NEWS
Showcasing the next generation of Welsh dance
Are you the future of Welsh dance? Applications to be a NYDW 2024 member are now open!
As part of this year’s National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) intensive summer residency, twenty of Wales’s most talented young dancers came together in Cardiff to learn from a team of highly acclaimed choreographers and dance artists. For the first time, they worked with Artistic Director and Choreographer of Marcat Dance, Mario Bermúdez, to create a brand new work exploring themes of tribal movement, textures and relationships during their two-week residency.
"Being part of National Youth Dance Wales has helped reignite my love for dance, and this experience has inspired me and has made me see possible routes there are for me with contemporary dance" – NYDW 2023 Member
The resulting new work entitled ‘Twenty Tales’ was performed by the NYDW company of 2023, receiving its world premiere at The Riverfront, Newport, on the 3rd and 4th of November. The work was one of three works performed each evening, with performances by Ballet Cymru Artistic Director, Darius James and choreographer, Marcus Jarrell Willis performed by dance company Ballet Cymru. The evening was also accompanied with a live musical performance by Welsh singer and songwriter, Cerys Matthews.
"It was terrific - Music choice, movement, design, costumes and choreography and over all unity. Utterly bewitching" - Cerys Matthews (via X)
"Stunning choreography, communal movement, costumes and expression NYDW are incredible” - ‘Twenty Tales’ Audience Member
Jamie Jenkins, Producer of National Youth Dance Wales, said: "I am immensely proud of the members National Youth Dance Wales, whose exceptional hard work and unwavering passion for dance was evident in their outstanding performances of 'Twenty Tales'. They are a testament to the remarkable talent that young dancers in Wales have, supported by dance tutor, leaders and communities".
Did you miss this year’s National Youth Dance Wales performance? No need to worry, you can watch view this year’s spellbinding performance of ‘Twenty Tales’ here.
But that’s not all NYDW achieved this year. In July, NYDW members, Isaac and Layla, choreographed and performed their own duet as part of the prestigious U.Dance National Festival in Newcastle, representing Wales on the Northern stage and captivating audiences from across the UK. Isaac has also recently been appointed to the Board of Trustees for National Youth Arts Wales.
Working with alumni, Daisy Belle Howell, NYDW members created two stunning pieces both performed, and filmed from various locations around Cardiff. You can watch both performances here. Since becoming a member of NYDW, Daisy has gone on to work as a professional dancer and choreographer in Wales and beyond and is the co-director of Manchester based performance and events company, Night People.
NYDW also entered its third year of partnership with Celtic Creative, an exchange programme with the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland that gives young performers in both countries the opportunity to learn from each other and from different professional artists.
2023 has been a busy and highly successful year for NYDW, but 2024 is looking even better. Soon, the team will be starting the 2024 audition tour in Swansea, before travelling to towns and cities the length and breadth of Wales throughout February, looking for the best dance talent Wales has to offer.
Are you the future of Welsh dance? Applications to be a NYDW 2024 member are now open! Apply today via the NYAW Auditions page.
National Youth Arts Wales welcomes three new young members to its Board of Trustees
NYAW's Board have appointed three new young trustees, as part of their commitment to embedding youth voice within its daily work.
NYAW's Board has appointed three new young trustees, as part of its commitment to embedding youth voice within its daily work.
New trustees Isaac Lewis, Rhys Watkins and Mared Browning took up their new roles during their first board meeting on Wednesday, November the 8th. Each artist within their own rights, the new trustees bring fresh perspectives to the board and place the voice of the younger generation at the highest level of NYAW’s decision making.
Evan Dawson, Chief Executive Officer of NYAW, said: “National Youth Arts Wales aims to inspire, support and connect our next generation of Welsh artists - but we can only do this with authenticity if young people’s voices are heard at every level of the organisation’s leadership. That’s why I’m so excited to welcome Mared, Isaac and Rhys to our Board of Trustees. They each bring a wealth of individual experience, creativity and good humour, which will help shape our projects and strategy over the years ahead.”
NYAW’s Board of Trustees, led by its chair, plays a fundamental role in the work that NYAW does. Acting in the best interests of the charity, it helps set our strategic plan and oversees its developments, ensuring the organisation can continue to bring the best opportunities possible to the next generation of Welsh talent through their various national ensembles and projects.
Chair to the Board of Trustees, David Jackson OBE, said: "I’m delighted to welcome our three new trustees to the NYAW Board - their varied skill sets and enthusiasm will definitely inject new thinking into our meetings. I’m confident that NYAW will benefit from their ideas and energy, and I really look forward to working with them all.”
The new appointments help diversify NYAW’s board further, with a 40% total of female representation and 40% under the age of 30. Earlier this year, NYAW published their new business plan, setting themselves the target of ensuring that at least 30% of the board are Welsh speaking by the end of 2026. Following the recent appointments, NYAW’s are pleased that they’ve already crossed the halfway mark with 20% of the board having fluent Welsh language ability.
Instrumental in the process of the creation of the young trustee roles, was vice-chair, Karen Pimbley. “Young people are at the heart of all NYAW activity, so it was a natural step to include young people at decision making level on our Board. We are delighted that our new young trustees will help shape the direction of travel for our ensembles and projects in the coming years and there is no doubt they will become great ambassadors for the organisation.”
Record number of young musicians throughout Wales apply to join National Youth Arts Wales
Over 330 musicians have applied, from the widest ever range of backgrounds and geographies.
Every autumn, National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) invites talented young people to audition for our national choir, orchestra, brass band, dance and theatre ensembles. The deadline for music applications was 8 October. Over 330 musicians have applied, from the widest ever range of backgrounds and geographies.
124 young singers applied to join the national choir, more than ever before. They include several with non-choral backgrounds, who have been receiving support through NYAW’s ground-breaking “Côr Skills” programme.
““Wales is blessed indeed to have musicians of such talent””
The Covid lockdowns had a significant impact on musical instrument tuition and development. However, this year 214 young people have applied to join the instrumental ensembles - an 18% increase on last year – showing that applications have almost returned to pre-Covid numbers.
Since the pandemic, NYAW have been working closely with National Music Service for Wales to help ensure that young musicians from across the country can aspire towards a place in Wales’ national ensembles, no matter where they are from or their financial circumstances.
“After being a member of NYCW I am like a new person…Being surrounded by so many other young people who love music as much as you do is honestly incredible!” NYCW member, 2023
NYAW is committed to removing financial and other barriers to involvement in the national ensembles. Those who can’t afford to pay audition fees are still welcome to apply, and this year 35% of applicants took advantage of this offer. Similarly, video auditions are available for those who may feel unable to attend in person, and this year 27% of applicants have chosen this route.
"Wales is blessed indeed to have musicians of such talent who will ensure that classical music in the nation will continue to thrive.” Nation.Cymru on National Youth Orchestra of Wales’s 2023 concert, St David’s Hall, Cardiff
The profile and reputation of Wales’s youth ensembles has been growing in recent years, following the formation of National Youth Arts Wales in 2017 to bring them all into one organisation. During the summer, over 3,400 audience members attended exceptionally high-quality music and theatrical performances throughout Wales, in Bangor, St David’s, Cardiff and Lampeter.
Matt Jones, Senior Producer at NYAW, said: “Wales is a nation of artists! At National Youth Arts Wales, we work hard to identify and encourage the most talented musicians, actors, dancers and more; and bring them to a really wide range of audiences. We are all very excited to meet this year’s applicants, many of whom will go on to experience ground-breaking development and performance opportunities, working with some of the UK’s leading professional conductors and directors.”
Mari Lloyd Pritchard, Coordinator, National Music Service Wales, said: "It was a great relief to see such an increase in the number of young people who want to join our National ensembles. With the arrival of the new National Plan for Music Education Plan in Wales, we are proud to be playing a key role in encouraging and inspiring children and young people to sing or play an instrument.
“Playing together in an ensemble is a special experience, not only for the development of your musical pathway, but also for the health and well-being of young musicians in general. We are very proud that the Welsh Government's investment in music education means that there are many more opportunities, for all ages in every County in Wales, to access high-quality experiences to sing and play together.”
Auditions will take place during November, with the choir, orchestra and brass bands being formed by the end of the year. Those who are not successful will be offered alternative support. Applications for the dance and theatre ensembles will open soon. Further details are available on the National Youth Arts Wales website at www.nyaw.org.uk.
National Youth Arts Wales partners with National Youth Theatre of Great Britain to increase arts access for disabled young people
Launching this month, “Assemble” will see National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) working in partnership with National Youth Theatre of Great Britain in South Wales.
Launching this month, “Assemble” will see National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) working in partnership with National Youth Theatre of Great Britain in South Wales. The project, which is also taking place in London and Manchester, is designed to address isolation amongst disabled young people aged 16-19 by boosting their connections with their local arts community.
NYAW will work with three non-mainstream schools, across South Wales, that specialise in moderate or severe learning support needs.
The partners will build a network of local organisations for each school that provide opportunities and progression routes into the arts and employment. The project is seed-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK.
“We’re really excited to work with our partners at NYTGB on “Assemble”, which will leave a lasting legacy across Wales”
One of the highlights of the programme will be the involvement of Gig Buddies (an acclaimed project from the Stay Up Late charity) which pairs young volunteers with neurodivergent participants to go to gigs, concerts, and other cultural events such as attending the theatre alongside relevant training. Gig Buddies will train and support volunteer “Buddies” to accompany the young people to theatre and other cultural events in their communities.
Evan Dawson, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales, said: “Isolation amongst young disabled people is a huge problem in Wales. At National Youth Arts Wales, we have seen countless examples of how theatre and arts projects can inspire, support and connect young people from a wide range of backgrounds. So we’re really excited to work with our partners at NYTGB on “Assemble”, which will leave a lasting legacy across Wales, helping young disabled people engage with arts and culture opportunities in their local communities. It’s a ground-breaking example of what can be achieved when arts organisations work in partnership.”
Paul Roseby OBE, CEO and Artistic Director of National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, said: “Assemble is an important next step in our growing national inclusion programme and efforts to fix the broken pipeline that isn’t currently serving young disabled talent. Assemble will bring people together, tackle isolation and empower young voices to thrive. We’re grateful to our partners at National Youth Arts Wales and The National Lottery Community Fund for their support.”
For more information on the project’s activity across the UK, visit nyt.org.uk/assemble
Our Statement on Arts Council Of Wales’s Investment Review
From April 2024, National Youth Arts Wales will receive an increase in revenue funding, as part of Arts Council of Wales’s Investment Review process.
From April 2024, National Youth Arts Wales will receive an increase in revenue funding, as part of Arts Council of Wales’s Investment Review process.
This additional funding will mean that we can continue to support young people, and work towards a vision where all young people have the chance to succeed in the performing arts, no matter what their background. It’ll also mean we can continue to support the wider arts sector through strong partnerships with organisations across Wales, and through our employment of hundreds of freelance artists each year.
We’d like to thank Arts Council of Wales for their increased support, and for this vote of confidence in our ambitious plans for the future.
National Youth Arts Wales partnership project with Wales Millenium Centre, Hard Côr, is set to perform at Llais Festival.
Following a three-day intensive residency at the Wales Millennium Centre in September, our Hard Cor participants will soon be performing at the Llais festival on 13 October.
Following a three-day intensive residency at the Wales Millennium Centre in September, our Hard Cor participants will soon be performing at the Llais festival on 13 October.
Photos: Joe Andrews
Participants had the opportunity to collaborate and develop their skills further with our amazing facilitators in an intensive, but fun 3-day course. The residency consisted of masterclasses from the like of Dionne Bennett, Faith Nelson, Tumi Williams, Faith Nelson, Molara and Matthew Hann, covering areas of industry, song writing and performance workshops, and most importantly a chance for participants to collaborate with each other in preparation for their performance at LLais festival this year.
This year our Hard Côr participants will be performing a selection of their own music they have been working on for a few months at Llais festival on Friday 13th October at 7:30pm.
This is set to take place on the Glanfa which is located in the main space of the building, right in front of Radio Platfform. This is a free show, and all are welcome to come and support all the hard work and dedication our talented participants have put in!
National Youth Dance Wales to perform new work by choreographer Mario Bermúdez
Renowned Spanish choreographer Mario Bermúdez will create a new work specially for National Youth Dance Wales’s 2023 company, to be premiered in Newport in November.
Renowned Spanish choreographer Mario Bermúdez will create a new work specially for National Youth Dance Wales’s 2023 company, to be premiered in Newport in November.
As part of National Youth Dance Wales’s intensive summer residency, 20 of Wales’s most talented young dancers came together in Cardiff to learn from a roster of talented choreographers and dance artists. This year, for the first time, they worked with acclaimed choreographer Mario Bermúdez to create a brand new work exploring themes of tribal movement, textures and relationships during their two-week residency.
Photo by Aaron Child
Mario Bermúdez, Artistic Director and Choreographer of Marcat Dance, is a prolific creator who has developed a recognizable movement language known for its dynamic physicality and long-lasting emotional impact. His work has previously been performed by many international companies including National Dance Company Wales.
Jamie Jenkins, Producer of National Youth Dance Wales, said: "This collaboration represents an exciting convergence of talent, creativity, and dedication. It is a testament to the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence that defines National Youth Dance Wales."
The young dancers will also work with Welsh choreographer, and NYDW alumnus, Daisy Howell – creating a new work for film influenced by rave culture and the energy and playfulness of movement.
The members benefitted from daily classes and a full wellbeing programme. The young dancers from Wales aged 16-22 benefitted from the programme, providing first-class training and performance opportunities. The dancers were selected by audition, with auditions taking place in locations in every part of Wales – representing the very best of young Welsh talent.
New Work by Mario Bermúdez
This new work, performed by the NYDW company of 2023, will receive its world premiere at The Riverfront, Newport, on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 November 2023. The work will be one of three works performed each evening, with works by Ballet Cymru Artistic Director Darius James and choreographer Marcus Jarrell Willis performed by dance company Ballet Cymru.
National Youth Dance Wales’s year-round programme
The summer residency is just one part of National Youth Dance Wales’s programme of work, including:
- NYDW members at U.Dance Festival 2023 – NYDW members, Isaac and Layla, choreographed and performed their own duet as part of the prestigious U.Dance National Festival in Newcastle. As part of a celebration of youth dance from across the UK, presented by One Dance UK, Isaac and Layla represented Wales on the Northern Stage, captivating audiences from across the UK. Their work not only demonstrated their exceptional technical prowess, but also their storytelling through performance.
Commenting on the performance, NYDW Producer Jamie Jenkins said: "We are immensely proud of these two remarkable dancers from Wales who have represented our nation with such elegance and passion on the Northern Stage, Newcastle. Their journey to the U Dance National Festival is a testament to their hard work.”
- Celtic Collective – now in its third year, this exchange programme with the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland gives young performers in both countries the opportunity to learn from each other and from different professional artists. In 2023, one dancer from Wales has already experienced life on tour as a company dancer with NYDCS, including performing at the Dublin Youth Dance Festival – and one dancer from Scotland will perform as part of the NYDW company in this year’s residency and world premiere at The Riverfront, Newport.
National Youth Dance Wales is one of the six national youth ensembles delivered by National Youth Arts Wales, the charity for young performers and creatives aged 11-25 in Wales. National Youth Arts Wales receives regular funding from Arts Council of Wales, as a member of the Arts Portfolio Wales.
National Youth Arts Wales appoints Evan Dawson as its new Chief Executive
Evan will start his role with National Youth Arts Wales in October 2023. Evan, a Welsh-speaker born in Cardiff, has previously worked as CEO of Live Music Now and, most recently, CEO of the Royal Photographic Society.
National Youth Arts Wales, the national charity for young performers and creatives aged 11-25, has appointed Evan Dawson as its new Chief Executive.
Evan will start his role with National Youth Arts Wales in October 2023.
Evan, a Welsh-speaker born in Cardiff, has previously worked as CEO of Live Music Now and, most recently, CEO of the Royal Photographic Society – where he developed a new inclusive strategy and identity, its first youth programme and a series of visual arts and wellbeing projects.
As a saxophonist and piano player, his own musical training included South Glamorgan’s county music groups before joining National Youth Jazz Orchestra and spending a year studying jazz and studio music at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has since led his own 50-piece big band, volunteered as a children’s music leader on a housing estate project, and written music for TV and live performance.
Evan Dawson (on left), NYAW's incoming Chief Executive, and David Jackson (on right), Chair of NYAW's Board of Trustees, at rehearsals for National Youth Orchestra of Wales's summer tour
Evan’s work will build on the strong legacy of Gillian Mitchell, who joined NYAW as Chief Executive in 2018. Gillian left NYAW in July 2023 to take up the role of Project Director for the National Contemporary Art Gallery Wales.
““I’m excited to help lead the organisation into its next chapter, developing pathways to a wide range of creative industries””
On his new appointment, Evan Dawson said: “I’m delighted to be joining National Youth Arts Wales as its new Chief Executive. Since its foundation in 2017, David and Gillian have built a passionate and highly skillful team of trustees and staff members, bringing inspirational arts experiences to thousands of young people. This important work is needed now more than ever before.
“I’m excited to help lead the organisation into its next chapter, developing pathways to a wide range of creative industries, and helping people from all backgrounds to connect and flourish through extraordinary and collaborative arts events. Over the years ahead, we will work in partnership with organisations and artists throughout Wales, together nurturing a confident and contemporary country, in which all talented young people can thrive.”
““I couldn’t be more pleased that Evan is joining National Youth Arts Wales...he is the ideal person to lead NYAW forward into what promises to be an exciting and challenging future.””
David Jackson, Chair of NYAW’s Board of Trustees, said: “I couldn’t be more pleased that Evan is joining National Youth Arts Wales as our new CEO. With his broad arts, business and administrative expertise and vision he is the ideal person to lead NYAW forward into what promises to be an exciting and challenging future.
“He takes over from our outgoing CEO Gillian Michell, who has grown the charity brilliantly, leaving great opportunities for Evan to build on, and I’m confident that he will bring his own brand of creative brilliance to the role. I and my fellow trustees look forward to working with him very much.”
National Youth Arts Wales is a registered charity, and receives regular funding from Arts Council of Wales, as a member of the Arts Portfolio Wales.
Evan Dawson – full biography
Evan was born in Cardiff, attending Welsh-language schools, before completing a law degree at University College London, and qualifying as a solicitor with Mishcon de Reya. He then completed an MA in Arts Management at City University, specialising in the educational and social impacts of the arts.
Evan plays saxophone and piano, and has an interest in theatre, literature, photography and film-making. Whilst growing up, he benefitted from South Glamorgan’s famous county music opportunities in the 1980s and 90s, including the High Schools Wind Band and “Jazz News” bigband. From there, he joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and spent a post-grad year at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama studying jazz and studio music. He led his own 50-piece bigband in London, and volunteered as a children’s music tutor on the Aylesbury Housing Estate. He has also written music for television, including the string quartet theme for BBC Two’s “Only Connect” (filmed in Cardiff) and a choral anthem (with brass band) for the Cultural Olympiad in 2012, premiered at the Dora Stoutzker Hall.
In his professional career, Evan was Head of Development at Making Music, developing its arts and health policy, researching the impact of community singing groups around the country, and commissioning many new works for orchestras and choirs. He was then appointed CEO of Live Music Now (LMN), who deliver evidence-based work at schools, healthcare settings and communities throughout the UK, working with over 350 freelance musicians each year. In 2019, under his leadership, LMN was a Finalist in Charity of the Year in recognition of their work with special schools. He has presented LMN’s arts and health research at the House of Lords, Royal Society of Medicine, Sydney’s Gallery of New South Wales and (in Welsh) at the Welsh Assembly. Following that, he became CEO of the Royal Photographic Society, where he created a new inclusive strategy and identity, its first youth programme and a series of visual arts and wellbeing projects. He has also been a National Advisor to Arts Council of Wales, and an evaluation consultant for the Quartet Community Foundation in Bristol.
Congratulations to our 2023 Orchestra and Brass Band prize winners
Each year on our residencies, we celebrate our musicians who display the most promise and dedication. The recipients of each award is decided by the sectional tutors during the residencies.
Each year on our residencies, we celebrate our musicians who display the most promise and dedication. The recipients of each award is decided by the sectional tutors during the residencies.
National Youth Arts Wales would like to express its gratitude to those who have donated money for the creation of these awards.
NATIONAL YOUTH BRASS BAND OF WALES
The John Childs Memorial Trophy
Awarded to the most promising player at this year’s residency
Ellie Carlsen
The David Mabey Prize
Awarded to the most improved player on the residency
Sion Lloyd
The Principal Cornet Trophy
Donated by Tony Small
Erin Maloney & Elizabeth Rogers
NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF WALES
The Haydn Davies Award
Awarded to the most promising player still in education
Jacob Adams (French Horn)
The Irwyn Walters (Friends of NYOW) Awards
Awarded to the two most promising string players at this year’s residency
Rhys Nicholson (cello) and Luke Doyle (violin)
The Wil Jones Prize
Awarded to the most promising woodwind player at this year’s residency
Catrin Davies (clarinet)
The Goronwy Evans Award
Awarded to the most promising brass player at this year’s residency
Dafydd Owen (tuba)
The Tony Moore Harp Prize
Awarded to the most promising harpist at this year’s residency
Erin Fflur Jardine
The Tony Moore Percussion Prize
Awarded to the most promising percussionist at this year’s residency
Nathan Corish
See the future of Welsh arts. National Youth Arts Wales announce 2023 summer events.
This summer, over 230 young actors, musicians, and singers aged 16-22 will be performing in concerts and productions across Wales.
The seriously talented young performers of National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Brass Band of Wales, National Youth Choir of Wales, National Youth Theatre of Wales and National Youth Dance Wales are ready to show off their passion and potential.
This summer, over 230 young actors, musicians, and singers aged 16-22 will be performing in concerts and productions across Wales.
From 28 – 30 July, National Youth Brass Band of Wales will perform concerts in Bangor, Aberystwyth and Cardiff.
Conducted by Paul Holland, NYBBW will showcase their versatility with pieces including Eric Ball's High Peak, Gareth Wood's Five Blooms in a Welsh Garden plus music from Debussy, Walton and Paul Lovatt-Cooper. Belgian cornet soloist and rising star Lode Violet brings his own youthful flair to the line-up.
From 1 – 5 August, National Youth Orchestra of Wales will perform events in Bangor, Lampeter and Cardiff, as well as festival appearances in St Davids.
Conducted by Carlo Rizzi, NYOW will take audiences on a journey through the Czech countryside with Smetana's Vltava from Má vlast. They’ll also perform Richard Strauss' Four Last Songs featuring soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn, and Shostakovich's Symphony No 5.
From 25 – 28 August, National Youth Choir of Wales will be performing concerts in Bangor and Cardiff, as well as a festival appearance in St Davids.
The singers of NYCW have had their say and put together a programme of their favourites for this year's concerts. Audiences will hear everything from the atmospheric music of Eric Whitacre to the beautiful melodies of Welsh composers. There's even an arrangement of one of Stevie Wonder’s legendary songs. Tim Rhys-Evans, best known for his work with Only Men Aloud and Only Boys Aloud, conducts.
From 31 August – 2 September, Dylan Thomas’ classic is reimagined for the bold young voices of National Youth Theatre of Wales in a new stage adaptation of Under Milk Wood / Dan y Wenallt at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff.
The lyrical world of Llaregubb combines with the contemporary Wales of today in a fusion of English and Welsh, alive with music, microphones and loop pedals. This refreshingly original production is adapted by Mari Izzard, based on Dylan’s original play for voices and the Welsh translation by T James Jones. It is directed by Emma Baggott.
Later this year, National Youth Dance Wales present a new piece by acclaimed choreographer Mario Bermúdez Gil, premiering in November 2023 alongside leading dance company Ballet Cymru.
The lineup of events this summer has something for everyone. They are a great opportunity to experience, and support, the passion and promise of young performers from all over Wales.
Shining a light on Mental Health in Performance during Mental Health Awareness Week 2023.
Many young performers can find they struggle with performance anxiety, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic. As it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme this year is Anxiety, we wanted to share our favourite factsheets to help you perform with confidence, and resources to direct you to the right support.
Many young performers can find they struggle with performance anxiety, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic. As it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme this year is Anxiety, we wanted to share our favourite factsheets to help you perform with confidence, and resources to direct you to the right support.
Since Covid, there has been a rise in anxiety in general and as a creative organisation, we encourage our members to speak up and welcome the conversation around mental wellbeing,
““Being a member of NYAW was really valuable to my mental health over lockdown… Returning to an in-person residency in 2022 was an incredible experience, which definitely helped me regain a lot of the confidence that I had lost over lockdown.” ”
What is performance anxiety? What are the symptoms?
As described by Mind UK (2021) "Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid – particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future. Anxiety is a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat. It can be experienced through our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations." This can result in stage fright, panic attacks, disorientation, among other symptoms.
What advice would you give someone who feels anxious about performing?
Some members found that yoga, being a meditative practice, helped them with their performance anxiety. Decompress, destress, and take a moment to look after your physical and mental wellbeing with a series of instructional yoga and meditation sessions from us here at National Youth Arts Wales, led by NYDW resident yoga tutor Jessica Jones.
What are NYAW doing to help?
NYAW takes members and staff wellbeing and mental health seriously. During residencies, NYAW has welfare staff with experience of performing on board. Alongside this, during residencies we hold yoga classes for members to attend making healthy practice part of residencies.
Helpful Resources:
National Youth Theatre of Wales' Launch Professional Pathways 2023 Programme
This month, we’re looking back on the launch of our National Youth Theatre of Wales Professional Pathways Programme 2023, run in partnership with our long-term collaborators Theatr Clwyd.
This month, we’re looking back on the launch of our National Youth Theatre of Wales Professional Pathways Programme 2023, run in partnership with our long-term collaborators Theatr Clwyd.
Photos by Kirsten McTernan Photography
In April, 53 of our National Youth Theatre of Wales 2023 members took part in a three-day residential course in Cardiff (supported by Wales Millennium Centre) as the first stage of this ever-growing membership offer from NYTW. Designed to broaden skills and awareness of career pathways within theatre,film and the digital realm, the group came together to learn about immersive storytelling in all its forms.
“The tutors were very friendly, and the residency has helped me toward my future work in theatre by advancing my skills.”
With funding from Welsh Government via Creative Wales, we’ve expanded our Professional Pathways offer this year to include specific skills training around digital and screen work including workshops by innovators Darkfield Studios, and practical sessions on self-tape auditions for screen and stage with screen actor and facilitator Dean Fagan.
Photos by Kirsten McTernan Photography
What has been your highlight from the residency?
“It’s all been really fantastic. We’ve met so many people and different creatives from all sorts of mediums.”
“I loved the new perspective it gave me.”
Workshops during the residency were delivered by a wide variety of artists and companies with a focus on the art of immersive storytelling. These included sessions with Amie Burns Walker and the upcoming site-specific production at Theatr Clwyd of The Great Gatsby, movement and performance skills with the team from Theatr Clwyd along with an insight into how WMC are leading the way in digital immersive performance in Wales.
Thank you to all members and staff who took part in another successful residency. We look forward to welcoming you back next year!
What’s Next?
The next stages of the Professional Pathways Membership programme will include our ever-popular Play Reading Club (with the Welsh language curation supported by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and writer Rebecca Jade Hammond curating the English language program of work) along with a variety of backstage and theatre making workshops in North and South Wales linked to productions from across Wales in Welsh and English supported by RWCMD and Theatr Clwyd.
If you are a producer, venue or theatre company involved in theatre in anyway and wish to open your performances to our cohort please get in touch with NYTW.
For more information please sign up to our mailing list or email nyaw@nyaw.org.uk
National Youth Arts Wales partners with Wales Millennium Centre to deliver Hard Côr
Hard Côr is a vocal collective for young people, bringing those aged 16–25 who live in Cardiff together to sing, rap, beatbox and create music.
Hard Côr is a vocal collective for young people, bringing those aged 16–25 who live in Cardiff together to sing, rap, beatbox and create music.
The group are influenced by a range of contemporary styles, including hip-hop, grime, rap and RnB, and celebrate Wales’s increasingly innovative music scene.
The group’s purpose is to broaden opportunities for young and talented Welsh music makers who wish to sing and vocalise in non-traditional styles at the highest level, enabling them to work with some of the country’s most impressive musical practitioners.
“It felt like another family and community full of diversity.”
Video courtesy of Wales Millennium Centre.
Three facilitators who specialise in different areas led and supported this first project. They were:
Dionne Bennett – soul singer (singing)
Tumi Williams – MC, lyricist and Creative Associate at Wales Millennium Centre (mcing)
Matthew Hann – beatboxer and arts facilitator (beatboxing)
For more information please sign up to our mailing list or email nyaw@nyaw.org.uk or education@wmc.org.uk. Hard Côr is a joint project between Wales Millennium Centre and National Youth Arts Wales.
National Youth Arts Wales expands creative talent development projects with funding via Creative Wales
NYAW has been awarded funding – over £45,000 – from Welsh Government via Creative Wales to help develop Wales’s creative talent in the film, TV, commercial music, and digital sectors.
NYAW has been awarded funding – over £45,000 – from Welsh Government via Creative Wales to help develop Wales’s creative talent in the film, TV, commercial music, and digital sectors.
Launched in September of last year, the Creative Skills Sector Fund was created with the intention of supporting projects that can deliver against one or more of the ten identified priorities within the three-year industry led Creative Skills Action Plan.
The Action Plan seeks to address the skills needs of the three priority sectors: music, digital content, and screen in the short term, as well as considering the long-term needs which will ensure Wales continues to have a thriving creative sector.
Earlier this month, Dawn Bowden MS, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, announced that over £1.5m is to be shared between 17 projects across the creative industries, she said:
“The purpose of this fund is to continue to support strategic skills partnerships across Wales and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to award the funding to collaborative projects which will provide excellent opportunities for those working in the sector or seeking to work in the sector from all backgrounds.” You can read the written statement in full here.
As recipients of the fund, NYAW will use this to expand two of its projects for young people – Professional Pathways and Music Futures.
Professional Pathways
Our Professional Pathways programme is a career development scheme for young talented drama performers, delivered in partnership with Theatr Clwyd and Wales Millennium Centre. In spring 2023, 45 young people aged 16-22 will take part in an intensive residential training programme, giving them a first-hand insight into the range of transferable skills in the theatre, screen, and digital sectors.
Each residential weekend or training day focuses on specific skills including performance technique, set, costume and lighting design, script writing, accessibility within performance and marketing and programming drama. Read more on this project here.
Using the funding from Creative Wales, our Professional Pathways programme will offer expanded access to film and TV workshops and how these practices relate to the digital sector, acting for green screen, voice training for screen, podcasts and voiceover work, and plenty more besides.
Music Futures
Elsewhere, the funding will help continue Music Futures, our contemporary music project supporting young musicians aged 16-18 to make their mark on the current Welsh music scene across a wide range of genres –from Grime to Indie, Electronica to RnB.
First developed in 2019, the project supports music makers with potential to develop and grow as artists, developing their songwriting, self-management, and musicianship skills in a safe and supportive environment. It offers an authentic industry experience, and a glimpse into a working musician’s career, taking participants through the full life cycle of songwriting – including composition and recording, performance, touring, and promotion.
As part of our ongoing commitment to nurture diverse talent, at least 25% of participants will come from a global majority background, and at least 15% of the 70 beneficiaries will be living with a disability, helping foster a more diverse and inclusive Welsh music industry.
Alongside this we’ll be hiring a new Trainee Producer specific to the Music Futures project, with recruitment beginning in March 2023, and working with Future Mentors again to help facilitate the programme and offer participants the best possible access and knowledge to the contemporary music sector in Wales.
Previous mentors have included Kizzy Crawford, Heledd Watkins (HMS Morris) and Tumi Williams (Afrocluster, Skunkadelic) to name just a few. We look forward to developing our projects further over the coming months and into the summer residency period.
NYAW Choral Development Project, Côr Skills, Relaunches For 2023
Activity for National Youth Arts Wales choral development programme Côr Skills has kicked into gear, with four January workshops taking place in preparation for the February residency.
Activity for National Youth Arts Wales choral development programme Côr Skills has kicked into gear, with four January workshops taking place in preparation for the February residency.
Developed as a pathway to enhance young singers and vocalists’ confidence and ability in choral singing, and two years on from the pilot scheme developed with National Youth Choir of Wales conductor Tim Rhys-Evans, the project launched with workshops in Summer 2022.
Recruiting enthusiastic young singers through a combination of an open call process alongside targeted campaigns with schools, youth choirs, and music services, Côr Skills will engage with young people from a diverse range of backgrounds and has been designed to support those currently underrepresented in the arts - particularly global majority young people and young people from low-income families.
Current members of NYCW who could benefit from additional development have also been invited to take part in the residency.
With over 80 students taking part in four workshops held in both Cardiff and Swansea led by our team of esteemed facilitators – which includes Iori Haugen, a founder of Choirs for Good and Anna Beresford, a conductor and team member at WNO – each student worked on “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. Singing in three-part harmony, they focussed on a variation of vocal techniques, their general musicianship, refined via a variety of exercises and games.
Naomi Davies, head of Expressive Arts at Cardiff West Community High School, said this of the workshop. “The pupils were very positive and enjoyed thoroughly! Hopefully, we could have you in again going forward! A few are applying for the workshop during half term which is a fantastic opportunity for them.”
Bruna Garcia, Côr Skills Trainee Producer agrees. “It was great to see how the students engaged with the workshop, and they did so extremely well. It’s encouraging to know they had fun whilst also taking something valuable away with them.”
Developing on what was covered during the workshops, our residential course will offer participants the opportunity to work with an expert team of singing leaders and special guests.
This 4-day residency will take place from 18th-21st February 2023 at the Urdd Centre in Cardiff Bay, where participants will take part in an exciting range of workshops, masterclasses with special guests, and bespoke one-to-one singing sessions. The residency will culminate in an informal performance sharing for friends, family, and special guests.
Our aim is for each participant to leave the residency with the confidence and skills to audition for any other choral opportunities that may come their way in the future, and of course the National Youth Choir of Wales.
For more information on the residency, including cost and how to apply, simply head over to the Côr Skills projects page.
The Celtic Collective Welcomes its Newest Member
NYDW ambassador Erin Mared will join National Youth Dance Company Scotland for the full year, creating a new work to tour across the UK and abroad
NYDW ambassador Erin Mared will join National Youth Dance Company Scotland for the full year, creating a new work to tour across the UK and abroad
In 2020 National Youth Dance Company Scotland developed a new partnership with National Youth Dance Wales through The Celtic Collective, designed to connect members of NYDW and NYDCS through a shared passion and desire to enhance their dance development and awareness of the sector, both nationally and internationally, by bringing them together through shared experiences. During lockdown dancers from both companies took part in online workshops with choreographers from across the UK.
This year, The Celtic Collective partnership has developed further and involves dancers traveling between countries to take part in programmes and residencies.
In August 2022, National Youth Dance Wales members worked with choreographers Lea Anderson MBE and Arielle Smith to create two new dance works that premiered as part of Ballet Cymru's autumn tour. Over a two-week residency at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, the programme focused on stretching and challenging members both creativity and artistically, whilst also developing their technical and performance skills.
Three members of NYDCS came to Wales to join NYDW at the August residency as guest performers, joining the company in rehearsals and on stage.
We are excited to announce this year, for the first time, NYDCS will host a NYDW ambassador. Erin Mared, 23, from Aberystwyth, Wales, currently studying Spanish & German at Glasgow University will join NYDCS for the full year, creating a new work to tour across the UK and abroad.
Erin has been dancing since the age of four and has a real passion for the joy of dancing, “I love that dance is a common language for people worldwide. If you can't communicate with someone through words, you can always find a connection through dance.”
National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) and YDance, who run NYDCS, provide young dancers with first-class training and performance opportunities. It draws on the energy and excitement of young people's enthusiasm for dance and channels it into a creative, contemporary force that celebrates the very best youth dance in Wales and Scotland today.
“We are thrilled to be working in partnership with NYDCS. By joining forces, we have been able to share joint opportunities for dancers from NYDW and NYDCS to participate in a range of different activities virtually and in person. The Celtic Collective partnership is a wonderful opportunity for like-minded dancers from across Wales and Scotland to share experiences, develop skills, and make new connections with peers across the two nations. I am super excited to see how the partnership will develop over the next year or so.” Jamie Jenkins, Dance Producer.
