Step into the Applause Youth Dance Festival Marketplace — a vibrant hub celebrating creativity, connection and opportunity through dance.

Open to all, the marketplace invites young people, families, carers and the wider public to explore, connect and be inspired by the people shaping today’s dance landscape.

Discover training opportunities, creative projects and career pathways in dance and the related arts. Meet representatives from established dance organisations, education providers and institutions from across the Midlands and beyond.

What to expect?

The marketplace comes alive with taster workshops, performances, info stalls, demonstrations, talks and informal sharings throughout the weekend. It’s a chance to experience the energy and opportunities of dance in real time — and to find out how to get involved.

We’re also delighted to be working in partnership with Breakin’ Convention, presenters of award-winning hip hop theatre revolution,, who will be present in the marketplace and will also be joining the panel discussion on careers in and surrounding dance.

Marketplace

At the marketplace you’ll find: 
Aayush Patel & Ira Kurane
Beatbots
Break Mission
Breakin’ Convention
Care to Dance
De Montfort University
Fabric (with the Centre for Advanced Training scheme)
Flexus Dance Collective
Flora Hawker-French
Inspire Youth Arts
Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD College)
Nottingham College
Nottingham Musical Theatre Associates
Shades Dancewear
TIRED Movement
Vehdance & Movement

Panel Talks

Through conversation and shared experience, the panel uncovers the many routes into dance offering inspiration and insight into the many ways a career in dance can unfold.

Panel members include:
Breakin’ Convention
Fabric Centre for Advanced Training
Jhanvee Patel
Melody Sinclair-Marsh (Associate Choreographer Six The Musical)
Naomi Moore
Tarek Khwiss
Willis Rose (Take 1 Dance)

When and where?

Join us in the foyer spaces of the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham:
Saturday 11 April and Sunday 12 April
12.30 – 5.30pm (both days)

Free to attend
The marketplace is free and open to the public (no booking required) — whether you’re performing at the festival, supporting a young dancer, or curious to see what the world of dance in the Midlands has to offer.

Explore, connect and discover what happens when dance brings us together.

Find out more about Applause Youth Dance Festival 2026