Memories are stored in the body, just waiting to be released.

For 2026, founders of award-winning Alleyne Dance – Sadé and Kristina Alleyne – have been appointed as Guest Artistic Directors of NYDC. A multi-award-winning company, Alleyne Dance creates distinctive and powerful work, that is athletic, fast-paced and rhythmically driven.

In a powerful collaboration between Alleyne Dance and NYDC, Memory Keepers is a brand-new work that explores how memories shape who we are.

Inspired by the dancers’ own experiences, the piece unfolds like a living book of memories – a collection of chapters where memories are sparked, remembered, and reimagined through the body. Blending contemporary and hip-hop styles, the dancers become living memory keepers, celebrating identity, connection, and the strength of a new generation finding its voice.

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For the last decade, NYDC has sought out the most talented young dancers in England to create, perform and tour a new work every year. Run by Sadler’s Wells, NYDC is England’s flagship youth dance organisation, bringing together the brightest talent from across the nation to work with renowned Associate Artists and visiting companies.

The dancers are all aged between 16 – 24 and work with NYDC over four intensive residencies in the school holidays gaining valuable experience, honing their skills and working with top notch professionals. Since its inception 384 dancers have passed through the company, working with renowned dance artists including Boy Blue, Oona Doherty, Wayne McGregor, Alesandra Seutin and Russell Maliphant.

Header image description: One performer stands in the foreground with a contemplative look on their face. Behind them, five performers are captured in mid-air in various jumping poses. Each performer wears blue pants and undershirts, with a floaty translucent overshirt.  The background is a mixture of blue and cream paint, and the lighting is soft and warm.  

Header Image © Camilla Greenwell (Featuring Costumes by Giulia Scrimieri and Set Design by Emanuele Salamanca)