AYDF 2022 united young and emerging contemporary dance artists and the professional allies who work with them for a week of collaboration and creation designed to regenerate the youth dance sector in Australia.

Dates
July 3 – 8, 2022
Location
The University of Melbourne Southbank Campus- Victorian College of the Arts
Australian Youth Dance Festival 2022
2022 will see a dedicated focus on elevating youth voice and sharing the diverse practice of the youth dance sector and contemporary dance practice at large.
After two years spent apart and online, AYDF motivates the youth dance sector to (RE)CONNECT, (RE)GENERATE, and (RE)IGNITE.
Running concurrent with the festival itself is the Dance Think Tank and Industry Forum, a symposium of professional development for teachers, leaders, artists, and secondary school dance teachers focused on supporting, promoting and sustaining contemporary youth dance practice in Australia.
(RE) GENERATE Performance
Thursday 7 July, 6.30pm and 8.30pm
(RE) GENERATE is a live exploration of Youth Contemporary dance in Australia. Programmed by Co-Artistic Directors Caitlin Comerford and Kyall Shanks this performance is a 90 minute, intimately presented journey showcasing the talents of Youth dance from around the country.
Youth Dance Program
Dance participants worked with inspiring and highly regarded industry professionals in a week long program of professional practice, skills development workshops, performance making, the development of sector literacy, and studio based sharing.
Youth Ambassadors
Think Tank and Industry Forum

Running alongside the youth dancers’ program are two symposium style events opportunities for artists, educators and leaders working in dance or youth arts programs.
A Think Tank Program from 4-6 July will create a space for youth dance leaders to share ideas and plan future development and advocacy opportunities for the sector.
The Industry Forum on 7 July is an open forum for anyone working in arts and creative industries, including local government authorities, and those working with (or interested in working with) young people. The forum will be a site of learning and professional development for teachers, leaders, artists, and educators focused on supporting, promoting, and sustaining contemporary youth dance practice in Australia.
Facilitated by contemporary dance artist and Youth Dance alumni Adam Wheeler, the panel includes; Access and Inclusion advocate, CEO and Artistic Director of Arts Access Victoria Caroline Bowditch, dance maker and independent producer of Filipino descent Efren Pamilacan, Taiwanese-Australian dancer and choreographer Jennifer Ma, Artistic Director of Hobart based youth dance company DRILL Performance Isabella Stone, and Executive Director of Ausdance VIC Michelle Silby.

Supporting Partners
Funding Partner
City of Melbourne Arts Grants
Venue Partner
Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne