How do you make a socially distanced dance work? In 2020, the dancers of National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) discovered new ways of working together on a project like no other.
When the UK went into lockdown in March, NYDC was halfway through the process of creating new work with Guest Artistic Director Russell Maliphant. With activity brought to a sudden halt and the company’s upcoming residency, world premiere and national tour all cancelled, NYDC had to radically rethink how its 39 young dancers would complete their experience. The company went online, delivering over 60 hours of Zoom sessions to stay connected.
At the end of the summer, NYDC became the first dancers to return to the historic Sadler’s Wells theatre in London since lockdown. Working in small socially distanced groups, they rehearsed and performed a new dance work to an intimate audience of friends and family, to complete their year. This new documentary charts the highs, the lows and everything in between, as told by the rising stars of a new generation of dance.
Creative team
Camera Work: Sarah Vaughan-Jones and Ben Williams
Edit: Ben Williams
Film Sound Design: Dana Fouras
NYDC 2019-20
Guest Artistic Director and choreographer: Russell Maliphant
Sound Design: Dana Fouras
Lighting Design: Ryan Stafford Costume Design:
Stevie Stewart Assistants to the choreographer: Edd Arnold, Grace Jabbari, Folu Odimayo