Fabric presents Applause Youth Dance Festival (AYDF) 2027 – a weekend celebrating the creativity, talent and energy of young dancers from across the Midlands this February half term.
Taking place at The Albany Theatre in Coventry on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February 2027, AYDF brings together young dancers from across the East and West Midlands to share their work, develop their skills and perform on a professional stage.
AYDF welcomes young dancers aged 11–19, and up to 25 for disabled young people, including youth dance companies, community groups, schools, colleges, dance schools and individual performers.
Across the weekend, selected groups and soloists will have the opportunity to take part in professional dance workshops, creative sessions and panel discussions, before showcasing their work in our evening performances. With up to 20 selected groups taking to the stage, audiences can expect an exciting mix of dance styles, including Hip Hop, Contemporary, South Asian dance, Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Dancehall and more.
Bringing together disabled and non-disabled performers, AYDF celebrates the diversity of youth dance, creating an inclusive platform for different styles, backgrounds and creative voices.
Produced by Fabric, AYDF is the U.Dance regional platform for the Midlands, supporting the development and presentation of youth dance across the region.
AYDF Dance Marketplace
Alongside the main stage performances, AYDF 2027 will host a FREE Dance Marketplace in The Albany Theatre’s foyer on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February from 11-4pm.
The marketplace brings together organisations, training providers and local businesses to connect with young dancers, their families and anyone interested in finding out more about dance across the Midlands.
Visitors can discover opportunities to get involved in dance, explore training and development pathways, find out about local projects and organisations, and learn more about the many careers available within the dance industry.
The marketplace will also feature:
- Pop-up performances throughout the day.
- Dance workshops offering opportunities to get moving, learn new skills and try something different.
- Talks and panel discussions exploring training, progression and careers in dance.
Whether you’re a young dancer looking for your next opportunity, a family member supporting a young performer, or simply interested in discovering more about dance, there’s something for you.
If you are interested in holding a stall, please click here or contact [email protected]
Join us in celebrating the creativity, ambition and talent of young dancers from across the Midlands. We can’t wait to welcome you!