YouthFest 2026

YouthFest is BACK: a dance festival run by young people, for young people.

Save the date: Saturday 17 October 2026
Ages: 16-25
Cost: FREE
Location: DanceEast Jerwood DanceHouse

Expect creative and dance workshops, showcases, arts and crafts and much more, all curated for 16-25s.

Keep an eye on this page, and follow us on our social media channels to get exciting updates, behind the scenes content and closer to the event, the full lineup!

MEET THE 2026 YOUNG PRODUCERS

Alexander Harrison

As a youth voice consultant and #iWill Ambassador, helping to promote Ipswich as the Town of Social Action, authenticity and storytelling are key to my practice. My main social action focuses centre around mental health and disability activism. Whilst the world of dance is entirely new to me, creativity definitely is not: I have a great passion for creative writing and spoken word poetry!

I’m looking forward to creating an inclusive space for YouthFest where all young participants feel represented and valued, no matter their ability!

Ben George

My dance journey started at age 8; originally a gymnast, my teacher suggested I join Ballet and Modern to improve my technique. From there I joined musical theatre; then dance took over my life. Originally, I was part of a dance school in Hertfordshire, competing in various competitions such as All England Dance and the Dance World Cup. We then moved to Suffolk, where I joined a local theatre company and met some fabulous people. Which led me on to the Dance East CAT Program, where I studied for two years. I’m currently in full-time education, so I am thrilled to be involved in such an amazing opportunity to further my experiences. Similarly, I’m looking forward to be able to organise, support and deliver an event for a community that welcomed me so openly. Dance became a big part of my life, and I would love to share that with others.

Olivia Cheung

I am grateful to be given this opportunity to become a young producer alongside this inspiring team of young people at DanceEast, as I have a passion for creating and immersing myself in inclusive and diverse work spaces. Additionally, working with others that aspire to explore and promote creativity within local communities. I am classically trained from a young age until 17 years old when I joined NYDC (National Youth Dance Company, Sadlers Wells) and DanceEast CAT (Centre of Advanced Training) programme. I then furthered my vocational studies at Rambert School, achieving a BA(Hons) in Ballet and Contemporary Dance. Shortly after graduating, I started to develop my professional career through joining a professional development program, JV2 (Jasmin Vardimon Company 2) October Cohort, graduating in April 2026.

Tabatha Willmore

I began my training at the Linda Shipton School of Dance in ISTD ballet, tap, and modern, before joining the CAT program at DanceEast in 2014. In 2022, I continued my studies at London Contemporary Dance School, graduating in July 2025 with a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance. Alongside my training, I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned companies and choreographers including Hofesh Shechter, Matthew Bourne, Jasmin Vardimon, and Joseph Toonga. These experiences have shaped me into a versatile and passionate performer with a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary dance.

Alongside performing, I am also a dedicated dance teacher working with all ages, from primary school children to adults over 60, creating inclusive and engaging spaces for people to connect through movement. I additionally work in student support, helping to guide and encourage young people throughout their learning journeys. I now also have the privilege of becoming a Young Producer for the 2026 cohort, further expanding my work within the arts and creative communities.

Gabrielle Anthony

Dance has always been part of my life, beginning with early training at Anglia Region Theatre School. Following my passion to college in Norwich, and then embarking on a BA(Hons) in Contemporary Dance Performance at University of Chichester. In my third year I was able to tour as a member of 3fall Dance Company. My passion for contemporary dance continues as I also completed my MA in Contemporary Dance Advanced Practice and Performance. The skills that I have learnt have shown me not only the performance side of the arts but also the producing side.

I have always loved collaborating with other artists and helping facilitate them in their artistic vision, this has also sparked an interest in producing. I am so excited to learn the skills needed to produce a dance-based festival. Coming back as a Young Producer I am excited to use the skills I learnt from last year and to create a network of young creators in the East. I feel that facilitating and creating connections between artists are very important to me and YouthFest is the perfect place for that.

Francesca Roe

Dance has and always will be one of the biggest joys in my life.

I graduated from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance with a first class honours degree in 2024 and was awarded the Simone Michelle Award for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Choreography’.

Since graduating, I work freelance as a contemporary dance artist. I have performed abroad and around London and Suffolk, produced arts events and continue to lead dance classes in community settings, sharing my love for movement and the arts.

Beginning my second year as a Young Producer is really exciting. The Young Producer Programme has been a great opportunity for me to use the skills I have as a dancer in a new context, strengthening my versatility as a creative. I look forward to working with a new team to produce YouthFest 2026, welcoming more people into the Jerwood DanceHouse and into DanceEast’s wonderful community!

Dance for Tots | Mondays

Mon 20 Apr - Mon 29 Jun - 10.00am - 11.00am
£75 per term

A welcoming, friendly, and exciting class where little ones discover the joy of movement while building confidence and coordination.

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