Hertfordshire Youth Dance Company (14-19)

Hertfordshire currently run two County Youth Dance Companies (HYDC)
– InPulse and Intrusion.

Directed by Hayley Arthur, our dance development worker, the companies give Hertfordshire’s most talented dancers the chance to train, rehearse and perform under professional artistic direction.

The companies are designed to foster an enthusiasm and commitment in young people to working as part of a team, encourage the participants to consider a higher education course or career in dance, and represent the county both regionally and nationally.

Entry to the Youth Companies is by audition only. These are held across the county annually, early in the Autumn term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is it all about?

A: Hertfordshire Youth Dance Companies (HYDC) is an initiative originally founded in 2002 between Hertfordshire County Council Dance Adviser, Clare Mellish and Hertsdance, our former dance development agency for the county. There are currently two county youth companies, InPulse and Intrusion. They are run along the lines of a professional dance company meeting regularly to train, create, rehearse and perform dance. HYDC is a chance to develop your dance and performance skills, meet new friends and represent our county at local, regional and ultimately national events.

Q: How many people will be chosen for the companies?

A: From the first round of auditions some people will be invited to attend a final CALL BACK audition with existing members of the companies. From this final audition people will then be invited to join the two youth companies. The number selected each year will be entirely dependent on the number of spaces that have become available within the companies.

Q: When will I find out if I’ve been selected to join HYDC?

A: Everyone who has attended an audition will be notified if they are to be invited to the call back. After the call back, final decisions will be made and auditionees notified if they have got into the company.

Q: When/Where will HYDC?

A: There are currently two companies that meet at the Mid Herts Centre for Music and Arts, Hatfield during term time only. In addition to the weekly rehearsal sessions there will be some extra sessions with visiting choreographers at weekends, evenings and during school holidays. You will receive advance notice of any extra dates.

Q: How much will it cost?

A: A fee of £50 per term will be charged to each company member. Payment is due on the first session of each term. (A limited scholarship fund is available to assist with fees if necessary).

Q: What performance opportunities will there be?

A: The youth dance companies take part in Youth Dance Showcases in Hertfordshire and the Eastern Region (Essex, Cambridge and Ipswich). In addition the companies will perform at Hertfordshire County Council Arts events.

Q: When will the performances be?

A: A full schedule of performances, which company members will be provided with, will take place all year but mainly during Spring/Summer 2005.

Q: How much commitment do I have to make?

A: Being part of a dance company is great fun and a great experience but does require a high level of commitment from all involved. If you will be taking major academic exams during the year, have a part-time job or are involved in lots of other activities or clubs, we ask you to carefully consider whether or not you can realistically take on this additional commitment.

Hopefully this will cover many of your questions.
If you need further information please contact Clare Mellish at: clare.mellish@hertscc.gov.uk.