NORTHUMBERLAND YOUTH DANCE
A brand new dance experience for young people aged 8–17
Northumberland Youth Dance Summer Intensive​​
A brand new dance experience for young people aged 8–17
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This summer, Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) invites young people in Amble and the surrounding areas to take part in a unique three-day dance intensive. This exciting new programme will form the foundation of Northumberland Youth Dance Group (NYDG) — a new initiative dedicated to nurturing creativity, confidence and a love of dance in young people across the county. Throughout the intensive, participants will explore ESD's distinctive movement language and creative style, working under the direct guidance of founder Eliot Smith, and ESD's rehearsal director Yamit Salazar.
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Whether you have never danced before or already love to move, this intensive is designed to be inclusive, inspiring and fun.
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Over three days, participants will explore different dance styles, develop new skills and work creatively with professional artists in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Event Details
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Location
Dovecote Centre, Amble, Northumberland
Dates
5 – 7 August 2026
Time
9:00am – 5:00pm each day
Age Group
8 – 17 years
Experience Level
Open to beginners and those with some dance experience
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Access
Dovecote is an accessible building
Registration
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Registration opens on this webpage on 27 March 2026.
For all enquiries, please email education@eliotsmithdance.com
What Participants Will Experience
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Across the three days, young people will take part in a range of exciting sessions including:
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• Contemporary Dance – explore expressive movement and creativity
• Commercial Dance – energetic and fun choreography inspired by popular styles
• Choreography Workshops – create your own dance ideas and work collaboratively
• Creative Conversations – share ideas, reflect and build confidence as young artists
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Participants will also have the opportunity to work together as a group, develop new friendships in a safe space, and experience what it’s like to be part of a youth dance company.
The Beginning of Northumberland Youth Dance GROUP
This intensive marks the launch of Northumberland Youth Dance Group (NYDG) in early 2027 — a new youth dance initiative developed by Eliot Smith Dance (ESD).
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For over 15 years and growing, ESD has brought high-quality dance performances and workshops to communities across Northumberland and beyond. Northumberland Youth Dance Group continues this commitment by creating new opportunities for young people to experience dance, creativity and performance.
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The August intensive will be the first step in building this exciting new youth programme.
Who Should Join?
This programme is perfect for:
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• Young people who love music, movement and creativity
• Those who want to try dance for the first time
• Dancers looking to explore new styles and techniques
• Anyone interested in meeting new people and building confidence
No audition is required — just enthusiasm and curiosity.
About Eliot Smith Dance
Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) is a North East-based dance company currently operating from Dance City in Newcastle upon Tyne, rehearsing predominantly at Alnwick Playhouse and Woodhorn Museum dedicated to bringing high-quality dance performance and creative opportunities to communities across the region.
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Through performances, workshops and youth programmes, the company continues its mission of making dance accessible, inspiring and inclusive for all. Discover our story by clicking here.
Safeguarding
Eliot Smith Dance (ESD) is deeply committed to fostering an environment that prioritises diversity, equality, inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and safeguarding in every aspect of its operations. Find out more by clicking here.