As we settle in to the new year, our Learning & Development department is looking forward to the Spring Term, with some new exciting opportunities on the horizon.

We caught up with Professional Training Manager Mason Jubb who shared some key reflections on the past year and what we’ve got to look forward to in 2025:

“I joined Phoenix Dance Theatre in my role as Professional Training Manager in June 2024, and I’ve been extremely impressed by the students’ progress so far. I want to extend a huge thank you to all Phoenix Youth Academy (PYA) students for an incredible first term.  It was particularly inspiring to witness the students collaborate with our professional company dancers and Associate Artist Iolanda Portogallo during their creative intensives. Watching the development of each piece throughout the creation process from October to December was truly magical and I’m eager to see how each cohort continues to evolve this term.

The Phoenix Youth Academy Showcase 2024 provided a platform to bring together all of our academy students from Leeds, Doncaster, Sheffield, York, North East and Oldham. It was wonderful to celebrate their achievements and the performance ended the term on a high note.”

Looking Ahead

“As we begin this new term, I’m looking forward to continuing to grow our PYA cohorts. Students will continue to showcase their hard work and will also have opportunities to get involved with the professional company. With the upcoming Spring Tour of Inside Giovanni’s Room, PYA students will have the opportunity to watch the performance and engage with the professional company, offering students valuable insight into the future career pathways in the arts.

There’s so much to look forward to this year, including the upcoming Easter choreographic intensives. We’re also excited for the performances on the horizon and can’t wait for everyone to experience them.”

Upcoming performances

Sunday 9 February– NO LIMIT Boys Platform

Tuesday 11 February– All Saints Dance Show (PYA Sheffield)

Friday 7 March– Everybody Dance Festival (PYA York)

Thursday 20 & Friday 21 March– Yorkshire Youth Dance Platform (All PYA Groups)

If you are interested in joining any of our Phoenix Youth Academy cohorts, please contact mason.jubb@phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk