North Tyneside Youth Dance (NTYD) is a newly formed youth dance program set up by choreographer Anthony Lo-Giudice and based at The Exchange 1856 in North Shields.
Catering for ages eight through 18 with weekly classes on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the vision is to create a dance hub for young people regionally, who will benefit from world-class specialist training in contemporary dance and ballet technique from working dance professionals.
NTYD aims to provide the opportunity for young people to experience the benefits of a balanced high-quality dance program and will include weekly classes, as well performance showcase opportunities.
“I’m a local lad from the North East who discovered dance in his teens,” says Lo-Giudice. “The rigour, the escapism and the sense of community and friendship that dance brought to me when I was growing up was a completely transformative experience. My dance colleagues and I are passionate about providing the opportunity that dance gave us, to the next generation. We are so excited to be able to offer something for young people interested in dance at the coast and in the newly renovated Exchange venue, too!”
The collective of local dance practitioners who are heading up the delivery of the ballet, contemporary and creative dance sessions are experienced, and passionate tutors. The classes will offer a space for young people to make new friendship circles, escape the pressures of exams and have dedicated time in their week to be creative. The youth dance program also aims to host two showcase performance opportunities at The Exchange each year.
Local entrepreneur Paul Stonebanks OBE is the new custodian of The Exchange 1856, and the venue is central to delivering ambitious plans to develop a vibrant Cultural Quarter in North Shields. Stonebanks is investing significantly in the Grade II-listed building, growing its cultural offer, and supporting its wider ambitions for the town centre.
“We are delighted that Anthony and the NTYD are supporting The Exchange in its vision to become a centralised hub for cultural engagement,” says Stonebanks. “The Youth Dance program will allow for a new community to reside within our building, and we have high hopes that it will become a home for young people regionally to fulfil their creative potential in dance.”
To register your interest in attending the dance classes, go to
www.facebook.com/NorthTynesideYouthDance. You can follow NTYD on Instagram: @northtynesideyouthdance.
