About the company

TeesDance Youth Company is a contemporary dance company for young people, offering a supportive space to train, create and perform with professional artists. Members develop technique, creativity and confidence, build friendships with other local dancers, and gain performance experience through rehearsals, workshops and opportunities to perform at festivals and events across the region.

To join, dancers need to be aged 11–19 and based in the Tees Valley. We’re looking for talented dancers and also young people with real potential — you don’t need to have had lots of formal training, just a genuine interest in dance, commitment, and a willingness to learn and work as part of a company.

The company meets term-time only (with some holiday intensives), every other Friday (6pm–9pm). We want the company to be accessible and also sustainable, so sessions run on a Pay What You Decide basis. Any additional sessions in the school holidays are free, with optional donations. All performances are free to attend. There may occasionally be a small costume contribution, capped at no more than £15 per dancer

As a member, you will:

• take part in contemporary technique and creative practice

• create and perform work locally (and potentially further afield)

• learn about dance and its diverse influences and origins

• attend additional workshops/rehearsals in half terms/summer holidays

• be an ambassador for dance in Teesside and for TeesDance

• in 2026, be part of a large-scale mass dance with a professional and community cast

Pay What You Decide

Finances shouldn’t be a barrier — TeesDance Youth Company is open to anyone, with Pay What You Decide pricing so you can take part at a level that works for you. Sessions run every other week (term-time only) for three hours.

Choose the level that works for you:

• £12 per session (£4 per hour)

• £21 per session (£7 per hour)

• £30 per session (£10 per hour)

• Or you can give a different amount as a donation.