National Youth Dance Company names guest artistic directors

SADÉ and KRISTINA ALLEYNE have been appointed as the next guest artistic directors of the National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) for 2025/26.

The identical twin sisters are the founders and co-artistic directors of Alleyne Dance, which blends Caribbean, hip hop and kathak, within a contemporary dance context.

Run by Sadler’s Wells, the National Youth Dance Company allows young dancers to work intensively with renowned dance artists, appointing new guest artistic directors each year.

HANNAH KIRKPATRICK, head of the National Youth Dance Company, said: “We are so excited that Kristina and Sadé will be starting this new chapter with NYDC. They have been connected to the company since the early days having worked as rehearsal directors when the company was led by AKRAM KHAN.

“It’s set to be a fantastic year, they have a huge amount to share with our young people.”

Kristina and Sadé Alleyne added: “Alleyne Dance has always been about pushing physical, emotional and creative boundaries, and we look forward to bringing that same energy and vision to this exciting journey.

“We believe in dance that speaks, challenges, and inspires, and we can’t wait to discover the voices that will help us tell powerful new stories.”