We are proud to annually deliver youth dance platforms as part of our commitment to provide performance opportunities and raise aspirations of young people. We invite the very best of local, regional and national talents to the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre to present their work in front of an audience of up to 230 guests.

ResTec
ResTec23 will take place on Friday 29th November 2024 in recognition of World AIDS Day, to raise awareness of these issues through dance. Our professional practitioners are working in local Secondary schools across Leeds during an intensive period of the Autumn term in order to create dance that explores themes related to this topic.

For the opportunity to perform alongside Leeds school groups, our national Youth Academy groups and dance groups from London, Phoenix Dance Theatre welcomes applications of interest from schools and organisations across the country who would like to create an appropriate piece of dance for performance in this Platform. To register for this Platform please complete the RESTEC form below.

Applications have now closed. 

NO LIMIT
Across all of our provisions, we strive to challenge the stigma and preconceptions around gender in dance. 2022 saw the launch of NO LIMIT, produced to celebrate the distinctive energy and dynamism that boys bring to performances. Featuring performances from community groups through to professional artists, this platform highlights the inspirational nature of male dance and showcases the opportunities available for young male dancers locally, nationally and beyond.

The second boys-only events will take place on Sunday 9 February 2025. To register for our boys only platform, please register interest using the NO LIMIT form which can be found here by 15 November 2024.

PYA Showcase
Founded in Leeds in 2009, Phoenix Youth Academy offers high-quality pre-vocational training programmes for young, aspiring dancers aged 13-18 who are interested in pursuing dance as a career. Throughout the year students work with current and former Phoenix Dance Theatre dancers and internationally acclaimed choreographers. Students meet weekly to develop strong contemporary dance techniques and performance skills.

The PYA Showcase is an immersive day for all Phoenix Youth Academy cohorts; Leeds Juniors and Seniors, Doncaster, North East, Oldham, Sheffield and York. The full day event will include workshops, warmups and technical rehearsals, leading into a live performance in the Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre.

The PYA Showcase will take place on Sunday 15 December 2024.

Yorkshire Youth Dance Platform
This event brings together groups from across Yorkshire to celebrate the skill, talent and creativity of young dancers across the region. Spring 2024 saw this event extend to run across 2 evenings, accommodating 20 performances! For your opportunity to perform at the Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre, Phoenix Dance Theatre welcomes applications from youth dance groups of all dance styles.

Our 10th annual Yorkshire Youth Dance Platform performances will take place on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 March 2025. To apply for the Yorkshire Youth Dance Platform 2025, please complete the form which can be found here by Wednesday 18 December 2024.

Summer Dance Platform
As a celebratory event for the end of the academic year, this special performance brings together groups, schools and colleges with whom we have worked with over the past 12 months. It takes place in July each year and showcases performances from our Saturday School, Illuminate Dance, members of our Schools Partnership Scheme, and all Phoenix Youth Academy cohorts.

Technical Requirements, BOPA and Programme Information

In consideration of safeguarding and healthy and safety, we must obtain a BOPA license from our local council for platform events. Additionally, we require the music details of each performance piece for music licensing. The information you provide will also be used to produce the event programme and to schedule the technical rehearsals. We aim to facilitate your lighting requirements where possible, though please note, a maximum of five lighting cues can be included throughout the piece. You will have an allocated time of 30 minutes in the theatre to rehearse your performance. Throughout rehearsals and the performance, young people may be filmed and photographed for archival purposes and for use on our social media platforms. We must have confirmation that you have obtained photo consent from for each performer’s parent or guardian.

Anyone wishing to watch the show from the auditorium, with the exception of chaperones backstage, must purchase a ticket.