Sadler’s Wells launches the inaugural YFX Youth Festival in July 2025, a vibrant celebration of youth dance across the UK. Partnering with One Dance UK, the two-week festival showcases the extraordinary talent of young dancers through performances, workshops, and discussions at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Lilian Baylis Studio in Angel, and the newly opened Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford. With branding designed by young graphic artist Soe-Myat Noe, YFX highlights the diversity and creativity of emerging dancers while fostering pathways into the dance industry.
From 19–27 July, YFX brings together hundreds of young dancers for an exciting program. The festival kicks off on 19 July with One Dance UK’s Young Creatives at Lilian Baylis Studio, a pioneering choreography program nurturing future dance makers. That same day, the National Youth Dance Company England (NYDC), in its 13th year under Sadler’s Wells, premieres Gravity at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Led by Boy Blue’s Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante MBE and Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy MBE, NYDC unites England’s brightest talents in a dynamic hip hop dance theatre production.
On 23 July, Sadler’s Wells East hosts the Making Moves National Platform, a choreographic showcase for 500+ young dancers from 48 school and youth groups across England, including Aarohi – Pagrav Dance Youth Company (London), ORB Youth Dance Company (Eastleigh), and TeesDance Youth Company (Tees Valley). Guided by choreographers Ben Duke, Kloé Dean, Jules Cunningham, and Seeta Patel, participants receive digital toolkits, masterclasses, and workshops to create their pieces. Affordable £10 tickets for ages 16–30 are available via Barclays Dance Pass for Gravity and Making Moves.
The festival concludes with the U.Dance National Festival from 25–27 July at Sadler’s Wells East, featuring youth groups nationwide. On 25 July, guest performances by the National Youth Dance Companies of England, Scotland, and Wales, alongside Trinity Laban CAT, mark a historic collaboration. That day, the U.Dance on Screen Showcase at One Pool Street Cinema presents top youth dance screendance, with selected films on Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage.
YFX goes beyond performances, offering opportunities for growth and connection. From 21–24 July, free workshops and talks led by young artists like Max Revell, Maiya Leeke, Folu Odimayo, and Vidya Patel target students pursuing dance training. These sessions cover choreography, dramaturgy, and dance on film, providing insights into artist development and funding. On 17 July, primary schools from Sadler’s Wells Associate School Programme, spanning Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, and Newham, share their work at Sadler’s Wells East, celebrating a year of learning through dance.
A symposium on 24 July at Sadler’s Wells East explores the future of youth dance, featuring leaders like Dominic Mitchell (Candoco), Samantha and Aishley Bell-Docherty (House of Wingz), and Sarah Shorten (Stacked Wonky). A performance of Are You Here For The Meeting? by Stacked Wonky’s young Somerset dancers, aged 14–21, highlights experimental choreography. That same day, ZooNation Youth Company performs an extract from Lights Out, a thrilling production by Kate Prince and Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe, on The Dance Floor.
During the festival there will also be a day of performances from a selection of local youth dance groups on The Dance Floor. This dynamic line-up will take to The Dance Floor in a celebration of movement, creativity, and community spirit. Featuring a range of styles including contemporary, hip hop and cultural dance these performances will showcase the talent and energy of young dancers from across the boroughs adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Park. This will offer a vital platform for emerging dancers to share their work, build confidence, and connect with new audiences. This event will invite families, friends, and dance lovers to support the next generation of local performers.
Director of Sadler’s Wells Learning & Engagement, Joce Giles said, “YFX is an ambitious new dance festival that will celebrate and showcase the incredible talent of young people from across the UK and show the breadth of Sadler’s Wells’ national role in dance for young people across the country. Hundreds of young dancers will be taking over the stages at our theatres in Angel and Stratford across an exciting programme of performances.
It’s fantastic to partner with One Dance UK for the inaugural festival as they do such vital work in this arena. There will also be masterclasses and talks giving young people the chance to connect with professional artists and gain insight into the dance industry as well as demonstrating the importance of arts education and showing young people the pathways and progression available within dance. We can’t wait to give a big welcome to all the young people taking part in YFX and look forward to being inspired by the dancing taking place across our stages.”
YFX reflects Sadler’s Wells’ commitment to accessibility and collaboration, shaping the future of dance. Join us from 19–27 July 2025.
For more details and tickets for YFX Festival, visit sadlerswells.com.
