Yorkshire Dance Ageless Festival Returns to Leeds on 10-11 July 2026

The Yorkshire Dance Ageless Festival is set to return to Leeds on 10-11 July 2026, promising an exciting celebration of dance that challenges common perceptions about age and beauty. This unique event encourages audiences to rethink who is seen and celebrated within the world of dance, highlighting the talents of artists from various backgrounds, especially those who are older. Creative Director Hannah Robertshaw poses a thought-provoking question: "Who is visible, who is celebrated and what do we define as beautiful?"

Ageless Festival Overview

The Ageless Festival aims to break down stereotypes surrounding age and performance. It features a diverse range of activities, including:

• Bold new performances

• Inspirational talks

• Workshops

• Art installations

Artists from Leeds, Newcastle, Wales, Bradford, and Sheffield will showcase their talents, alongside internationally renowned performers. This fusion of local and global talent creates a vibrant atmosphere where the richness of dance can be appreciated by everyone, regardless of age.

Highlighting Age and Experience

One of the festival's key themes is exploring the power of age and experience in different dance styles. A standout event on the first day, titled "Holding Wisdom," will feature three captivating performances by older artists: Funmi Adewole Elliott, Mitul Sengupta, and Allie Herrmann. These artists will use their skills in Juju dance, Kathak, and Flamenco to express their unique perspectives on ageing.

Ecology and Dance

This year's festival also brings attention to the environment and our connection to nature. The premiere of "Wild Hope" by TC Howard and Company of People draws inspiration from the natural world of Yorkshire, encouraging audiences to feel a sense of connection to their surroundings. Another performance, "Bird Nerd and the Red List" by Marie-Louise Flexen, invites viewers to learn about four bird species on the UK's red list, including the Skylark and the Nightingale.

Notable Performances

Among the highlights is a special autobiographical work by the acclaimed French choreographer Jérôme Bel, known for his innovative approach to dance. In this unique performance, Bel will be represented by UK performer Terry O’Connor of Forced Entertainment, blending dialogue, film, and live performance. This show promises to be an unforgettable experience that showcases Bel's ability to reinvent his work while addressing ecological concerns by choosing not to travel by plane.

Workshops and Community Engagement

The Ageless Festival is not just about watching performances; it also offers a range of workshops led by iconic older dance artists. These workshops include:

• Jo Fong: "Liveness, this moment" - a session encouraging participants to explore the unknown.

• Dawn Holgate and Joanne Bernard: "Bodies of Experience" - a blend of contemporary, African, and Caribbean dance, music, and storytelling.

• Cai Tomos and Company Cain: "Ways of Listening" - focusing on partnering and improvisation techniques.

In addition to workshops, attendees can enjoy a vibrant Sudanese-inspired community feast led by chef Kaltouma Hassaballah, which encourages conversation and connection among participants.

Access and Tickets

The festival aims to be accessible to all, offering a "pay what you can" ticketing option for selected events. This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to experience the inspiring performances and workshops on offer. The full festival lineup can be viewed online, providing a detailed look at the exciting events planned for both days.