Dance Stars

“Our aim is to support, nurture & inspire the next generation of dancers. The CYD? Dance Star Company is another way for us to give back to all the young dancers out there!”
CYD? began it’s Dance Star Company in 2017 and each year hosts annual auditions that put the dancers through a vigorous audition process providing them with the opportunity to become part of the company.

The CYD? Dance Star company is proud to be sponsored by CAPEZIO.
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The CYD? Dance Star company is composed of the finest young dancers in the UK, aged between 8-18 years! Carefully selected to represent Can You Dance? these dancers enjoy unparalleled opportunities, including complimentary training sessions, CYD? merch & uniforms, free entry to all of our events and scholarships towards training programmes as well as access to scholarship auditions at leading performing arts colleges!

Many of our previous dance stars have gone on to achieve amazing things and a couple of dancers, Serena & Ellie have come full circle by returning to teach at the CYD? conventions where it all began!

Meet Our Dance Stars

Ellie

My name is Ellie, I’m 15 years old and I train at Miss Sutcliffe academy of dance and McLaren dance company.

I have been dancing since I was 2 gaining many achievements along the way. Some of my best including; winning CYD? Dancer of the year, attending the Royal Ballet School, being offered a full 3 year scholarship at Laine Theatre Arts and being nominated for the classical award at the prestigious red carpet event the ‘le classique awards’. I have taken all my graded exams in RAD ballet and ISTD modern, tap and jazz gaining the highest distinctions in all where I also received 100% twice. I have also competed in various competitions with my biggest wins being TDCI champion of champions in both junior ballet and modern, Acro world champion at the Dance World Cup, 2nd place world ballet champion and a British gymnastics champion.

I love taking classes with new teachers and learning from the best. Im always left feeling so inspired after CYD? days and I’m so honoured and excited to be a dance star this year.

Daisy

Daisy-Leigh trains at the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School in London. She has had many wonderful opportunities this year including being part of the Wicked Movie out this year.

Daisy is thrilled and honoured to be part of the CYD Dance Star Company for the third year and is so grateful to Matt, Tom and all the team at CYD for their continued support. ❤️

Abby

Abby first started dancing at 6 years old in Ballet and Tap, then later on added other styles such as Jazz, Lyrical, Acrobatics and Commercial. She is forever changing her mind as to what style is her favourite, but right now she really loves Ballet and Jazz Tech. Another thing she loves, is singing and acting.

As well as training at her dance studio, Moghimian Arts, Abby also attends the prestigious Royal Ballet Associates.

Abby has recently finished filming a new movie that is set to be released in the near future and is currently in the process of recording for a popular animation series on Sky Kids that she is loving being a part of.

Abby is currently an ambassador for the amazing Cirkis (@cirkisdancewear), who make all of her incredible costumes for competitions, as well as being an ambassador for her favourite dance wear brand Squad (@squaddancewear). Abby is also lucky enough to work alongside Holly (@hollyfrancescaphotography) as HFP girl.

Abby is absolutely delighted to be part of the CYD Dance Star Company and cannot wait to meet everyone and to make lots of amazing memories with the team!

Will

Hi, my name is Will, I’m 16 years old and from Dartford in Kent. I’m proud to be training full time at The Miskin Theatre, as well as part time at Gillham’s School Of Performing Arts.

I feel very privileged and am excited to be part of the CYD? Dance Star company for 2024. I can’t wait to get started alongside so many talented dancers in a company that I’m honoured to be a part of.

Thank you to Tom, Matt and the whole CYD? Team for this opportunity!

Vienna

Hi, my name is Vienna, I’m 18 and currently train at Directions Theatre Arts in Chesterfield. I further trained with the Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School associate programmes, and was in the finals of Miss Dance of Great Britain in 2023. I’m super happy and so grateful to have been chosen as a CYD? Dance Star for the second year! I’ve been going to the CYD? conventions since 2014, and I’ve always felt so inspired by the dance stars and all of the dancers and amazing choreographers who attend, so it’s an amazing feeling to know I could inspire other dancers too! Thank you so much to Tom, Matt and the CYD? Team for this incredible opportunity, and I can’t wait to dance with everyone soon! xx

Scarlett

Hi! My name is Scarlett, I am 18 years old and I train at Shine Theatre Arts. I am so excited to be part of the CYD? Dance star company alongside so many other incredible dancers. 

My biggest achievement is winning Miss Dance of Great Britain 2022. I have also been fortunate to represent team England at the Dance World Cup for the past three years where I have received medals and world championship titles.

I am so grateful to Tom, Matt and the CYD? Team for this amazing opportunity and am excited for the year ahead! 

Ruby

Ruby is 17 years old and trains at Mclaren Dance Company in Rossendale. She has also had additional training from the Royal Ballet and Northern Ballet in previous years. One of her biggest achievements was winning Miss Dance of Great Britain in 2023.

She is very happy to have been chosen as a CYD? Dance Star for the second year running and can’t wait to see what opportunities it brings.

Rose

Hi everyone, I'm Rose and I'm 17.  I train at Stalder Academy of Dance and have been there since I was 3, plus I am a member of Manchester Musical Youth. I love all styles of dance but my absolute favourites are MT jazz and lyrical!

I'm so excited to be part of the CYD? Dance Star Company and I'm beyond grateful to Matt, Tom and the team for giving me this amazing opportunity.  

Nell

Hi my name is Nell, I am 12 years old and I train at Lisa Marie Performing Arts in York.  I also train at Ellite studios and scholars in their associate program. 

I am an assistant to Josie Lee and Jazz with Gabby.

I am currently Junior English ballet champion and the TDCI Champion of Champions in Ballet.

Thank-you to Tom, Matt and all the CYD team for selecting me to be a CYD Star for the second year, I had an amazing time last year and grew so much as a performer and dancer and can’t wait to see what this year brings!

Millie

Hi I am Millie and I currently train with VA Performing Arts. I have a passion for technique and spent 5yrs at the Northern Ballet before returning to VA to develop my versatility. I have had countless opportunities to perform at many association dinner dances and events and compete all over the world. I was also recently selected to become a Squad Dancewear ambassador, where I have had the opportunity to model alongside many other amazing dancers. I am thrilled to be given this opportunity and can’t wait to meet the rest of the 2024 CYD stars!!! 

Mikey

Mikey is 14 years old and trains at the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School.  

He has spent the last couple of years working for Netflix ( Matilda movie musical), Warner bros (Wonka) and Disney (Snow White).

He is thrilled to be part of the CYD dance star company for the second year in a row and would like to thank Matt, Tom and the entire team for their ongoing support. 

Megan

Hi! my names is Meg I’m 15 years old and I train at jelli studios. I am a Jessica jones assistant where I travel to different events and conventions in the uk and even abroad. I have always been so inspired by the dance star company so I am so ecstatic for this opportunity.

Thank you Tom,Matt and CYD? team for believing in me.

Meg

Meg is 14 year old and she has been dancing since she was 4.   She trains in ballet, tap, modern, contemporary and commercial at The Emma Coombs Dance Academy. She supplements her dance school training at Phoenix Dance Theatre (contemporary) and Renaissance Scholars (modern and ballet). 

She is absolutely thrilled to be selected as a CYD Dance Star for a third year.   Meg has attended CYD events since she was 8 - and it really is a huge honour to now get to represent them.  Thank you so much Matt, Tom and all the CYD team 

Madison

My name is Maddie and I am 9 years old. I have been dancing from the moment I could walk, joining in classes at Starlight Dance Academy wherever I could. I absolutely love to perform and have been very lucky to dance on some incredible stages around the world.

I take regular weekly classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Acro studying the BTDA syllabus and have completed exams in all of these subjects, achieving my highest pass mark of 100% recently for my Grade 2 Modern exam.

This year I became a Junior Associate with Birmingham Royal Ballet and gained a place on the Young Dancers Programme with Elmhurst Ballet School.

I attended my first CYD convention last year and my school became regional champions. I compete in competitions and festivals all over the country and have won many medals and awards including festival championships, bursaries and adjudicators awards. In 2022 I made it through to the National Finals of the All England Dance Festival winning Gold for all 5 of my solos. I was also awarded the ‘Pre-Junior Award’ for the entire competition. I’ve competed in 14 TDCI championships winning 10 titles, including British Ballet Champion 2023. I have been successful in qualifying for the Dance world cup for 3 consecutive years, in 2022 I became Mini Ballet Soloist World Champion and runner up champion for my Acro solo, In 2023 I became Mini Acro soloist world Champion and took home the bronze medal for my Ballet solo. I have again qualified to compete in Prague 2024 and I can’t wait to represent my country once again!

I am a member and management client of Stagebox and have had some wonderful opportunities including filming for the iphone 13 SKY mobile advert, played the role of young Mary in Nativity! The Musical, cast as the main role of Lily Cunningham in Debbie Isitt’s film, ‘Christmas on Mistletoe Farm’ and most recently filming in the ‘Wicked Movie’ which is to be released in November.

I am excited to become a CYD dance star and can’t wait to meet everyone.

Louisa

My name is Louisa and I am 18 years old. I am head girl at Kahli Lewis Dance Company and I have also received training from the Centre of Advanced Training. I am a British and World champion, and incredibly honoured to have been selected to represent my country for the past 6 years.

I am eagerly looking forward to heading to New York in the summer to attend the Joffrey Jazz and Contemporary summer intensive, having gained an 100% scholarship last summer. I cannot believe I have been offered a place on the Joffrey jazz and contemporary trainee programme. I am so excited to meet and dance with so many talented dancers from across the country. Thank you so much to the CYD? Team for giving me this opportunity, I am so excited to be a part of CYD? Company as a dance star in 2024!!

Liv

Hi, my name is Liv I am 15 years old and I have been training at Mclaren Dance Company since I was 11.

I have won junior and senior TDCI modern championships and have just been offered a scholarship to train full time at the Joffrey Ballet School in NYC, which I gained through the CYD? x Joffrey summer intensive.   I am so grateful for being given the opportunity to represent CYD? as a Dance Star this year!  Huge thank you to Tom, Matt and CYD? team for this experience 💝 Very excited for what's to come!!

Lily

Hi, my name is Lily and I am 15 years old, I started dance at 8 years old and I have never looked back. I train at the award winning Nadines dance company, I am an assistant for Keeleigh Schlippe Steffenson, I am a dancewear central influencer and an ambassador for Alex peace photography as well as move your mind global.

I have worked alongside a number of celebrities on different projects such as Cheryl, Oti Mabuse, Kimberly Wyatt, Alesha Dixon, Todrick hall and many more. I am a proud member of the Lilstar team that brings together a number of dancers throughout the country choreographed always by Keeleigh schlippe steffenson.CYD? Has been such a big part of my dance life, I have been at dance star since 2019 the opportunities I have experienced are sensational. I can't wait to continue my journey and see what this year brings.xx

Lili Mae

My name is Lili Mae and I am sixteen years old. I started dancing at the age of  three at  Nazene Danielle dance dynamix performing arts school in Liverpool were i still attend.

I have been fortunate  enough to travel all over the world to various dance events such as the dance awards in Las Vegas.

Dance has always been a big part of my life and i have made many friends along the way from all over the country.

I am privileged to be offered a  position of CYD star for the second year running as I had an amazing year last year , i made new friends , got to dance with various choreographers and performed at the CYD super convention.

I am looking forward to the year ahead!!!!! 

Libby

Hi, My name is Libby, I'm 17 and currently train at the Elaine Milbourne Performing Arts School in Newcastle.

I'm thrilled and so grateful to have been chosen as a CYD? Dance Star for the second year!

I had the best time last year taking part in the training days, masterclasses at the regional and SuperConvention and also performing at the SuperConvention with the rest of the Dance Stars. I can't wait to attend more of the amazing events this year!

Thank you so much to Matt, Tom and the CYD? Team

Lauren

Lauren is from Rhyl, North wales. Lauren started dancing at the age of two and has loved every class. Lauren takes classes in ballet, tap, modern, commercial, lyrical, jazz, freestyle and acro she trains daily at Body Rock Dance Academy in Rhyl. Lauren has taken Ballet and tap ISTD exams and passed with distinctions.

