National Youth Dance Wales announce 2026 company led by Welsh Choreographer Osian Meilir
Following a rigorous audition process after seeing it’s highest ever membership applications this year, National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW)’s 2026 cohort met for the first time last week at the University of South Wales, Cardiff.
The NYDW 2026 Members Discovery Day was a chance for the young dancers aged 16-22 to meet their fellow performers from all across Wales, take part in pre residency preparation sessions and an official company photoshoot - capturing the start of what promises to be a memorable, transformative experience.
“To be a member of National Youth Dance Wales is definitely a huge privilege and an incredible opportunity, especially seeing their past pieces that they’ve made.” - Isabella, aged 17 - NYDW 2026 Member
“Being a part of National Youth Dance Wales opens up a lot of opportunities for me and allows me to work with amazing choreographers” - Baz, aged 16 - NYDW 2026 Member
“Being a National Youth Dance Wales member is really important to me as I get to connect with lots of dancers from across Wales and collaborate with choreographers” - Tabitha, aged 22 – NYDW 2026 Member
The talented and eager young dancers – 9 of whom are returning members – had the chance to meet the National Youth Arts Wales team and learn more about what’s involved in a NYDW summer residency, where the dancers will come together for an intensive two-weeks to train, collaborate and create.
Packed with daily technique classes and creative workshops led by an exciting and diverse range of professional dance artists, the summer residency is a chance for the dancers to explore different dance techniques and grow as a versatile performer while gaining insight into the wider dance industry.
Jamie Jenkins, Head of Dance at National Youth Arts Wales said: "I'm so energised by this year's ensemble. It’s exciting to see many returning faces alongside a wealth of new talent. Together, they bring a wonderful mix of familiar and fresh faces to NYDW. These dancers all bring something unique, and we can’t wait to see them at work this summer!"
A key highlight of the residency will be the creation of a brand-new work with our 2026 guest choreographer, Osian Meilir. The NYDW 2026 members will be part of the full creative process, from initial ideas to performance, working closely with Osian to develop a piece that reflects their collective talent, individuality, and voices.
NYDW 2026 Guest Choreographer, Osian Meilir, says: "I'm very excited to be creating with NYDW this year. Being a former member of the company myself, I know how important and informative those years of training were in my development as a young dancer. I'm looking forward to meeting and working with the incredible young dancers of Wales and to be back as part of the NYDW family."
For NYDW’s 2026 cohort, Osian will lead a creative collaboration, guiding this year's exceptional group of dancers through an exciting journey of creation and performance. Under his direction, the dancers will explore new movement languages, deepen their artistic identity and work together to create bold, original work that will be premiered both on stage and on film, set against some of Wales’ most inspiring landscapes.
National Youth Dance Wales will perform alongside the outstanding Ballet Cymru at The Riverfront, Newport, this October. Ticket information will be announced soon.
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NYDW 2026. Photo by: Kirsten McTernan.