YFX 2026 A Festival for Young Dance
YFX Local – Freesheet
Celebrate the energy, creativity and diversity of East London with this joyful showcase.
YFX Local is a key moment within the festival, designed to spotlight the creativity thriving in our neighbouring boroughs. The initiative gives youth focused and community groups a chance to present on the Dance Floor, sharing a taste of their work with festival audiences in an open, accessible and dynamic setting.
Schedule
| 5:30pm | Welcome by host Elina Oliva Romo |
| 5:40pm – 5:50pm | Artistry Youth Dance |
| 5:50pm – 6pm | Do Things Differently |
| 6pm – 6:10pm | Sujata Banerjee Dance Company |
| 6:10pm – 6:25pm | X7EAVEN |
| 6:25pm – 7:30pm | Party on the Dance Floor / DJ’d by one of our Academy Breakin’ Convention students |
Please note that timings are approximate.
Artistry Youth Dance
Artistry Youth Dance is a London based youth dance company that supports young people of African and Caribbean heritage. We’re passionate about empowering young people through creative dance development. We are committed to developing the next generation of black dance artists and nurturing a more culturally diverse dance community in the UK.
Performers: Aaliyah Olatokunbo, Austyn Emmanuel, Ava Dauley, Cassandra Coke, Emma David, Giada Pearl Pirisi, Michaela Kaliwoh, Michaela Williams, Renée Eze, Rose Clarke, Sala Quaynor, Tiana Ajiroba-Koin
Do Things Differently
Old habits die through reflection. We fight, we change and we grow, looking at our reflections to recognise who we are, to questioning who we want to become. We reinvent ourselves by shedding skin, moving forward in a different direction, becoming more aligned with the rebirth of ourselves. To restart is to begin again.
Performers: Rayvon Gordon, Janaya Jackson-Williams, Taciana Bidi, Sophia Lu, Desiree Hernandez, Grace Watson, Tunisha Folarin and Angie Sherpa
SBDC / Sujata Banerjee Dance Company
Rooted in the rich tradition of Kathak with a touch of South-Asian Folk, this dynamic youth ensemble work explores the concept of Nava Rasas – the nine universal emotions that shape the human experience. Through intricate footwork, expressive storytelling, dynamic movement and contemporary interpretations, the dancers journey through love, joy, courage, wonder, sorrow, anger, fear. disgust and peace. The piece celebrates the timeless power of emotion, connection, suppression and self-expression through the energy of a new generation.
Performers: Aadityaa Arul Sivaprakash, Anvi Thorat, Kimaya Bhatnagar, Myra Baslas, Noyonika (Nia) Kochar, Reva Chatterjee, Reva Rajesh, Sara Guha, Sara Patel, Shriyana Patel
X7EAVEN
Connecting Through Movement is a vibrant performance celebrating the power of young people to communicate, collaborate, and inspire through movement. Blending all styles of choreography, expressive storytelling, and visual creativity, the piece explores themes of connection, identity, and shared experience. Performers use movement as a universal language, demonstrating how dance can break barriers and bring communities together across different backgrounds and perspectives.
Designed to inspire, uplift, and celebrate the voices and talents of young people.
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Taster Dance Workshops
Take part in this series of 5-minute workshops and try the basics in a range of dance styles. From contemporary to vogue and Afro Fusion to breaking, there’s something for all ages and abilities.