On Saturday 18 April, over 300 young people from across Yorkshire took part in FRESH 2026 in Leeds. Across three stages at Leeds City College and Leeds Playhouse, FRESH 2026 featured 23 youth dance groups 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 experience new dance styles, meet peers and learn a celebratory finale performance.

 “I was really excited and I was really proud of my group. We have worked hard in rehearsals, so I’m proud we were recognised for that.” – Young dancer

This year’s dance workshops allowed the young dancers to try something new. From Shakeel Kimotho’s commercial session to Salford University’s Emergence Rep workshop to National Youth Dance Company’s Hip-Hop class each group tried a new dance style.

Joachim Keke and DECODANCE choreographed energetic finale routines with all the young dancers performing on stage together.

“There were lots of opportunities for our students to further develop their dance and performance skills as well as meeting and networking with other people. It’s such a fun and energetic event.” – Group leader

“The students came away buzzing and on a high- they loved meeting other dancers and performing with other amazing groups.” – Group Leader

Across all sold out stages, an audience of over 1000 friends and family came from across Yorkshire to support the young performers. Afterwards they reflected on the opportunity FRESH provides for young dancers:

“To provide these children with the opportunity to perform, celebrate and move together is such a valuable experience, witnessing them doing that is pure joy” – Audience Member 

“The variety of dance. The diversity and inclusiveness. A stunning range of talent. such an enjoyable evening!” – Audience Member 

“FRESH was an incredible opportunity for our young daughter it has massively improved her confidence. We brought our youngest child to watch, and she is so inspired and wants to join dance class ASAP.” – 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 CAPA College & Street Beat Elite were selected to perform at U.Dance 2025 in London. This year U.Dance takes place across multiple venues in Glasgow. The groups selected from FRESH 2026 will be announced soon.

“We are so grateful to have been selected to perform as part of FRESH 2026 – a huge honour for us and an unforgettable experience. We loved it!” – Young Dancer 

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

“Year on year we continue to be blown away by the talent of the young dancers joining us at FRESH, showcasing the incredible work that is happening across the region in youth dance.

Being able to provide a platform to celebrate these young dancers on a professional stage, as well as offering the chance to try new styles in workshops, is an amazing opportunity.

FRESH is an experience that nurtures young talent, helps to build confidence and inspires creativity alongside hundreds of like-minded peers from across Yorkshire and is a privilege to be able to bring to life!”

Image: LACD at FRESH 2026 © Point of View