Explore new styles. Refine your artistry. Find your people.
AYDF 2025 is a bold, four-day celebration of dance in all its forms—bringing together youth dance company members, independent dancers and professional artists for an inspiring journey of movement, connection, and creative growth.
With two distinct program streams, 40+ workshops, a performance showcase, and deep conversations about the future of dance, this is your chance to stretch your practice, expand your ideas, and build your community.
🧭 When: 17–20 July, Narrm/Melbourne
📍 Location: Space Dance & Arts Centre, Prahran
🎟️ Two Streams: Youth + Professional Development program
What Makes AYDF 2025 Unmissable?
Set in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant dance scene, this year’s festival is our most inclusive and ambitious yet. From hip hop to countertechnique, youth leadership to mental health, choreographic practice to cultural connection—AYDF is where ideas and people move together.
40+ workshops across diverse genres and creative disciplines.
Excursions to iconic Melbourne dance companies & studios.
Performance of youth dance company works & an independent piece.
Film screening – ‘My Black Dog’, exploring youth mental health.
Cypher Jam – our closing event for freestyle, reflection and celebration.
World Café conversations on connection, creativity and leadership.
2 Streams · 4 Days · 1 Festival that Moves You
Youth Stream (14-25)
For independent and youth company dancers.
4-Day Youth Pass – $200
Includes full festival access + participation in the Performance Showcase
Over four days, you’ll dive into:
- Street and club styles like Hip Hop, House, Waacking, Krump, Locking, Soul Dance
- Contemporary techniques including floorwork, partnering, countertechnique, repertoire
- Creative development in characterisation, improvisation, freestyle and experimental movement
You’ll also:
- Collaborate with leading artists to create and perform dance in different styles
- Join your peers in a festival-wide Cypher jam and World Café event
- Take part in excursions to Dancehouse, Chunky Move and Lucy Guerin Inc at WXYZ Studios
- Attend a screening of My Black Dog – a dance-theatre film on youth mental health
- Participate in the Festival Showcase as either a company member or in a piece created for independent participants.
Whether you’re flying solo or coming with a youth dance company, the Youth Stream is your space to explore, perform, connect and grow.
Professional Development Stream (18+)
For emerging & experienced dance leaders, educators & studio owners.
4-Day Pro Pass – $120
Includes full festival access + ticket to the Performance Showcase
Designed for artists working with or within youth dance contexts, the Professional Development Stream is about building your practice through conversation, reflection and collaboration.
Workshops and sessions include:
- Teaching Practice & Leadership – from empathy in teaching to self-accountability
- Safe Dance & Injury Prevention – including practical anatomy and recovery tips
- Mental Health & Child Safety – awareness and best practice in youth dance settings
- Cultural Engagement – with workshops on street dance culture and First Nations contemporary dance
- Creative Practice – opportunity to participate in cypher jams, improvisation and partner work
- Sector Networking – join facilitated discussions at our World Café and connect with peers across the country
Plus, enjoy full access to:
- Excursions to key venues (Dancehouse, Lucy Guerin Inc at WXYZ Studios, Chunky Move)
- The Festival Showcase on Saturday night
- A screening of My Black Dog, sparking discussion on youth wellbeing
This stream is perfect for anyone seeking to evolve their leadership, deepen their artistry, or make a meaningful impact in youth dance education and beyond.
Book Your AYDF 2025 Pass
This is more than just a dance festival—it’s a place to connect, learn, and imagine the future of dance. Whether you’re just starting out, deepening your practice, or evolving as a dance leader, there is a place for you at AYDF 2025.
Moves Made. Hearts Full.
We could tell you how much people love AYDF, but it sounds better coming from them. Here’s what past attendees had to say after four days of full-out dancing, learning and unforgettable memories.
“As young people it is just so important for us to be connected to each other and AYDF is a brilliant way to do that.”
– Patricia
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the festival completely blew my mind.”
– Valarie
“It’s the perfect outlet for dance leaders to look at some big themes and help young people to engage with these in a different way.”
– Anna
“I’m inspired. I learned new movement and opened up my creativity.”
– Annette
“We got to challenge the idea of how to inspire each other.”
– Adam
“It was so much fun. I think the best thing is the variety.”
– Meg
AYDF 2025 is supported by
