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!
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that Light Up Fest is returning to MAC – Midlands Arts Centre this February 2026! After the incredible success of last year’s premiere, which saw over 5,000...
Invitation to join Autin Dance Theatre’s Board Autin Dance Theatre is at an exciting point in the company’s history and its development as a leading arts organisation and a charity. We are looking to...
We are excited to announce that The Giant Wheel will return for the 2026 season, starting with a special appearance at The Beat Goes On celebration at Battersea Power Station on 21 March. This...
We are delighted to share that our 2026 Outdoor Arts Programme – Touring Performance Works in and with Local Communities has been awarded support from National Lottery Project Grants. We are...
We are very excited to announce that WOW! Fest – Walsall Outdoor Wonders Festival will return this July. Save the date for Friday 3 and Saturday 4 July 2026as Walsall Arboretum once again transforms...
What an unforgettable evening. On Saturday 21st of February, we gathered at MAC to carry light through Cannon Hill Park together, sharing a moment of reflection, creativity and community. This year’s...
Imagineer Productions welcomes Autin Dance Theatre back to Coventry for a one-day professional training in multi-operator giant puppetry. This PRO workshop is tailored for professional performers...
It’s the final countdown to Light Up Fest with only 9 days to go. The event is free but spaces are limited, so make sure you secure your tickets. Light Up Fest returns to Cannon Hill Park on Saturday...
Our Artistic Director Johnny Autin, alongside Hannah Woodliffe, with the support of LADA, invites you to apply for Making Weather — a process-led, peer learning lab for 12 artists working with...
We’re thrilled to welcome two incredible new performers to Parade – The Giant Wheel. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Matthew Rawcliffe and Ellie McDonald Matthew is an award-winning dance...