Hampshire Youth Dance Company

Pre-professional training & performance experience for aspiring young dancers

The Company

Hampshire Youth Dance Company (HYDC) is recognised nationally as one the South West’s leading youth dance companies, with an outstanding reputation for providing high quality professional dance training and performance experience for aspiring young dancers aged 13- 21yrs.

HYDC follows a carefully designed programme to develop young dancers' technique, creative and performance skills as well as audition preparation and support for those wishing to pursue dance and the arts further. Through demanding technique classes, creative and choreographic exploration, the opportunity to work with professional choreographers and perform as a company across the region and beyond, HYDC takes aspiring young dancers to the next level of their training.

Training

HYDC is expertly led and guided by professional dance artist and Artistic Director Tory East, who brings a wealth experience from over 20 years of working as a performer, choreographer and mentor. Tory’s work with young people has seen her gain recognition from One Dance UK and Sadler's Wells.

Alongside their weekly training in contemporary dance techniques HYDC dancers will experience what it is like to be part of a company as they perform across the country throughout the spring and summer terms. They are given the opportunity work with leading industry professionals, offering passionate and committed young dancers a way to experience professionalism and establish connections in the broader dance community.

Previous members have been offered places at some of the worlds most renowned conservatoires and universities such as: Rambert School, The Place, Laban, Northern Contemporary Dance School, London Studio Centre, Bird College, Performers College, Wilkes Academy and Laines Theatre Arts, Chichester University, amongst many others. Our HYDC Alumni are working for some of the most prestigious choreographers and companies as performers and in many other roles in the dance sector both nationally and internationally.

Commissions

Each year, The Point commissions a renowned dance company or choreographer to create a original work on HYDC during an intensive rehearsal period in February half-term, ahead of their tour. Previous companies include: Avant Garde Dance, Jasmin Vardimon Company, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, Botis Seva, Richard Alston Dance Company, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Ceyda Tanc and Joss Arnett Dance.

Work is also created with Artistic Director Tory East who choreographs work which also forms part of the company’s touring repertoire. The company perform at a variety of regional venues and platforms including in their home theatre at The Point, Eastleigh. HYDC have been selected to represent the South West Region on numerous occasions at the One Dance Uk, National U.Dance Festivals and most recently have performed as part of Making Moves on the Sadler's Wells main stage - one of the worlds leading dance theatres and organisations.

HYDC also have a partnership with Rambert School. This gives company members the opportunity to gain insight into training at conservatoire level. The company work with two emerging choreographers from the school as part of the Rambert School Commission project during the Easter holidays. This work is performed in the Rambert School Graduate Showcase at The Point.

We provide a supportive and safe environment for young dancers to explore and discover their individuality.

HYDC and HYDC ASSOCIATES pride ourselves on the ability to inspire, empower and nurture creative potential and talent, supporting and empowering the next generation of dance artists, bridging the gap from youth to the world of professional dance.

Cost

Joining HYDC is priced at £400 for the year, payable in two instalments. Bursaries may be available for young people who may need financial assistance.

Auditions

Auditions take place annually in June and July with applications opening in April.

Weekly Content

HYDC train in contemporary dance, alongside this company members are provided with ballet sessions as the foundation of all dance styles.

Ballet supports their technical development and sessions are delivered with the contemporary dance body in mind.

In addition, supplementary techniques such as improvisation, yoga and body conditioning are also integrated into the training programme.

Example Schedule

5.30pm - 6.30pm Ballet for the contemporary dancer

6.30pm - 7.15pm Contemporary technique class

7.15pm – 8.30pm Choreographic development, creation of performance work and company tour preparation and rehearsals

HYDC Associates

Our HYDC Associates programme is for dancers who are striving to see progression in their technique, creativity, performance quality and confidence. It provides an exciting opportunity for young dancers aged 13- 19yrs to access high quality contemporary dance training and connect with HYDC.

It is designed to enhance and run alongside any current dance training participants might already take part in.

Find Out More

Group of dancers dressed in burgundy dancing in a circle on a dark stage, their backs are to the camera

Image credits: Olivia Wallis Jackson and Ellie Kurttz

Video credit: Ben Williams