Autin Dance Theatre alongside partners Black Country Dance Hub, Walsall Council & Makers Fest are looking for local youth groups to perform at WOW! Fest taking place on Friday 18 July & Saturday 19 July 2025 in Walsall Arboretum.
We are inviting 10 youth dance groups from across Walsall and the Black Country to showcase their work as part of WOW! Fest on the Saturday programme, alongside professional performances from local dance companies and artists.
Festival Overview: WOW! Fest celebrates the power of movement, connection, and creativity in public spaces. Over two vibrant days, the festival will showcase:
- New works from regional dance companies including Ascension Dance, Linden Dance, Feet off the Ground, Mercurial Dance and Autin Dance Theatre
- A special performance of Autin’s new aerial show Up in the Sky
- Free Parkour workshops and mass dance activities for audiences on both days
Themes for Community Groups:
- Moments of Wonder – Exploring big and small moments that spark awe and imagination through movement and storytelling.
- Move Like the Earth – Inspired by the rhythms and cycles of nature: tides, stillness, storms, and human emotion.
Additional Information: There is no minimum or maximum number of students per group. All pieces will be performed outdoors on an uncovered stage with minimal technical support. Groups are asked to confirm their participation and ensure children are accompanied by appropriate staff or chaperones on the day. Autin Dance Theatre will provide risk assessments and safeguarding policies in advance. Participating groups will also be asked to complete a media permissions form for documentation and evaluation purposes.
Please let us know if your group is interested in taking part by 6th June by emailing kirsten@autindt.co.uk the attached information form. If you have any questions then please get in touch with kirsten@autindt.co.uk.
We hope you’ll join us for this exciting new celebration of dance, creativity, and community!
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