“This year is set to be an exciting year for NYDCS with some incredible opportunities to perform outside of the UK! It is wonderful to have the Celtic Collective partnership with NYDW to offer the dancers more experiences during their journey with us. We are excited to welcome Erin as part of this year's company and look forward to the Collective future with NYDW.” Anna Kenrick, YDance Artistic Director
Erin will debut with NYDCS in their first live performance at this year's YDance event, Destinations, held at Eden Court, Inverness on the 18th of February.
Arts Council of Wales responds to report on youth arts in Wales
Commissioned last year, the joint effort between NYAW and YANC has been published, outlining the plans for developing the Youth Arts sector with increased involvement from young people
Commissioned last year, the joint effort between NYAW and YANC has been published, outlining the plans for developing the Youth Arts sector with increased involvement from young people
In November 2020, a joint letter from National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) and Youth Arts Network Cymru (YANC) was submitted to Arts Council of Wales (ACW) outlining fundamental concerns for the future of the youth arts sector in Wales; predominantly surrounding the devastating consequences of Covid-19 on young people and the arts sector.
It highlighted the historic lack of resource for youth arts, the impact of the pandemic on young people’s wellbeing and future aspirations for careers in the arts, plus the lack of voice that young people have had so far in the discourse during the pandemic.
Commissioned by Arts Council Wales in 2021, National Youth Arts Wales teamed up with Youth Arts Network Cymru (YANC) to undertake a series of online consultation sessions with young people, youth arts organisations, and practitioners to determine the viability and need for a youth forum in Wales and consultation on future of youth arts lottery funding.
Below is a summary of the report, following its publication by Arts Council Wales.
To read the full report on the Arts Council Wales website, click here. To read the Easy Read report, click here.
What young people want
There was a general agreement that both Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government need to do more to take the needs of young people more seriously and place them higher on the agenda, such as listening to young people, fostering better connections that place young people at the centre of work, and more flexible and unrestricted funding for projects with young people.
Participants talked about wanting a network for young people to connect and collaborate with one another as well as supporting their engagement and careers in the arts through support, information and resources.
Network and youth voice representation
Simply put, people said they wanted an arts network for young people that would aid their ability to meet and work with each other. The purpose of this network would be to help young people to work collaboratively, get information about the arts and connect with art organisations within Wales, get help with funding and applications and to help kickstart careers in the arts.
Suggestions were also made around increasing funding and support for YANC. A strengthened YANC, with strengthened partnerships with arts and community organisations across Wales could work with young people, organisations and ACW to develop such a network.
It was recognised that creating such a network is a big undertaking, but should be made by young people rather than for young people, with the opportunity for online and in-person engagement. It was also recognised that the network should be accessible and inclusive for young people from all communities across Wales, with different access points for young people at varying points of their journey within the arts.
The network must also be available bilingually and ensure that young people wanting to seek opportunities, support or connections through the Welsh language are able to do so through equal representation in Welsh.
Durting the sessions discussing an expansion of youth voice representation, there were several ideas discussed that would give young people the platform to be authentically listened to by ACW, without putting the onus on them to fix all the problems.
A youth collective that meets to discuss ongoing issues was discussed, and the collective would be able to lean on ACW, whilst also echoing the structures of Cardiff Youth Council, Welsh Youth Parliament or Westminster’s Youth Parliament.
Points were also raised about the importance of this collective or group having real agency to influence decisions.
Other suggestions included placing two young people on the Arts Council itself, and developing a skills and training programme that invests in young people from across Wales.
Funding for youth arts
The overarching opinion is that the current model presents significant barriers for many young people, in addition to restrictions found by organisations aiming to run projects in more flexible and responsive ways.
There were several calls to remove the jargon and difficult wording of application bids, and re-examine the wording used and the requirements in place to submit ideas.
There were also calls to ensure that funding mentoring is a requirement for offering the funding in the first place.
There were young artists in the sessions who commented on how much they benefitted from the advice and guidance from the organisations that they are involved with when writing applications, but there were also clear calls for a wider support from Arts Council Wales. Importantly, this wider support needs to be accessible to those who perhaps don’t have those pre-existing networks, through training days and guidance on how to apply.
Arts Council Wales does offer information on applying for funding in large print, Braille, audio, Easy Read and British Sign Language, but there are D/deaf artists who are not aware of this, or what alternatives there may be to help with applications.
It has been suggested that visibility of access support should be increased, and that video applications should be considered.
What happens next?
What young people want to happen in the next 3 months
For this report to be publicised in English and Welsh, with additional social media support and paid advertising
Videos to be made from young people in the arts responding to the report
What young people want to happen in the next 6 months
Dialogue between Arts Council Wales and arts organisations on how to start the youth arts network
An increase in bilingual events with young people
Use the events to increase support for young people to work with Arts Council Wales
What young people want to happen in the next 1 to 2 years
Direct funding for youth arts that’s accessible by young people
Simple application forms with no jargon and simplified language
Arts organisations to collaborate bilingually to create a network for youth arts, supported by Arts Council Wales
Two young peolpe to be invited to join Arts Council Wales
Training programmes and facilities for young people to lead in the arts sector
For more information on Arts Council Wales visit their website.
Cardiff’s iconic Clwb Ifor Bach hosts first NYAW Music Futures gig
Music Futures has announced its first public outing since the project’s inception by National Youth Arts Wales in 2019.
Music Futures has announced its first public outing since the project’s inception by National Youth Arts Wales in 2019. Arriving fresh from months of collaboration in the studio – with the likes of Mace the Great, Hemes, Skunkadelic, Lily Beau and Clwb Ifor Bach’s own DJ Dabes – this next generation of Wales’s up-and-coming artists will give their first public performance on Wednesday 24 August 2022. Womanby Street’s iconic live music venue, nightclub and promoter has hosted countless international, local, and emerging artists, providing an early platform for some of the biggest names in music today.
