Inspiring excellence
YOUth Dance
Being. Belonging. Becoming.
Every dancer’s route is unique, but we believe three things matter to every young person: being accepted for who they are, belonging to a community that supports them and becoming the very best version of themselves—both as dancers and as people.
Development Technique Creativity Challenge Direction
At Hot House Dance, we believe every dancer deserves to be seen, challenged and given a clear direction to grow. Through outstanding dance training, meaningful opportunities and a supportive community, we develop dancers with purpose. Purpose doesn’t mean everyone has the same destination—it means every dancer is encouraged to keep moving forwards, whatever their ambitions may be.
Whether taking their very first dance class or preparing for a future in the dance industry, every young person is encouraged to grow with confidence, commitment and ambition. Through expert teaching, high expectations and genuine care, we help young people develop not only as skilled dancers, but as confident, creative and compassionate individuals.
For those who dream of a future in dance, we provide the training, experiences and guidance to help them take the next step. For those who dance simply because they love it, we provide an inspiring environment where confidence, resilience and lifelong friendships can flourish.
Because while every dancer’s destination is different, every journey deserves purpose.
What makes HHD YOUth different?
At HHD, we believe young dancers need more than good choreography.
They need expert teaching, meaningful challenge, creativity and an environment where they can develop as dancers while growing as individuals.
Purposefully Challenging
Young dancers need to be challenged if they are going to progress.
Our classes encourage dancers to work hard, develop their skills and step outside their comfort zones, while knowing they have the support to do so.
Creatively Inspiring
Technical development and creativity belong together.
Alongside their technical training, dancers are given regular opportunities to explore improvisation, develop choreography, experiment with ideas and discover their own creative voice.
Expertly Taught
Our teachers bring extensive professional experience and specialist knowledge to their teaching.
Young dancers are given clear guidance, high expectations and the tools to continue developing their technique, artistry and understanding of dance.
Progression Focused
We believe development should have somewhere to go.
Our Youth programmes provide opportunities for dancers to deepen their training, develop their understanding and explore where dance could take them.
As dancers progress, they are also introduced to other styles and areas of dance through guest teachers and specialist opportunities, broadening their experience beyond their core training.
Performance & Opportunity
Dance is meant to be experienced, not simply practised in a studio.
HHD Youth dancers have opportunities to perform throughout the year — not only in HHD performances, but through youth dance platforms, external performances and invitations to perform.
These experiences help dancers develop confidence, stagecraft, resilience and the ability to perform in different environments and for different audiences.
Nurturing Growth
High expectations and genuine care belong together.
We create an environment where young people can be challenged to improve while knowing they are supported, valued and encouraged to become more confident in who they are.
Definitely Individual
There is no single version of what a young dancer should be.
We encourage dancers to develop their own strengths, interests and identity rather than simply trying to fit a mould.
What you can gain from HHD Youth
HHD Youth is about developing more than dance technique.
Through training, creativity, performance and meaningful opportunities, you can develop:
Dance Skills
Building technique, musicality, performance quality and movement understanding.
Confidence
Learning to trust yourself, take risks and perform with greater belief.
Creativity
Developing ideas, making choices and discovering your own artistic voice through improvisation and choreography.
Discipline
Understanding that meaningful progress comes through commitment, practice and perseverance.
Independence
Developing the ability to think, make decisions and take increasing ownership of your training.
Direction
Beginning to understand your interests, ambitions and the possibilities that dance can offer
Our approach
Young dancers are at an important stage of development.
They are not simply children who are getting older. They are developing their identity, their independence and their understanding of where they might want to go. Our teaching reflects that.
Our Youth training is rooted in contemporary dance, developing strong technical foundations alongside creativity, improvisation, choreography and performance.
As dancers progress, their experience broadens through other dance styles, guest teachers, specialist training and opportunities to work in different creative environments. This can include street dance, ballet and strength and conditioning for dancers.
Throughout the year, dancers are given opportunities to perform and share their work, both within HHD and through wider youth dance platforms and performance opportunities.
We believe young dancers should be taken seriously without losing the joy of dance. High standards and a supportive environment are not opposites.
At HHD, they belong together.
Who is HHD Youth for?
Whether you’re dancing because you love it, beginning to take your training more seriously, or already thinking about where dance could take you, there’s a place for you at HHD.
Some dancers are beginning to take their training more seriously and want to understand where dance could take them. Others already know that dance is something they want to pursue and are looking for focused training, challenge and opportunities to progress.
Some may be preparing for GCSE or A Level Dance, considering vocational training or beginning to think about dance as a future career.
Others simply want to become a stronger, more confident and more creative dancer.
You don’t have to know exactly where dance is going to take you.
You just need to be ready to learn, explore and develop.
HHD Youth Programmes
Our Youth programmes provide different opportunities for young people to develop through dance.
They are not simply different levels of the same thing. Each has a distinct purpose within the HHD Youth pathway, with training, creative development and performance opportunities increasing as dancers progress.
PROPAGATOR
Build strong foundations. Discover your strengths. Explore where dance can take you.
Propagator (noun)
/prop·a·ga·tor/ | /ˈprɒp.ə.ɡeɪ.tə/
1. (Horticulture) A structure or environment used for nurturing young plants or seedlings before they are ready to grow further.
