Luis started dancing at the age of 4 at Instep Dance Company in which he found a love for contemporary dance. Luis has studied dance at GCSE level and is currently studying a double A – Level in dance.
Meg has trained in a range of styles growing up. Her training now is predominantly ballet and contemporary and she dances at Carter School of Dance, Hot House Dance, The Place’s CAT Scheme and English National Ballet’s Youth company. Currently, she is in her final year of A-levels studying geography, PE and sociology
Gilbert has been dancing since before he can remember. At 4, he began classes locally in ballet, tap and modern. He expanded his training at Bodywork in Cambridge, where he was on their Theatre School program from ages 13 to 16. To focus on hip-hop, Gilbert spent the following 2 years as a member of London-based crew, Elementz Youth. Now 19, NYDC has proved a new venture into experimental contemporary dance for him.
Otis is an expressive and theatrical mover who has honed his dance skills working with Exeter CAT scheme and Chaya Youth Company. He is thrilled to be joining NYDC this year and is determined to throw himself fully into the creative process. He is also a talented mathematician and pianist.
Georgia has been dancing since the age of 3. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz and commercial, before finding a love for movement through contemporary dance. She is currently taking A level dance at Truro college and has attended Exeter CAT scheme for the last five years.
Megan started training in contemporary dance at TIN Arts in Durham when she was 2, later joining Fishburn Youth Dance and Drama when she was 10, where she trained in ballet, modern and tap. At age 12 Megan was awarded a place at the Dance City CAT scheme in Newcastle. She now trains solely in contemporary and ballet alongside her A-levels in Maths, Religious Studies and Textiles.
Monét’s experience with dance started with ballet when she was three years old at Siegeris Dance Company. She continued to practice ballet for thirteen years until they joined ‘Artistry Youth Dance Company’ in 2020, where she practiced Horton technique and jazz. Monét currently trains at ‘Twiin dance company and agency’ in street dance and modern, as well as practicing afro and hip hop at ‘Rhythm Masters’.
Rosa started their dance training at RJC learning Soca when they were 4. They then moved on to dance for Gipton Together in primary school, where they learned commercial dance styles and performed competitively. They started the CAT scheme at NSCD when they were 13 whilst also studying BTEC dance in highschool, and now train in contemporary dance with Phoenix youth Academy Seniors alongside their A-levels.
Daisy has been dancing since she was three, with the Margaret Giles School of Dancing. She achieved GCSE Grade 9 from the Royal Academy of Dance. She is currently studying UAL Level 3 Dance at Canterbury College during the week and training on the CAT Program at Trinity Laban at weekends. Daisy has experience is lots of dance styles, including Contemporary, Ballet, Hip-Hop and Tap.
Ayuna grew up in Siberia, Russia, but moved to the UK aged 15. She is a talented athlete and musician, and, as a child, enjoyed ballroom dancing. Over the past few years, Ayuna has taken every possible opportunity to train in different dance styles and develop her choreography skills, working with companies such as Step Change Stusios, Leicester ProDance, Propel Dance, and One Dance UK, as part of their Young Creatives Programme. She is over the moon to be a part of NYDC and can’t wait to take Cohort 12’s new work on tour.
Matthew started dancing with Tin Arts when he was 17 with a mixed ability group of contemporary dancers.
They have reached the U Dance finals 3 times in a row. Matthew has skills in ballet, jazz, Bollywood and more.
Matthew has been with NYDC for one year touring the country.
Fue has been a dancer for the most part of her life. She started at a local dance school, learning Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz and Acro. Then in 2020, Fue joined Phoenix Youth Academy and the CAT programme at Northern School Of Contemporary Dance. Since then, Fue has been working to explore more contemporary movement and techniques.
Roselynn started dancing in her bedroom as a self taught dancer. She auditioned for the Lowry CAT scheme in 2022 and is in her second year of training. She has experience in Contemporary, Commercial, and a bit of Kathak but would love to dance every style if she could.
James (Slayer) started dancing when he was 8. He entered his first battle at 9 and since then has won numerous titles in popping and all styles categories. At 15 he became the youngest ever open world modern jive champion. James trained for two years on the Swindon Urban Dance CAT programme and two years at Birmingham contemporary CAT programme.
