2027 programme coming soon..
until then, check out what we did in last year’s festival!
SHINING A LIGHT ON DANCE IN BRISTOL
Throughout March, RISE presents Shine a Light – a dance festival celebrating and highlighting the brilliance and impact of dance in Bristol.
The festival brings together young people, professional artists, teachers and early career dancers through a rich programme of performances, open classes, workshops, talks and professional development opportunities. From regional platforms and youth performances to school engagement, continued professional development (CPD) and networking events, Shine a Light offers multiple ways to connect with dance; whether you are stepping into the studio for the first time or shaping the future of the sector.
At the heart of Shine a Light is RISE’s commitment to championing young people, nurturing talent and creating accessible pathways into dance. The festival creates space to share work, exchange ideas, build relationships and celebrate the artists, educators and communities who make Bristol’s dance scene thrive.
Join us this March as we shine a light on dance – its power, its people and its possibilities.
We RISE. We RAISE. We REACH.
What’s on?
More information and how to book below…
Making Moves is Sadler’s Wells’ national choreography and performance programme for schools and youth dance groups, celebrating young people’s creativity and original dance-making. The project supports groups to create new work inspired by professional choreographers and provides opportunities to share their pieces on regional and national stages.
RISE Youth Dance are thrilled to have been selected to take part in Making Moves this year, representing the South West region. The South West Platform will take place in Bristol on 1st March at 1532 Performing Arts Centre, where young dancers will come together to showcase their work and celebrate the power of youth-led choreography.
This is a closed event but we just love to shout about our achievements and all the amazing dance happening in Bristol!
Join us for a Dance Networking Meeting bringing together dance artists, practitioners, and dance students from across Bristol, taking place at The Mount Without. This is a welcoming space to connect, share, and celebrate all things dance – whether you’re making work, teaching, training, or just starting out.
The session will offer time to catch up with peers, meet new faces, and hear who’s doing what across the Bristol dance scene. Expect open conversations, idea sharing, and opportunities to build new connections and collaborations in a relaxed, supportive environment. Free veggie soup will be provided for lunch, alongside tea and coffee, giving plenty of time to chat and connect informally.
There will also be a dedicated focus on dance for children and young people, creating space to share practice, projects, challenges, and opportunities in this area. Whether CYP work is central to your practice or something you’re keen to explore, this is a chance to connect with others working in or curious about this field.
Hosted by RISE Youth Dance in association with Impermanence, this is an invitation to reconnect with the community, exchange ideas, and be part of a growing conversation about dance in Bristol.
Monday 2nd March – 12:000m – 14:00pm
The Mount Without, Upper Church Lane, St Michael’s Hill, Bristol, BS2 8FN
Free Entry however booking in advance is essential – Book here!
Horison for school years 7 – 11, Ages 11 – 16 years old.
RISE Open Doors is a wonderful opportunity for parents and families to see our groups in action during a regular class.
You’re invited to step inside the studio and be a fly on the wall, observing how dancers warm up, build confidence, learn new skills, and work creatively together.
This experience offers a real insight into what happens week by week, not just the final performance on stage. You’ll see the focus, teamwork, encouragement and hard work that goes into each class, as well as the care taken to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for every dancer.
Open Doors is a chance to better understand the dancers’ journey, celebrate their progress, and see how confidence, creativity, and friendships grow through dance. We hope it helps you feel even more connected to the process behind the performances you enjoy at our shows.
Tuesday 3rd March – 6:30pm – 7:00pm
Trinity Academy School, Bristol, BS7 9BY
Come and visit us, no need to book!
Early Risers, School Years 2 – 4
Juniors, School Years 5 – 6
RISE Open Doors is a wonderful opportunity for parents and families to see our groups in action during a regular class
You’re invited to step inside the studio and be a fly on the wall, observing how dancers warm up, build confidence, learn new skills, and work creatively together.
This experience offers a real insight into what happens week by week, not just the final performance on stage. You’ll see the focus, teamwork, encouragement and hard work that goes into each class, as well as the care taken to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for every dancer.
Open Doors is a chance to better understand the dancers’ journey, celebrate their progress, and see how confidence, creativity, and friendships grow through dance. We hope it helps you feel even more connected to the process behind the performances you enjoy at our shows.
Saturday 7th March – Early Risers 10:00am – 10:30am & RISE Juniors 10:45am – 11:15pm
North: The Hub, Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze, Bristol, BS7 9XA
South: acta Community Theatre, Gladstone St, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 3AY
Come and visit us, no need to book!
RISE Open Doors is your chance to step inside a real RISE class and see what we’re all about. This isn’t a performance; it’s a hands-on workshop where you can get involved, move, create, and experience a normal RISE session for yourself.
You’ll take part in a class, try out the style and approach, and get a feel for how we warm up, create choreography, and work together as a group. There’ll also be time to chat with current RISE dancers, ask questions, and hear honestly what it’s like to train, perform, and be part of the company.
Whether you’re thinking about auditioning, curious about the vibe, or just want to try something new, Open Doors is a relaxed, supportive way to give it a go, no pressure, no expectations, just dancing, connecting, and having fun.
Saturday 7th March – 10:00am – 12:00pm
Trinity Academy School, Bristol, BS7 9BY
£8 per workshop – Book Here!
Movement Mashup is a fun, welcoming dance fitness class for adults of all levels, ages and abilities. You don’t need any previous dance experience — just come as you are and get moving.
Expect great music, lots of movement and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. These sessions are about enjoying dance, moving your body and having fun, rather than getting steps “right”. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, try something new or simply enjoy moving to music, Movement Mashup is for you.
All levels welcome.
