Thursday 20 March 2025

Running Order

Behind the Buttons: Phoenix Youth Academy Juniors
Framed in Motion: Mechanics’ Performing Arts
Work in Progress: Kick Off Boys Dance
Queen of the Nile: Trinity Academy Leeds
Myth of Myself: Union of Dance Youth
Beyond: Mechanics’ Performing Arts
Divele: Co-op Academy Leeds
Circle of Sisters: York Youth Dance
Korota: Phoenix Youth Academy Seniors

Phoenix Dance Theatre’s Learning and Development department aims to empower, engage and inspire through high-quality dance provision, focusing on three key strands: training dancers of the future, children and young people and the hard to reach. Our company is committed to changing lives through dance.

A message from Vicci Hamilton, Head of Learning & Development: “The Phoenix Dance Theatre team are excited to welcome audience members to the Yorkshire Youth Dance Platform 2025 event. This evening will showcase the outstanding talent and creativity thriving here in the Yorkshire region. Thank you for showing your support this evening, I hope you enjoy the show.”

Behind the Buttons
Phoenix Youth Academy Juniors
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 twice a week to develop strong contemporary dance techniques and performance skills.
Choreography: Dorna Ashory & Dylan Springer (Company Dancers)
In this captivating dance piece inspired by the film Coraline, performers explore the delicate balance between protection and curiosity. Through dynamic movements and enchanting visuals, the choreography captures the pull between the desire to shield oneself from harm and the urge to explore the unknown. This interplay invites the audience to reflect on the tension between safety and discovery, drawing them into a world where wonder and caution coexist.
Dancers: Ruby A, Olivia B, Ruby B, Hermoine C, Louise C, Blake F, Gabriel F, Bethany H, Emma H, Robyn H, Anais I-R, India J, Oliver L, Serena L, Miley P, Jermaine P-R & Isabelle R

Framed in Motion
Mechanics Performing Arts 
A Performing Arts College in Wakefield which provides full time Performing Arts training in 3 subject disciplines (Dance, Musical Theatre and Acting) at A Level and Degree Level. Our industry professional teachers, directors, choreographers, musical directors, designers and technicians, ensures that we provide the highest quality training and education within the district. We have close ties with our industry partners which enable us to provide our students with a unique experience. As part of Wakefield College, we also have a vast array of services and support to offer our talented young artists serious about pursuing a Performing arts career.
Choreography: Louise Wilkins
A single photograph—silent, still—holds a world of memories, each unique to the one who gazes upon it. Framed in Motion brings these personal echoes to life through the fluidity of lyrical jazz, where every step, every breath, unravels a different story. Dancers weave between nostalgia and discovery, capturing the way a single image can stir love, loss, joy, and longing—all at once. As the past flickers and fades like light on film, we ask:
Dancers: Charlotte P, Katie R, Kinsley B, Ella H, Jake R, Izabella M, Chloe D, Madison B, Isobel H-T, Elizabeth G, Millie K, Michaela D, Sophie G, Sophia F, Charlotte H, Isabella C, Molly H, Safiyya N, Lauren M & Hannah B

Work in Progress
Kick Off Boys Dance 
Our Youth Dance Project aims to support, nurture and retain male dance talent in Leeds working with boys ages 11-18 years, to provide clear progression routes for young male dancers from widening participation backgrounds to further dance training including HE settings and to offer young males the opportunity to participate, perform and to watch dance.
Choreography: George Bishop and Dancers
This is the first Kick Off performance of the year. Up until now, we have been working in the studio to create lots of exciting phrases and material. The work this evening is an amalgamation of all that we have been creating, pieced together as one.
Dancers: Lars H, Joshua S, Jacob C-W, Kendal T, Edgar R, Noah M, Will B & Daniel G
Thank you to the partnership Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Phoenix Dance Theatre and Leeds City College. Thank you to Shahada from Phoenix Dance Theatre for assisting the group. 

Queen of the Nile 
Trinity Academy Leeds – Afro Fusion
Choreography: Shahada Nantaba Sekajja
In the quiet stillness of the afternoon, a teenager drifts into a dream – one
where she is a powerful queen of the Nile. With a wave of her hand, the
great river parts before her. Draped in vibrant fabric she embarks on a
mystic journey to her coronation, where the echoes of ancient celebrations
rise to meet her. In this dance, fantasy and history intertwine, bringing to
life her a young dreamer’s vision of royalty, strength, celebration and
timeless beauty.
Dancers: Kyara M, Christine E, Joy A, Destiny A, Olivia B, Carmen B, Elexis C, Emily F, Naymi G, Joyce G-B, Ruth H, Snit H, Grace H, Olivia M, Amreen M, Orla M, Eilish M, Melody M, Jessica O, Perfect O, Corina S, Ariam T, Desire U, Alisha Z & Milkana A
Thank you to Trinity Academy Leeds for its continue support.  

Myth of Myself
Union of Dance Youth 
Choreography: Ruth Johnson
This dance explores the themes of identity and self-discovery. A fluid process, shaped by the interconnected elements of clothes, friendships, music taste, style and relationships. Our environment and interactions play key roles in how we shift and evolve, with each experience contributing to who we are. Inspired by the psychology of Alan Watts, this journey of self-exploration helps us question, “Who am I?”
Dancers: Kyla C-S, Lois W, Olivia T, Polly M, Eve W, Matilda L, Poppy J, Eidy J, Gracie L, Martha C, Lucy O & Susie H
Thanks to Kloe Dean and Sadlers Wells who have provided feedback and choreographic advice as part of Making Moves, choreography and performance project. 

Beyond
Mechanics Performing Arts (Wakefield College)
A Performing Arts College in Wakefield which provides full time Performing Arts training in 3 subject disciplines (Dance, Musical Theatre and Acting) at A Level and Degree Level. Our industry professional teachers, directors, choreographers, musical directors, designers and technicians, ensures that we provide the highest quality training and education within the district. We have close ties with our industry partners which enable us to provide our students with a unique experience. As part of Wakefield College, we also have a vast array of services and support to offer our talented young artists serious about pursuing a Performing arts career.
Choreography: Louise Wilkins
A dream, a desire, a relentless pull toward something more. Beyond explores the journey of reaching, striving, and never settling. Set to the haunting beauty of A Thousand Years, this lyrical jazz piece captures the quiet yearning and the bold leaps toward what lies just beyond our grasp. Through fluid movement and heartfelt expression, dancers embody the longing for growth, love, and destiny, reminding us that what we want can be within reach.
Dancers: Enya B, Cara B, Asher J, Emma M, Hannah M, Amy B, Kiera B, Mollie P, Holly B, Tilly F, Isabelle W, Emma C, Saskia P, Imani K, Eleanor B & Robbi-Ann W

Divele
Co-op Academy Leeds
Choreography: Natalie Alleston, Jennifer Ruiz, Shahada Nantaba Sekajji & dancers
This piece has been created for and inspired by the dancers you see on stage. Divele is Romanian for Divas and was chosen by the dancers to represent their love for their home country. The piece celebrates their humour, confidence, passion and diva-like nature.
Dancers: Maria-Antonia M, Isabel M, Raluca L-N, Brandusa G, Cristina B, Miruna C, Andreea I, Teodora M, Anemonia B & Narcisa G

Circle of Sisters
York Youth Dance
Choreography: Hannah, Drew and the dancers
Our piece explores how we can create a strong sense of shared identity, pride, connection, and belonging through the collective practice of movement and music. Within our group we uplift individuals, build social cohesion, and provide a platform for expression and celebration of dance; ultimately enabling us to feel more empowered and engaged within our space. We have created a dance family, a home away from home, a place where we all belong.  
Dancers: Erin S, Isobel W, Rosie F, Rose P, Daisy P, Maisie C, Sylvie P, Nell U & Violet E

Korota
Phoenix Youth Academy Seniors
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 twice a week to develop strong contemporary dance techniques and performance skills.
Choreography: Iolanda Portogallo
A journey of self acceptance and loneliness of one individual trying to make peace with it’s own stigma.
The character is accompanied by it’s own sense of self which takes shape as The Pigeon/Bird, mirroring the human mind and helping the character to face it’s own emotions, perceptions, crisis and judgement.
Dancers: Taylor B, Francesca B-Z, Tia C, Alessandro C, Ava D, Lizzie F, Samuel L, Isabella L, Libby M, Maisie M, Sharon M, Eva N, Niamh R, Sofia R, Edith S, Keira-Mae S, Verity P, Isaiah T.

End of Performance

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Friday 21 March 2025

Running Order

The Society: Phoenix Youth Academy York
Someone to You: Phoenix Saturday School Level 2
Prison of Persona: Phoenix Youth Academy Sheffield
To the Moon: Code Collective Dance Company
Experience:  Phoenix Youth Academy York Soloist Sophie I
Subdued Humanity: Renaissance Arts Conservatoire
hi neighbour: Phoenix Youth Academy Doncaster

The Society
Phoenix Youth Academy York
Launched in September 2019, Phoenix Youth Academy York provides pre-vocational dance training. Our high-quality training programme is for talented young dancers aged 13 – 18 interested in pursuing a career in dance. Students meet for three hours per week to develop excellent contemporary technique.
Choreography: Tony Polo (Company Dancer)
A group of people find a strange object within their community, and choose to ignore its presence. This is in an attempt to continue living in blissful ignorance without intrusion.
Dancers: Abi C, Lexi D-C, Eleanor C, Sophie N-I, Bethany L, Maisie M, Amy M, Niamh M, Ava P, Shona P, Lauren R, Gabby S, Cara S, Connie W & Ruby Y

Someone to You 
Phoenix Dance Saturday School Level 2
The Saturday School programme invites children to have fun, develop, and learn dancing techniques and encourages participants to get creative all while being supported by our leading dance practitioners.
Choreography: Jennifer Ruiz
This dance piece explores the journey of finding acceptance within society and embracing one’s inherent worth. Through powerful, expressive movements, dancers embody the struggle of self-doubt and the ultimate realization that everyone is valuable and deserving of belonging. The choreography blends fluidity and strength, symbolizing the balance between vulnerability and empowerment. The piece culminates in a moment of collective unity, celebrating individuality within the fabric of a connected community.  
Dancers: Alisha S, Autumn S, Corina O-J-D-S, Dibora T, Edgar R, Eliette M, Elizabeth H, Ema M, Eva Y, Finley H, Frances G, Grace E-D, Grace S, Hegel S-N, Joshua D, Joyce K-G-B, Kitana S, Kyara I-S-C-M, Kobe J, Megan P, Michaela P-F, Milkana A, Nancy R-L, Owen W, Peggy S, Philippa D, Rosa S, Samuel B, Scarlet W, Sienna P, Sophie C, Sophia H, Willow C & Zaha K-C

Prison of Persona
Phoenix Youth Academy Sheffield
September 2022 saw the launch of Phoenix Youth Academy Sheffield. The Youth Academy programme provides high quality pre-vocational dance training for talented young dancers aged 13 – 18 interested in pursuing a career in dance. Students access a 90 minute lesson each week to develop excellent contemporary technique.
Choreography: Hannah McGlashon (Company Dancer)
In a world of celebrity and social media, it’s very easy to get swept up with glamorous images and ideals. It’s just as easy to forget we are all human, which allows us to share experiences and emotions. Prison of Persona highlights the mask we have all worn at times to hide how we truly feel and the importance of trusting your individuality and connecting with the people around us.
Dancers: Nancy S, Sophie C, Isabella D, Elodie H, Olive H, Poppy L, Fariyah M, Elizabeth P, Mia R.

To the Moon
Code Collective Dance Company
Choreography: Codie Reece
The meaning behind the dance is the deep desire to be heard and understood, even when feeling alone, mirroring the songs’ theme of speaking to someone who seems out of reach. The group is a mixed ability group ranging from 6-15. They have little to no performance experience. They are a group of all girls and spend their Saturday mornings dancing together.
Dancers: Hollie E, Phoebe C, Olivia L, Grace L, Lacey J & Isobella P

Experience
Phoenix Youth Academy York Soloist Sophie I
Launched in September 2019, Phoenix Youth Academy York provides pre-vocational dance training. Our high-quality training programme is for talented young dancers aged 13 – 18 interested in pursuing a career in dance. Students meet for three hours per week to develop excellent contemporary technique.
Choreographer and dancer: Sophie I

Subdued Humanity
Renaissance Arts Conservatoire
York Dance Space is an independent arts organisation in York. The York Youth Dance programme is a non auditioned contemporary dance company for teenagers who meet once a week to make choreographic work with professional dance artists.
Choreography: Hannah and Drew and the dancers
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust with a tribute dance piece in memory of those across the world who have been effected by war & conflict. Performed by vocational students training full time at Renaissance Arts Conservatoire.
Dancers: Isobel B, Olivia B-M, Louis B, Lauren F, Molly G, Katie G, Rosie H, Jack H, Imani H-S, Lilly P, Maddie S, Izy W

hi neighbour
Doncaster
Phoenix Dance Theatre, in partnership with Cast Theatre, run a satellite Youth Academy programme in Doncaster. Students attend one 90 minute session per week to develop excellent contemporary technique and performance skills for young, aspiring dancers aged 13-18. Dance pieces are created during intensive courses that take place during school holidays which are then showcased at various dance platforms across the UK.
Choreography: Jess Yeo (Junior Dancer)
Inspired by Tim Dlugos’ poem, hi neighbour invites us to step out of our imagined futures to seek joy in the mundane, connection and the present. Driven by musicality and gestures, the piece explores the shift from coexistence to cooperation. Together with Jess and Yasmina, PYA Doncaster has built two contrasting worlds—one resisting time, the other finding comfort in its passage.
Dancers: Katie A, Ellie B, Georgia C, Julia C, Feechi E, Natalia H, Phoebe I, Olivia K, Jenna L, Hazza M, Caitlin M, Olivia M, Grace P, Hugh R, Nicola S.

End of Performance

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We would like to thank all the young participants, their parents/carers, the group leaders and chaperones, as well as the amazing practitioners and chaperones for their hard work and commitment leading up to this evening’s performance. Thank you to the professional guests for their commitment and inspirational performances. It has been a pleasure working with you all.

We extend our thanks and appreciation to our funders Arts Council England, Leeds City Council and the Leverhulme Trust for their continued support.