NEWS
U.Dance is calling on Youth Dance Groups across Wales
If you love dance and want to perform on a national stage, U.Dance Cymru 2026 could be your moment.
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National Youth Arts Wales has opened applications for U.Dance Cymru, part of the UK-wide U.Dance programme that celebrates young dancers and dance groups. It’s all about giving young people the chance to share their work, meet other dancers and be part of the UK’s biggest youth dance festival.
What is U.Dance?
U.Dance is for dancers aged 11–19, or up to 25 if you’re a disabled dancer. It doesn’t matter what style you dance - hip hop, contemporary, street, fusion, or other - if you’re passionate about dance, you’re welcome.
Groups selected through U.Dance Cymru could be chosen to represent Wales at the U.Dance National Festival 2026, happening 3-5 July in Glasgow. The festival includes live performances, dance films, workshops, and chances to connect with dancers from across the UK.
Jamie Jenkins, Head of Dance for National Youth Dance Wales says: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with One Dance UK and our partners to support a youth dance company/dance group from Wales to perform in Glasgow at the U.Dance National Festival. Over previous years, a number of outstanding groups have showcased their skills to audiences across the UK, including Rubicon Dance, Monmouthshire Youth Dance Company, NDCWales Young Associates and Fusion Elite. We are incredibly proud of the talent and creativity within the youth dance sector in Wales and look forward to seeing the next generation of dancers take to the national stage. Please do reach out if you have any questions.”
How Can You Get Involved?
Dance groups can apply in one of two ways:
- U.Dance On Stage – perform live on stage (up to 30 dancers)
- U.Dance On Screen – submit a dance film (no limit on group size)
Your dance piece needs to be 2–7 minutes long and original.
The deadline to apply is 15 March 2026.
All applications are reviewed by dance professionals, and successful groups will be put forward to One Dance UK for the national festival.
Why Apply?
U.Dance isn’t just about performing, it’s about:
- Meeting other young dancers
- Taking part in workshops
- Learning about the dance industry
- Gaining confidence and experience
- Having fun doing what you love.
If you’re part of a youth dance group in Wales, check out the full details and how to apply here: https://www.nyaw.org.uk/udance-cymru
Who knows? Your next performance could be on a national stage!