On Saturday 19 April, over 250 young people from across Yorkshire took part in FRESH 2025 in Bradford, in partnership with Bradford 2025, UK City of Culture. Across two stages at the Alhambra theatre, FRESH featured 19 live dance groups and 2 screen dance films covering a wide range of different dance styles.   

Each year, FRESH offers young dancers from across Yorkshire the chance to perform on a professional stage. Throughout the day young people learn new dance styles in workshops and interact with peers from other dance groups across the region. They also come together to learn and perform a celebratory finale routine to end their day of dance. 

“It’s my third time at FRESH and I love the day! It’s great to try something different in the workshops and I love getting to cheer on the other groups.”  – Young dancer 

“FRESH was a once in a lifetime experience. The workshops were fun and inspiring, and it was interesting to meet different professional dancers.” – Young dancer 

This year’s event was delivered in partnership with Bradford 2025, whose support meant we could host not one but two FRESH performances in the historic Alhambra Theatre in Bradford for the first time. Artists Jemma Mae and Samantha Rutter choreographed and taught dynamic finale routines for each showcase. Dance workshops allowed young people to try something new, from Ella Tighe’s disco inspired session, to Rhythmosaic’s introduction to Kathak and National Youth Dance Company alumni, Kieron Faller, delivering a breakdancing class. 

“Performing in our home city on the Alhambra stage was extra special.” –  Group leader 

“It was out of our comfort zone, but we smashed it! Truly proud of us all – it was so much fun!” – Young dancer 

An audience of over 750 friends and family came from across Yorkshire to support the young people across both performances and reflected on the wide variety of dance styles on display. 

“It’s great to see so much diversity in the performances and the talent across Yorkshire. My daughter was really inspired!” – Audience member 

“My highlights were seeing my granddaughter perform, the enthusiasm of the audience, the wonderful variety of the performances and the inclusive nature of the show!” – Audience member 

“I really enjoyed the diversity of different groups being showcased. Something more flamboyant and then suddenly abstract contemporary – a wonderful blend.” – Audience member 

FRESH provides a progression route to U.Dance, One Dance UK’s national youth dance festival. Each year, one or two groups are selected to represent Yorkshire at the National Festival. Last year RJC Shahck Out Youth Dance were selected to perform Soca Cheer at U.Dance 2024 in Liverpool. This year U.Dance takes place at the new Sadler’s Wells East venue in London – the groups selected from FRESH 2025 will be announced soon. 

“The most valuable thing about FRESH… travelling to a new city and performing on a different stage. Being inspired by all the other dancer groups. Team building and connecting better as a group. Trying all the new dance styles…” – Group leader 

Ione Barton, our Youth & Community Dance Producer, who organises FRESH reflects on the festival: 

“Every year, the young performers at FRESH bring a new level of skill and energy which is a testament to the quality of youth dance talent and teaching provision in Yorkshire. A busy day of workshops and rehearsals leads to those all-important performances, where they can shine doing what they love most.  

As funding for dance in education continues to shrink, the fact FRESH provides an opportunity to perform on a professional stage feels more vital than ever. These experiences are so important for young people – building confidence, self-expression and creativity alongside their peers. It’s a privilege to be part of the team that makes FRESH happen!”  

Images: Brian Slater