YFX 2026 A Festival for Young Dance
14 – 18 July
Calling all young dance makers, dance enthusiasts and dance newbies. Get ready to take over Sadler’s Wells East.
YFX is BACK for a second year. A week-long festival where we give YOU the keys.
Get ready for performances, workshops, battles and talks on our stages, in our studios and on The Dance Floor.
We’re handing over the venue to you, so get ready for your moment in the spotlight.
Image credit © Photo Elly Wel Photography, Design Soe-Myat Noe
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Workshops
14 -18 July
The Dance Floor, Sadler’s Wells East
Free
Join us for a workshop for experienced dancers brought to you by a range of artists and UK Companies: Boy Blue, Far From The Norm, Studio Wayne McGregor, Hofesh Shechter Company and our very own Academy Breakin’ Convention
Your dance floor. Your moment. Let’s move.
Special Events
Academy Breakin’ Convention Hip Hop Takeover
Wednesday 15 July, 3:00pm – 7:30pm
The Dance Floor, Sadler’s Wells East
Free
Students from Academy Breakin’ Convention take over The Dance Floor, bringing all things hip hop.
ABC supports young artists to grow as performers and creators within hip-hop culture. Come be part of the movement!
Take over includes a dance workshop – click here for more details and to book.
Panel discussion on the Future of Dance Education
Wednesday 15 July, 5:15pm – 6:45pm
Martha Graham Studio, Sadler’s Wells East
Free
Join us for a panel discussion where we explore the future of dance in schools.
Chaired by Sir Alistair Spalding CBE, the discussion will explore what needs to be in place for children and young people to have access to high quality dance opportunities as part of their education.
Youth Dance Symposium
Thursday 16 July, 10:30am – 5:45pm
Martha Graham Studio, Sadler’s Wells East
Back for its second year, this is a day shaped by those working at the heart of youth dance: educators, artists, producers, venues, youth workers and everything in between.
Expect a dynamic mix of sector insight and real conversation.
Resonance Dance
Thursday 16 July, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
The Dance Floor, Sadler’s Wells East
Free event – no need to book
Resonance Dance provide opportunities for young dance artists to showcase their work.
Looking beyond personal/professional challenge, this performance sees the dancers consider ways of facing uncertain global future with optimism and creative endeavour.
YFX Local
Friday 17 July, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
The Dance Floor, Sadler’s Wells East
Free event – no need to book
YFX Local spotlights the creativity thriving in our neighbouring boroughs.
Local youth‑focused and community groups will take over The Dance Floor, sharing a taste of their work with festival audiences, with everyone welcome to come along and watch.
Boy Blue Frontline Youth Battle
Saturday 18 July, 1:30pm – 6:30pm
The Dance Floor, Sadler’s Wells East
Free event
Explosive hip hop battles take over The Dance Floor. Who’ll come out on top of these 1vs1 all style dance battles and take the prize? Participants need to register in advance.
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Image credits:
Workshops, Symposium: Jack Thomson
Academy Breakin’ Convention: ki-media
YFX Local: Sophie Bradbury (3Style Fridays by The Galleon Arts Centre)
Boy Blue Battle: @flashfil