Young Associates

NDCWales Young Associates provides inspirational contemporary dance training for young Welsh or Wales based dancers aged 13-18. Sessions run on Sundays during Welsh school terms from 10:30am – 2.00pm with some additional workshop days. Sessions are taught by the Engagement Dance Artist, NDCWales Company Dancers and guest artists.

For over a decade, National Dance Company Wales (NDCWales) has been nurturing and developing some of the most talented dancers from across the nation. Former NDCWales Young Associates have gone on to train at Trinity Laban, Rambert, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, London School of Contemporary Dance, Tring Park, Bird College and more. Some have even returned to us as Professional Placement Students and Company Dancers.

Based at the Dance House, Cardiff, the home of NDCWales, our Young Associates follow a programme created by our Artistic team which includes our Artistic Director, Matthew Robinson, and our Engagement Dance Artist who oversees and provides feedback and support during the programme. The programme focuses on improving creative and technical skills in contemporary dance, along with developing work for performance.

We have a limited number of places available and successful applicants are chosen through a FREE workshop audition in the form of a contemporary technique class where dancers can show their skills, creativity and potential.

We welcome young dancers from a range of dance backgrounds. If you're interested and passionate about dance, whatever your experience, we'll support you to apply

NDCWales Young Associates programme is delivered in collaboration with Northern School of Contemporary Dance.  

As part of the Young Associates programme, you will have a link to the professional company which may include:

• A weekly three-hour dance class (Autumn & Spring terms).
• Performance opportunities including a new work choreographed for LAUNCH - Youth Dance Night at the Dance House in late November.
• Access to observe NDCWales Company rehearsals and Company Class.
• Free ticket/s to NDCWales performances in Wales.
• Pre/Post show discussions with the creatives.
• Mentoring from NDCWales Artists.
• Career development talks

About Young Associates 

We run Young Associates Classes in the Dance House, Cardiff Bay on Sundays in line with school Autumn and Spring terms, 10:30am-2:00pm.

Each Sunday consists of two sessions, across which you will develop your physical, creative, technical and performance skills. These sessions are delivered by NDCWales and guest artists, working with a variety of approaches to movement.

If you also attend Ballet Cymru Associates  we work in collaboration to ensure that you can leave class early once a month to attend Ballet Cymru.

We know that on 7 July 2024 members of Ballet Cymru Associates may be attending a rehearsal. Please indicate this in the form below and we’ll make sure you have the morning slot for the workshop audition. This has been arranged directly with Ballet Cymru

Projects and Performances 

The Young Associates programme recognises the importance of performance and creative experience as well as technique classes, and so offers the opportunity to work with professional choreographers on a performance at LAUNCH – Youth Dance Night.

LAUNCH is an evening of performances featuring some of the most exciting youth dance groups from across Wales.

LAUNCH is an essential part of the Young Associates experience so please check the dates before applying to ensure you can attend.

Timetable 2024-25

We offer successful applicants a full programme which will help to nurture and grow their talent and offer them a real insight into the professional dance world. We know that many of our Young Associates are busy, which is why we try to give our weekly dates and performance opportunities in advance. If multiple sessions are missed throughout the year, we will discuss this with you and may consider offering your Young Associates place to someone on our waiting list.

Please note that this timetable is subject to change before the start of the programme.

Term 1:

Friday 20 September: Group trip to see National Dance Company Wales perform ‘Frontiers’ at Sherman theatre, Cardiff.
15, 22, 29 September: Weekly training 10.30am-2pm
6,13, 20 October: Weekly training 10.30am-2pm
26-29 October: Creation week for LAUNCH 10am-5pm daily
3,17,24 November: Weekly Training 10.30am-2pm
9-10 November: LAUNCH rehearsal and performances.
1, 8 December: Weekly Training 10.30am-2pm

Term 2:

12,19, 26 January: Weekly Training 10.30am-2pm
2, 9, 16, 23 February: Weekly Training 10.30am-2pm
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 March: Weekly Training 10.30am-2pm
6 April: Weekly Training 10.30am-2pm

Weekly Sessions are taught by the Engagement Dance Artist, NDCWales Company Dancers and guest artists – mostly focusing on Contemporary Dance training, with occasional guest styles.

Last year’s teachers included: Alethia Antonia, Camille Giradeau, Ena Yamaguchi, Gaia Cicolani, Harlan Rust, Jack Philp, Jodi Nicholson, Lea Anderson, Liam Wallace, Mayowa Ogunnaike, Richard Chappell, Sanea Singh, Tom O'Gorman and Victoria Roberts. 

Cost 

The Young Associates’ programme costs £495 in total for the year for weekly contemporary training classes and Creation, Rehearsal and Performance days.
Fees can be paid in four instalments from September-December.
You should be available for all classes and performances and there is no fee reduction for missed sessions. If you decide to leave the programme the total fee will still be due. 
Fees must be paid via Bank Transfer or Monthly Standing Order only - if this is an issue for you, please let us know if you are offered a place.

Bursaries

Bursaries are available for young dancers on the programme through a simple, quick and easy process. If you are finding that money is a barrier, we can help with that.
We are able to offer a limited number of bursaries for our young dancers to subside the cost of the course. If you are offered a place on the programme, all you will need to do is contact young.associates@ndcwales.co.uk to request a bursary, it is that simple. Bursary applications can only be made once an offer has been received and must be made within 10 days of receiving an offer.