Sadler’s Wells East to host national youth dance showcase Making Moves this July

On Wednesday 23^rd July, Sadler’s Wells East will present Making Moves, a vibrant national platform showcasing the next generation of dance talent from across England. As arts education continues to face widespread cuts and uncertainty, the event stands as a vital reminder of the creativity and resilience flourishing within the youth arts sector.

Part of the wider Youth Festival at Sadler’s Wells, Making Moves is the culmination of a year-long choreography and performance programme that has involved 43 school and youth dance groups across the country. Each group worked with a digital choreographic toolkit developed by one of four acclaimed choreographers – Jules Cunningham, Ben Duke, Seeta Patel and Kloé Dean – to create entirely new dance works. After presenting their creations at regional platforms, eight standout groups have now been selected to perform on the national stage.

The selected companies represent a truly national spread, drawing talent from Exeter, Shoreham-by-Sea, Coventry, Eastleigh, the Tees Valley, Durham, London and Brighton. The final performance at Sadler’s Wells East will bring together their unique, original choreographies in a celebratory evening of innovation, expression and youthful energy.

First launched in 2023, Making Moves not only encourages young people to create and perform but also provides them with tools to explore choreography in a digital age. This year’s event builds on that legacy, spotlighting the creativity emerging from youth and educational settings at a time when access to arts training is under increasing pressure.

The Making Moves showcase forms part of the newly launched YFX 2025: A Festival for Young Dance, Sadler’s Wells’ bold commitment to supporting emerging voices in dance.

Tickets for the performance on 23^rd July are available via the Sadler’s Wells website.

The editorial unit
Photos: Jack Thomson

Making Moves is at Sadler’s Wells East on 23^rd July 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.