The evening offers a fusion of sounds with genres ranging from grime to indie, pop to EDM; truly showcasing the future of Wales's music scene and what the next generation of young Welsh musicians has to offer. On Clwb Ifor Bach’s main stage: Morakai, Shaun Tucker, Daffydd Rose, Megan McFadden, Sharmeela, Olivia Sinclair, ONE84k, Leasha Packham, Hannah Huish and 4SZN. Taking the DJ booth: Jack Reardon. Also taking the stage will be the young industry professionals who have supported the programme’s Future Mentors: Soul singer Aisha Kigs, genre-defying singer E11ICE, and rapper Kali.
Music Futures supports young music-makers, with the potential to grow as artists, by developing their songwriting, self-management, and musicianship skills in a safe and supportive environment. The project takes each participant on the full life cycle of writing songs – from writing and recording, to performing, touring, and promoting their music – and enables participants to experiment with a wide range of genres. Over the past few months, these young musicians have worked together with their mentors to perfect their craft as singers, songwriters and producers through National Youth Arts Wales’s artist development programme: Music Futures. With guidance along the way, they have been growing their artistry, creating exciting music projects and had the opportunity to network with music industry professionals, learning what it takes to succeed in the creative industries in Wales.
Music Futures Trainee Producer Elina Lee says:
“Talented young artists often remain unseen as many live-event venues require their artist to be over the age of 18 to perform, this is something National Youth Arts Wales aims to change. It’s important to us that these young talented artists get the opportunities to perform and be a part of the music scene at this early stage in their career, which happens so rarely”
“Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see these artists at the early stage of their careers and be part of the change that is happening right now in the Welsh music scene.”
Congratulations to our 2022 Orchestra and Brass Band prize winners
Each year on our residencies, we celebrate our musicians who display the most promise and dedication. The recipients of each award is decided by the sectional tutors during the residencies.
Each year on our residencies, we celebrate our musicians who display the most promise and dedication. The recipients of each award is decided by the sectional tutors during the residencies.
National Youth Arts Wales would like to express its gratitude to those who have donated money for the creation of these awards.
NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF WALES
The Haydn Davies Award
Awarded to the most promising player still in education
Dewi Thistlewood
The Irwyn Walters (Friends of NYOW) Awards
Awarded to the two most promising string players at this year’s residency
Sharon Liang & Kit Cookson
The Wil Jones Prize
Awarded to the most promising woodwind player at this year’s residency
Heidi Walliman
The Goronwy Evans Award
Awarded to the most promising brass player at this year’s residency
Branwen Thistlewood
The Tony Moore Harp Prize
Awarded to the most promising harpist at this year’s residency
Elena Ruddy
NATIONAL YOUTH BRASS BAND OF WALES
The John Childs Memorial Trophy
Awarded to the most promising player at this year’s residency
Ioan Jones
The David Mabey Prize
Awarded to the most improved player on the residency
Carys Lewis
The Principal Cornet Award
Donated by Tony Small
Owain Llestyn
Looking back at Momentwm 2022
Fourteen budding young dancers recently attended the first in-person Momentwm residency, delivered in collaboration between Ballet Cymru’s Duets programme and National Youth Arts Wales.
Fourteen budding young dancers recently attended the first in-person Momentwm residency, delivered in collaboration between Ballet Cymru’s Duets programme and National Youth Arts Wales.
Photos: Sian Trenberth
These young people attended the course as pairs from different schools across Wales, originating from areas identified as having limited access to dance performance and development. Having never previously met as a group before, the dancers spent three days at Cardiff’s Gwersyll yr Urdd on a fun-filled intensive programme of dance skills, developing their technique and creativity alongside some of the best names in the Welsh dance industry.
The aim of the project was to give the young dancers a taste of dance training, which they might not otherwise have access to, and to encourage them to continue dancing as they progress through secondary school.
“Bringing our national Duets scholars together for Momentwm has been a hugely exciting event. Not only has it provided many inspirational dance and learning opportunities, but it has also enabled scholars from all over Wales to come together, in a physical space, for the first time.
The commitment and experience of both Ballet Cymru and National Youth Arts Wales to host a residency of this calibre has fostered such a positive dance experience for all involved. Momentwm represents a big step in the partnership between Ballet Cymru and National Youth Arts Wales and our joint vision to help bridge gaps in dance provision in Wales, and to address challenges in dance access and engagement.”
Freelance Welsh Dance Artist and choreographer Liam Riddick led sessions on contemporary dance technique. These workshops focused on guiding the young dancers in developing duet and solo performances, and providing a space for them to experience creative collaboration with a new company of fellow performers.
Participants also had the opportunity to build on their rhythm and hip-hop vocabulary alongside Reuel Bertram of Jukebox Collective, as well as to learn new ballet steps and vocabulary with Louise Lloyd, Ballet Cymru Duets practitioner.
“National Youth Arts Wales is thrilled to have delivered our pilot project for 10 – 12 year olds, Momentwm, in partnership with Ballet Cymru. Being able to return to in-person delivery, and providing the space for younger dancers to explore, to learn from industry professionals, and above all, enjoy the time to be creative, has been wonderful.
It is really important to be able to offer this kind of programme to those across the country who may not typically get access to dance training at this level, especially given the impact of the pandemic on this age group. Increasing access too by providing these kinds of progression pathways to Wales’ gifted and talented young performers from grassroots level upwards, is a key part of what NYAW does. Nurturing these relationships in underrepresented communities that face barriers to arts training is the latest step in Ballet Cymru and NYAW’s joint efforts to tackle issues around diversity and representation across the youth arts sector.”
Following on from these lively dance workshops, this year’s Momentwm participants also got stuck in to a social schedule of bowling trips, movie nights, and group walks around Cardiff Bay, providing the perfect space for these young people to get to know each other and begin developing life-long friendships through dance.
Duets, produced by Ballet Cymru, is a national programme for young people in areas of need to access dance training and progression. The programme is specifically designed to identify talent, provide progression pathways, and improve aspiration for young people who would not usually have the opportunity to access and engage with dance, particularly those living in deprived areas of Wales.
Momentwm is National Youth Arts Wales’ training and development programme for young dancers at the early stages of their journey into dance. The programme focuses on developing core dance skills and strength, as well as creative and performance techniques, with an overall aim of equipping these young dancers with the skillset required to pursue professional dance training. Having previously collaborated with ZooNation - The Kate Prince Company, NYAW are thrilled to have worked alongside Ballet Cymru’s Duets programme for Momentwm 2022.