If childcare is a barrier to attending, please get in touch at
rise.riseyouthdance@gmail.com — we’re happy to talk through options and support where we can.
Tuesdays in March – 6:00pm – 7:00pm
St Mary St James Church, Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze, BS7 9AP
£6 Drop in
Start your day moving. This contemporary dance morning class led by Helen Wilson focuses on energy, flow, and connection, blending classic contemporary exercises with floorwork and guided improvisation.
Expect a playful but focused space where we move with intention, explore momentum, and challenge ourselves without taking it all too seriously. We’ll work hard, laugh often, and let curiosity lead us to find freedom, strength, and flow through the body.
Wednesday – 10am – 11:30am
Dance Space, The Island, Bridewell Street, BS1 2QD
£10 per Class / £8 Concession / £36 for 4 Classes – Book Here!
We are offering Schools Dance Workshops in creative dance and boys dance throughout this week with Alex Gosmore.
Alex is a professional dance artist and proud RISE Youth Dance alumni. Having started his own journey through youth dance, Alex now works professionally and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of boys to move, create, and believe in their potential.
For more information click here!
If you have any questions or would like to book, please email rise.riseyouthdance@gmail.com
Thinking about a future in dance but not sure what the next step looks like? Join this online webinar and discussion for young dancers who want to explore different ways into a career in dance.
At RISE Youth Dance, we know there isn’t just one “right” path for all. In this session, we’ll break down the different training options, from vocational schools and universities to youth companies, apprenticeships, and alternative routes, and talk honestly about what they’re really like. We’ll be giving real information to help you figure out what might work for you.
We’ll also share why RISE does things differently: we value creativity, individuality, and looking after the whole dancer, not just technique. There’ll be time to ask questions, hear from others, and join the conversation in a relaxed, supportive space.
Whether you’re seriously thinking about dance training or just starting to explore your options, this is a chance to feel informed, confident, and supported as you plan your next steps.
Wednesday 11th March 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Online Webinar
£5 – Book Here!
Alex’s class fuses movement driven by guttural feeling, groove, and raw expression with traditional elements of structure and form.
Rooted in flow, pleasure, and rhythm, the class invites you to take up space, move with intention, and explore the depth and texture of each movement while building a clear, embodied movement vocabulary.
Expect to sweat!
A RISE alumni, Alex came through the RISE programme before going on to train professionally and establish themselves as a dance artist. Now returning as a visiting guest artist in Bristol, Alex brings both lived experience and professional insight into the space, offering a class that is as empowering as it is physically demanding.
Thursday 12th March – 10am – 11:30am
Dance Space, The Island, Bridewell Street, BS1 2QD
£10 – Book Here!
This professional development session is designed for established dance teachers and practitioners who want to refresh their ideas, network, and connect with others working in similar roles, whether freelance or in education settings.
The workshop has two key focuses: Choreographing on young people and Creating with young people. Find out more here.
Alongside the practical content, there’s space to network, share experiences, and exchange ideas with peers, building connections and inspiration that you can take straight back into your practice. Whether you’re looking to refresh your approach or gain new tools for choreography with young people, this session is a supportive, hands-on opportunity to develop your teaching practice.
For more Info Click Here.
Thursday 12th March – 12:30pm – 4:30pm
Dance Space, The Island, Bridewell Street, BS1 2QD
£50 – Book Here!
U.Dance is a celebratory sharing platform that brings together young dancers from across Bristol and the surrounding area. As part of RISE present: Shine a Light, U.Dance offers young people the opportunity to perform, watch, and connect with other youth dance groups, celebrating the diversity, creativity, and energy of dance in the city.
This event creates a supportive and inspiring environment where young dancers can gain performance experience, build confidence, and feel part of a wider dance community. U.Dance is about visibility, encouragement, and championing young people’s voices through dance.
Saturday 14th March – 7:00pm
Bath Spa University
Are you a young creative interested in dance, film, or both?
Join us for an inspiring online discussion with Sam Amos from TrashDollys, sharing practical tips and real-world insights into making powerful dance films.
Sam will talk about:
- Getting started in dance filmmaking
- Turning ideas into finished films
- Working creatively with dancers
- Finding your style and confidence as a young filmmaker
- Building projects with limited resources
This is a relaxed, interactive session with time for questions, perfect for young people curious about dance film or already experimenting with movement on screen.
Tuesday 17th March – 5:00 – 6:00pm
Online Webinar
£5 – Book Here
REACH is RISE Youth Dance’s annual show and a highlight of the Shine a Light festival. Bringing together RISE dancers from across the company, the show celebrates the hard work, creativity, and commitment of young people training and creating throughout the year.
Alongside performances from RISE dancers, REACH also features guest performances from local schools and youth dance groups from across the South West, creating a vibrant programme that reflects the breadth and diversity of youth dance in the region. Featuring original choreography and contemporary dance work, the show offers audiences the chance to experience powerful, joyful, and expressive performances while celebrating connection, collaboration, and community through dance.
Saturday 28th March – 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Trinity Academy School, Bristol, BS7 9BY
Tickets £10 / Concession £8 / Child £6 – Book Here!
Inspired by the myths and legends woven through our local history, REACH: Lost Stories invites audiences on a journey of discovery, imagination, and movement. This annual Bristol showcase features talented young performers aged 6–14, proudly sharing their creativity with family, friends, and local dance practitioners.
The first half follows our dancers as they embark on an adventure to uncover the lost stories of our local area, bringing forgotten tales to life. The second half shifts to the big screen, as each group celebrates their individuality, imagination, and the joy of performance.
Sunday 29th March – 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Trinity Academy School, Bristol, BS7 9BY
Tickets £10 / Concession £8 / Child £6 – Book Here!