2. (Hot House Dance) A stage of the HHD Youth programme where young dancers are supported to build strong foundations, develop confidence and prepare for the next stage of their development.
Propagator provides a bridge between recreational dance and more focused training.
Contemporary dance forms the core technique, with dancers developing strong foundations in movement, musicality, performance and technical understanding.
Dancers are also introduced to improvisation and creative exploration, encouraging curiosity and individuality alongside their technical development.
Alongside their dance development, young people are encouraged to become more confident, independent and curious about what dance might offer them.
Propagator complements the development of young dancers undertaking GCSE Dance and provides a foundation for those who may wish to progress into more focused training.
Build strong foundations.
Discover your strengths.
Explore where dance can take you.
Thursdays 6-7pm, in North Hertfordshire
if you would like to come and give it a try, drop us a quick message and one on the team will contact you back.
MOMENTUM DANCE COMPANY
Train with purpose. Build momentum. Discover how far you can go.
Momentum (noun)
/mo·men·tum/ | /məˈmɛntəm/
1. The force or energy gained by movement or by a series of events.
2. (Hot House Dance) The development of a dancer through continued training, commitment, experience and forward movement.
Momentum Dance Company is for committed young dancers who are ready to take their training further.
Contemporary dance remains the foundation, with focused development of technical ability, artistry, musicality, performance quality and movement understanding.
The programme also gives dancers opportunities to broaden their experience through other styles, guest teachers and complementary training, including street dance, ballet and strength and conditioning for dancers.
A strong emphasis is placed on improvisation, choreography and creative development, helping dancers become more independent and thoughtful artists.
The training reflects the expectations of A Level Dance, vocational training and the wider professional dance environment.
Dancers are encouraged to develop the technical ability, artistry, resilience, discipline and professionalism required to progress.
Throughout the year, dancers have opportunities to perform both within HHD and beyond, including youth dance platforms, external performances and invitations to perform.
Momentum also provides a supportive environment for dancers considering auditions, vocational schools, further dance training or a future career in the profession.It is for dancers who want to work hard, be challenged and discover how far they can go.
Train with purpose.
Build momentum.
Discover how far you can go
Thursdays 7-9pm, in North Hertfordshire
if you would like to come and give it a try, drop us a quick message and one on the team will contact you back.
FULL CIRCLE
Develop. Lead. Invest back.
Full Circle (phrase)
/full cir·cle/
1. To return to where something began, having gained experience, knowledge and understanding along the way.
2. (Hot House Dance) Experienced dancers continuing to develop while supporting, mentoring and helping shape the next generation.
Full Circle is a youth leadership programme for experienced HHD members.
Participants continue their own dance development while beginning to step into greater responsibility within the HHD community.
Their training continues to include contemporary dance, while their experience broadens through other styles, guest teachers, improvisation, choreography, creative collaboration and performance opportunities.
They may mentor younger dancers, support rehearsals and events, contribute creative ideas, assist with projects or begin developing their own leadership and teaching skills.
Full Circle dancers also have opportunities to perform, both through HHD and through youth dance platforms, external performances and invited performance opportunities.
Through these experiences, young people develop communication, confidence, responsibility, creativity and a deeper understanding of what it means to contribute to a dance community.
The circle continues when those who have grown begin helping others grow.
Thursdays 7-9pm, in North Hertfordshire
if you would like to come and give it a try, drop us a quick message and one on the team will contact you back.
Classes take place in North Hertfordshire
Get in touch about specific locations. Regular training happens on Thursdays
PROPAGATOR Thursdays 6-7pm
MDC & Full Circle Thursdays 7-9pm
Not just weekly classes…. There is more
HHD Xtra
HHD Xtra extends the HHD experience beyond regular weekly training, providing additional opportunities for young dancers to experience different styles, teachers, artists and creative environments.
From monthly Youth Open House to workshops, intensives, holiday programmes, performances and special events, HHD Xtra gives young people opportunities to explore beyond their usual training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which class is right for me?
Each HHD Youth programme has a different focus. Read the programme information above to understand what each offers and where it could fit within your development.
What if I want to take dance seriously?
HHD Youth includes focused training and progression opportunities for dancers who want to develop their skills further, including those considering vocational training or a future in the dance industry.
Can I join if I don’t want a career in dance?
Absolutely. Taking dance seriously doesn’t mean you have to pursue it professionally. You can train hard, develop your skills and enjoy the challenge simply because you love to dance.
What if I’m new to dance?
That’s absolutely fine. Our Youth programmes include different starting points and levels of experience. The programme descriptions will help you identify the most appropriate option
What if I already have dance experience?
HHD Youth includes opportunities for dancers who want to deepen their training and progress further. The individual programmes clearly explain their focus and expectations.
Can I try different styles?
Yes. As part of the wider HHD experience, dancers have opportunities to experience different styles and approaches through guest teachers, HHD Xtra and specialist opportunities.
Where are classes held?
HHD Youth includes opportunities for dancers who want to deepen their training and progress further. The individual programmes clearly explain their focus and expectations.
What opportunities are there beyond weekly classes?
HHD Xtra offers additional classes, workshops, courses, intensives, holiday programmes, performances and special events throughout the year.
Say Hello Below
Whether you’re just beginning to take dance more seriously or already know you want to pursue it further, there’s a place to develop at HHD YOUth