Fabric is proud to present Applause Youth Dance Festival 2026, celebrating youth dance across the Midlands.

Taking place at The Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April. The festival welcomes young dancers from every background, every dance genre and every level of experience, to enjoy a colourful wave of youth dance activity.

An exciting weekend focused on youth dance including performance showcases of youth groups from both the East Midlands and West Midlands.

The festival will also be your U.Dance regional platform for the Midlands. Further details about what to expect at the festival including the announcement of the selected performance groups are coming soon.

Looking to perform at Applause Youth Dance Festival 2026?

We’re accepting applications for dance groups and soloists from across the Midlands to perform and also for those wanting to apply for the Midlands U.Dance Regional platform. Groups and individuals from all dance backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Further details on application and how to apply below.

What is U.Dance?

U.Dance is a national programme led by One Dance UK and has been part of our youth dance offer in the East and West Midlands for ten amazing years.

Together with One Dance UK, Fabric aims to present high quality, innovative and ambitious youth dance. Groups from a variety of settings are welcome to take part, including:

• School and college groups 
• Youth dance companies 
• Private dance schools 
• Individuals 

Applications are now open!

Performers must be aged 11 to 19 and up to 25 for disabled dancers.

Additional bursaries for travel will be offered where necessary.

Groups and individuals selected to be part of Applause Youth Dance Festival will include an equal number of groups from both East and West Midlands.

Those selected to be part of Applause Youth Dance Festival will have the opportunity to go on to perform at the U.Dance National Festival in 2026.

To be considered as a group or individual you’ll need to apply by submitting an application and video footage of the work you intend to perform.

To apply please click/tap here to download the application guidance pack.
You will find the link for the online application in the pack.

If applying we advise to you also read and download the good practice guide here to ensure the work you create is eligible.

U.Dance National Festival

The largest event of its kind, the U.Dance National Festival is a celebration of youth dance. Groups from around the country perform on professional stages, take part in workshops with leading dance professionals, and are offered inspiring dance career information.

The U.Dance National Festival 2026 will be held Friday 3 July to Sunday 5 July in Glasgow. More details announced soon.