NEWS
Highlights from U.Dance National Festival 2025
Sadler’s Wells East came alive with energy and joy as hundreds of young dancers from across the UK gathered for U.Dance National Festival 2025.
Share
What an unforgettable weekend! Sadler’s Wells East came alive recently with energy, passion, and the sheer joy of dance as hundreds of young dancers from across the UK gathered for the U.Dance National Festival 2025. From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July, the venue buzzed with creativity, collaboration and celebration, making it one of the most exciting events on the youth dance calendar.
The festival started in full force with very special workshops led by the legendary Sir Richard Alston, offering young dancers an inspiring start to the weekend. Friday also featured the U.Dance on Screen Showcase, presented by One Dance UK and in partnership with UCL East . This screening brought together a powerful collection of short dance films, highlighting innovation, storytelling and the artistry of dance on screen, now available on Sadler’s Wells digital Stage until 8 August.
The first U.Dance National Showcase on Friday 25 July featured dazzling live performances from guest companies including the National Youth Dance Companies of England, Scotland and Wales, and the Trinity Laban Centre for Advanced Training (CAT). The talent on stage set the tone for an incredible weekend of performance and celebration.
The festival continued with electric workshops across the weekend led by West End stars from iconic productions such as Mamma Mia!, Hercules, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge! and Hamilton, giving young dancers a rare opportunity to learn from the very best. Contemporary dance sessions with Company Wayne McGregor pushed creativity and movement boundaries, while Boy Blue brought explosive energy in dynamic hip hop workshops that had everyone moving. And in a joyful fusion of cultures, Bhangra Ceilidh presented by the English Folk Dance and Song Society brought the entire community together, filling the dance floor with laughter, rhythm and unity.
Saturday and Sunday saw more U.Dance National Showcases take centre stage, highlighting some of the UK’s most talented youth dance groups. Selected from hundreds of hopefuls through U.Dance Regional Platforms held earlier in the year, these groups represented a diverse range of styles, voices and communities from across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Alongside the performances, festival-goers had the chance to explore career pathways through engaging interactive talks on choreography, dancers’ health, costume design, and dance photography. The Dance Education Marketplace was also a popular hub across the weekend, with interactive stands and friendly representatives offering insight into further training, education opportunities, and ways to keep talking dance long after the festival.
A group leader commented after the festival,
“The weekend was an incredible experience. Our dancers not only had the privilege of performing on a beautiful stage but also benefited immensely from working with the technical crew, participating in inspiring workshops, and connecting with other like minded young people.”
Sir Richard Alston, Champion of U.Dance, said,
“I have a particular fondness for U.Dance. Over many years, I have seen how important it is, how inspiring, for young people from all over the country to meet each other to perform, share, and learn.“
Every performance and session was a testament to the dedication, creativity and spirit of young dancers, and a powerful reminder of the unifying power of dance.
Thank you, Sadler’s Wells, and to our generous sponsors for making this incredible weekend possible, Bronze Sponsors Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Access Sponsors, Trinity Laban, for their vital support in helping One Dance UK present an inclusive and welcoming festival for all.
