What's On

Dance

Empire Theatre

YDance brings together the best young dancers that Scotland has to offer, presenting an exciting programme of new contemporary dance work across the country.

Last year’s visit saw a near sell-out audience treated to a razor sharp showcase of young dance talent.

This year, prepare for pieces from choreographers like Andy Howitt and Errol White.

THE PROGRAMME

UAMH-BINN (Cave of Melody)
This magical new work is inspired by the power and beauty of Felix Mendelssohn’s iconic music – the Hebrides Overture (Fingal’s Cave). Choreography Andy Howitt

TELL ME AGAIN
What happens when communication breaks down? Do we really say what we mean and mean what we say? In this dynamic new work Anna explores the complexities of human emotions, relationships and experiences.
Choreographer Anna Kenrick

BIG FISH
Splash! Swim! Struggle, struggle. Did you catch your big fish yet??
Choreographer Yolanda van Welij

NEW WORK
Errol is creating this new work in collaboration with the Project Y Company. It focuses on individual identity to create a powerful and dynamic ensemble-piece.
Choreographer Errol White

Andy Howitt - Artistic Director (YDance)
Andy was born in Fife, and danced with Fife Youth Dance Company before going to the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance in London. He went on to work with a number of dance companies includinig Transitions Dance Company, Diversions and Dundee Rep Dance Company before being appointed Dance Director for Tag Theatre Company. In 1999 Andy became Artistic Director of YDance and in recent years has created a number of dance productions especially for young people - Story of the Blues, Olga the Brolga and Corryvreckan - as well as choreographing works with the St Magnus Festival, MacRobert and the Company of Angels.

Anna Kenrick – Project Director (YDance)
Anna trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Leeds graduating in 1999 after which she went to work with the Education Team at The Place, London. In 2002 Anna joined Ludus Dance Company where she worked as both a dancer and teacher. She performed in the tours of Perfecting Eugene, Trapped and Zygote as well as working with choreographers Rosie Kay, Philip Van Huffel and Hannah Gillgren. She joined YDance in 2007 and choreographed Freefall for Project Y 2008.

Yolanda van Welij – Freelance Choreographer/Dancer/Teacher
Since graduating from Codarts Rotterdam Dance Academy in 2001 Yolanda has worked as a freelance dancer, teacher and choreographer in both the Netherlands and abroad. She has worked on a wide range of projects including corporate events, dance education programs and community based projects. Yolanda is committed to collaborating with young people and inspiring them to develop themselves as dancers and individuals which continually inspires her to teach and to create choreography. Yolanda is currently a Choreographer for Shakespeare in the City and is working on a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream which combines Contemporary, Bollywood and Breakdance styles with the music of Henry Purcell.

Errol White – Freelance Dancer/Choreographer & Artistic Director (Errol White Dance)
Errol has performed internationally as a dancer and performer for a number of years, working alongside many distinguished directors and choreographers; this have provided him with, many unique, experiences that have helped to inform his own choreographic practice. In 2002 he was awarded the Critics Award for best male performer by Dance Europe Magazine in addition to the Marion North Mentoring Award for Choreography. More recently he was also given the Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship Award. Alongside the above experiences Errol has continued his own artistic and choreographic development and in June 2008 he formed his own company (Errol White Dance) funded by the Scottish Arts Council.

Additional information

Visit the Project Y | Scottish Youth Dance | YDance website.