We’re happy to announce the groups selected to represent the Midlands at the 2025 U.Dance National Festival, a nationwide celebration of youth dance led by One Dance UK (ODUK).

This year’s journey began in March at the Applause Youth Dance Festival (AYDF), which served as the Midlands regional platform for U.Dance. Over one vibrant weekend, 24 groups and solo performers took to the stage, with some opting to be considered for the national showcase.

A selection panel at AYDF shortlisted six outstanding works from across the region. These were then reviewed by One Dance UK’s national panel, who made the final decision on which pieces would be invited to perform at the festival.

Shortlisted works from the Midlands were:

• Poetic Licence – Lily (East Midlands)

• Fight or Flight – Northampton School for Boys (East Midlands)

• Echoes of Silence – ACE Youth (West Midlands)

• Language of the Unheard – Linden Youth (West Midlands)

• La Nuova Flora – Sterran Dance Company (West Midlands)

• Breaking the Barriers – Atreyee Dance Group (West Midlands)

We’re thrilled to congratulate the three works selected to represent the Midlands at the 2025 U.Dance National Festival:

• Lily – Poetic Licence

• Northampton School for Boys – Fight or Flight

• ACE Youth – Echoes of Silence

Our warmest congratulations to these groups! We also want to recognise the high calibre of dance presented across the entire region. Our panel had the incredibly difficult task of making a selection from such strong and inspiring work.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all the dancers, leaders, and supporters who made the 2025 U.Dance Regional event so special. Your commitment and creativity are what make this platform thrive.

This years U.Dance National Festival is scheduled to be held on 25-27 July 2025 in partnership with Sadler’s Wells, at their fabulous new venue, Sadler’s Wells East in London’s Olympic Park.