CULTURAL EMPOWERMENT TRAINING

Artistry Youth Dance is leading the way in creating opportunities for young black dancers, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists and fostering a more culturally diverse dance community in the UK.

For the past five years, we have spearheaded our groundbreaking programme, AYD100. This four-day dance initiative is designed to provide better knowledge of available training routes and to enhance diversity in higher education within the dance and performing arts field.

In the latest iteration, we facilitated 52 scholarships amounting to £135,000 for young dancers of African and Caribbean heritage, enabling them to access renowned Institutions and Conservatoires across the capital.

This year we are taking an additional step to ensure students reach their fullest potential upon entering higher education by building specialised training programmes and resources to empower schools in their journey towards anti-racism.

AYD CPD Training Programme

Supporting higher educators in their anti-racism journey

Cultural Proficiency in Higher Education Dance Training embodies the philosophy of educating all students to excel by embracing and leveraging differences as strengths rather than shortcomings.

It represents a mindset and worldview that empowers individuals and institutions to navigate diverse environments adeptly. In the domain of dance education, cultural proficiency sets a crucial standard for ensuring the success of all students by recognising and valuing their distinct contributions.

Drawing upon their profound understanding of dancers from African and Caribbean heritage, as well as their practical experiences, we have conscientiously crafted these courses to optimise outcomes for young dancers.

Through these initiatives, we foster inclusivity and promote deeper understanding within dance training environments.

Who is this programme for?

  • Dance Teachers/Educators

  • Participatory Practitioners/Facilitators

  • Community Dance Artists

  • Arts Administrators

  • Pastoral Teams

  • Producers/Project Managers

  • Dance Programmers/Dance Leaders

  • Course Leaders/Head of Learning

  • Directors/Principals


“Through our new CPD training programmes, we deepen awareness of diversity in dance education, driving societal and institutional change for a more inclusive future.”
- Kamara Gray (Founder/Director), Artistry Youth Dance