Irish Youth Dance Festival announces festival programme for 2024

The Irish Youth Dance Festival, produced by Dublin Youth Dance Company (DYDC) will take place this year in Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin, on July 6 and 7.

Celebrating its 23rd anniversary, the ensemble-based festival, run by Ireland’s flagship contemporary youth dance company, will bring together young emerging dancers, aged under 25 with established and emerging choreographers, composers, film makers and teachers, on a national and increasingly international level.

“I am thrilled to present a highly diverse festival this year, from Urban to Ballet; and Hindu to Contemporary choreography that pushes the boundaries of innovation,” said Director of DYDC Mariam Ribón.

“I invite you to join us in celebrating the power of movement and expression presented by youth dance companies and emerging artists from across all corners of the island of Ireland.”

The festival will encompass an abundance of dance styles and genres. Among them is Indian classical dance, which will be showcased through individual pieces from Galway based company, Gati Lasya and Cork’s Bhavana Anand.

Hip hop will be represented by Dublin’s LA Feeney, and Ross Wilkins from Scotland, who previously performed alongside Canadian singer Justin Bieber, the two working together to present ‘Fused’ to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

Ballet will be presented in a combined piece by The Irish National Youth Ballet and Youth Ballet West; with Wexford School of Ballet and Performing Arts and Belfast’s High Points Youth Ballet, showcasing contemporary dance pieces to music from Hans Zimmer and Chrysostomos Stamoulis, respectively.

Enabled choreographer Favour Odusola has created ‘Synergy’, a new work premiering at IYDF, featuring a diverse group of young dancers from Umakoko.

Also debuting a new duet is Polish movement artist Inez Berdychowska, and Germany’s Tara Bredemeier.

DYDC alumni Alison O’Shea, and current Senior Member, Florentine Ryan will perform their dance artistry in separate pieces, as well members of DYDC’s current Transition and Senior ensembles.

Tickets are available here.