The Australian Youth Dance Festival (AYDF) has always been a space for artistic growth, mentorship, and innovation. In 2025, a dynamic creative team, led by Artistic Director Kyall Shanks, will curate an inspiring program that champions youth dance in all its forms.
Kyall Shanks – Artistic Director
Kyall, a respected Melbourne-based dance artist, brings their extensive experience spanning professional performance, choreography, festival curation, and arts education. Having previously co-directed AYDF in 2022, Kyall is passionate about creating spaces where young dancers can grow, connect, and explore new ways of making dance.
Dance and movement are universal, and AYDF provides a space for young people to find their community. This festival isn’t just about dance—it’s about connection, identity, and shared experience.
Kyall Shanks
Joining Kyall are two emerging voices in the Australian dance landscape—Amelia Minh Vu and Toby McKnight—who have been selected as the festival’s Emerging Directors.
Amelia Minh Vu – Emerging Director
A Vietnamese-Australian dancer and multidisciplinary artist, Amelia is connected to Melbourne’s Street Dance scene, teaches dance, makes films and hosts community events. With a background in communication design and filmmaking, she brings a fresh perspective to dance storytelling.
I’m excited to bring a Street Dance perspective to the festival for the very first time. I see AYDF as an opportunity for young emerging artists of all dance practices and styles to expand their perspectives on what can look like.
Amelia Minh Vu
Toby McKnight – Emerging Director
Hailing from Lutruwita/Tasmania, Toby McKnight is an accomplished young dance artist with experience in youth dance companies, major arts festivals, and socially engaged dance projects. A former AYDF participant, Toby understands firsthand the impact of the festival.
AYDF offers deeply informative and inspirational experiences. I hope to create opportunities for collaboration and conversation between youth dance companies, providing space for meaningful connections.
Toby McKnight
Together, this creative team will shape AYDF 2025 into a landmark event, embracing new artistic approaches while staying true to the festival’s legacy of empowerment and collaboration.