Lauren has competed across the country in freestyle competitions from the age of four years old and has achieved some amazing dance titles.

At 9 years old Lauren was included in the final ten dancers for  “THE NEXT STEP” competition to perform on the TV Show “Taking the next step”. Lauren has performed on stage at Disneyland Paris and has also danced in a music video in London to promote mental health awareness. Lauren was also a featured dancer in Liverpool fashion week with AYAW.

Lauren has successfully secured a full sponsorship for her freestyle costumes by House of Wonder.

Lauren has attended many workshops with choreographers including Dane Bates, Craig Wharmby, Jordan Ward and Ben Davies and is regularly asked to perform the routines for other students.

In 2023, Lauren was selected to be a can you dance star, which she had the opportunities to dance with amazing dance choreographers. Lauren had the opportunity to perform on the stage at the super conventional.

Lauren has dedicated herself to dancing and shows this by attending Body Rock Dance school every day after school Monday to friday and fitting in workshops all around the UK at weekends. She loves to help and support the younger children that attend the dance school and her positive attitude reflects the success she has achieved.

Kristen-Leigh

Kristen-Leigh is 14 years old and attends Ignite Dance Company. Kristen-Leigh has danced since the age of 2 in all styles from ballet to hip hop. She was previously an associate at The Royal Ballet School, Covent Garden, London and as achieved titles such as All England Dance Champion and World champion at the Dance World cup 2023, where she was also selected as the England Captain.

Kristen has won the coveted Janet Cram Awards as the senior winner and also won a bursary award after being nominated by the ISTD.

Kristen’s professional credits include BAFTA award winning film ‘Everybody’s Talking about Jamie’

Netflix cinematic box office hit ‘Matilda- The Movie musical’ and Sky FX’s TV show ‘Breeders’.

In 2023, she was cast as Young Gina in Eastenders. 

Most recently Kristen-Leigh  was selected as a judge for BBC’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest after successfully representing Team UK’s entry with Freya Skye, for The Junior Eurovision in Armenia in 2022. 

Kristen’s favourite styles are hip hop, Jazz and contemporary.

She’s delighted to be chosen as a CYD star where she has the opportunity to train in a variety of styles and be given access to such incredible opportunities. 

Kit

Hello, my name is Kit. I am 16 years old and I'm from Henley-on-Thames. I started dancing when I was 8 years old and I am training full time on the Dance Course at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. I played Tommy in the UK and Ireland tour of Matilda the Musical. I was a semi-finalist at the IDO Show Dance World Championships in Germany in 2019 and was a member of the NYMT company that same year.

When I graduate I would like to make performing my career working professionally in dance, musical theatre and choreography. This will be my 4th year in the CYD? Dance Star company and it has been the most incredible experience working along with some of the industry's best! I am so grateful to Matt and Tom and the whole CYD? Team and can't wait to dance with everyone !

Kimara-Mai

Kimara-Mai is 10 years old and trains at Ignite Dance Company. Kimara-Mai trains in all styles from ballet and tap to Hip hop and Jazz. Kimara-Mai is All England Dance Tap champion also a World medalist. 

She has frequented in various Kidz bop music videos as well as cast as a Nick Jnr member in Nickelodeon TV Series ‘Dance Along’

Kimara, has already started working professionally including being cast in BAFTA award winning film ‘Everybody’s talking about Jamie’.

Kimara-Mai also has a successful acting career and her professional credit includes role of ‘Olive’ In Sky’s thriller ‘The Midwich Cuckoos’ and the role of Young Sophya in New Period drama ‘Tom Jones- The foundling’ airing on ITV in the UK and PBS in the US. 

In 2023 she was cast as Young Anna in Eastenders. 

Kimara was awarded The Young Entertainers Academy Award for Rising star of the Year.

Kimara is super excited to be one of the younger members of the CYD star team and can’t wait for the training opportunities and to be inspired by the rest of her CYD team mates.

Joseph

My name is Joseph & I’m 12 years old and I currently study full time at Elmhurst Ballet School.  I was recently lucky enough to be chosen to perform a pas de deux with one of my class mates for Queen Camilla.   I’ve also been part of two dance acts that have performed on live tv as part of the Greatest Dancer TV series and Britain’s Got Talent, reaching the live finals on both occasions.  I’ve represented by country in Dance World Cup and achieved gold for my contemporary solo & was awarded most outstanding mini boys soloist.  This is my fourth years as a CYD? Dance Star, and feel extremely honoured to be part of this amazing team for another year.

Jessica

Hello I’m Jessica I am 13 years old, I live in West Wittering and train at Samantha Jane Dance Company. I am a Dancer, Singer, Actress and Model. I have won championship titles as a soloist regionally and nationally and I have also represented England in the Dance World Cup as a soloist two years in a row and with my dance team. I’ve also been lucky enough to be involved in some really exciting projects recently including working on a dance based TV show for Nickelodeon! And I’m currently working on some more TV projects coming up for 2024!

I am so excited to be a CYD STAR again this year, I love attending regional and super conventions so much! Everyone is so incredibly supportive and kind! All the choreographers and opportunities are incredible for dancers! Im so grateful for this opportunity to represent The CYD Dance Company and I’m so Thankful to Tom, Matt and the CYD team for believing in me. X

Jasmine

My name is Jasmine and I am 14 years old. I train at Bailey-Cox Dance Academy in Sheffield.

I am a Senior Associate at The Academy of Northern Ballet, and a North-Mid Associate at Tap Attack.

I am thrilled to be selected as a CYD? Dance Star for 2024 and cannot wait to perform with all the other dancers. Thank you to all the CYD? Team for this fantastic opportunity! 

Ilayda

Ilayda, a prodigious talent in the dance community, began her journey at the tender age of 4, stepping into the world of ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, and character dance. With a passion that ignited at an early age, she quickly found home on the dance floor.

At the age of 11, Ilayda's dedication and talent caught the attention of the National School of Dance Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria, where she was welcomed with open arms in the autumn of 2024. Since then, she has emerged as Bulgaria's finest dancer and a beacon of promise in the global dance community.

Ilayda's commitment to her craft is unparalleled. She is a force to be reckoned with, participating in approximately 10 competitions annually. In the year 2023 alone, she clinched an impressive 56 first-place titles and secured four world champion titles. Her remarkable achievements extend beyond accolades, as she has been awarded over 30 scholarships for prestigious ballet schools and intensive programs worldwide.

What truly sets Ilayda apart is her unwavering dedication and work ethic. She is the epitome of resilience and determination, never backing down from a challenge and always pushing herself to new heights. Dancing is not just a passion for Ilayda; it is a way of life. She graces the studio six days a week, dedicating over six hours each day to perfecting her craft.

Her dedication knows no bounds, and she serves as an inspiration to aspiring dancers worldwide, proving that with smart work, passion, and determination, dreams can indeed take flight.

Heidi

Hello, my name is Heidi  and I am 12 years old. I’ve been dancing at Sarah Royle School of Dance in Warrington since I was two, and there is nothing I love more! I train every day and my favourite styles are jazz and commercial. I’m also a member of The Associates. I am sooo excited to be a CYD? Dance Star for 2024 and I can’t wait to meet everyone & get started! Thank you so much to Tom, Matt and all of the CYD? team for believing in me - it’s a dream come true! 

Harry

Harry has been dancing for 8 years and this is his 3rd year of being a CYD? Dance Star. He has loved training with exceptional teachers every time of being apart of the company and cannot wait to see what being apart of this year’s CYD? Dance Star Company brings!

Hannah

Hannah is 17 years old and lives in Birmingham. She trains at The Dance Factory Tamworth and BOA Academy. Since beginning dance at the age of 5, her proudest achievement has been competing as a soloist at Dance World Cup. She is incredibly grateful to have been chosen to represent CYD? and can’t wait for what being a member of the Dance Star company will bring. Thank you to Tom & Matt for the opportunity! 

Grace

My name is Grace, I’m 12 years old and I live just outside Glasgow. I train 7 days a week with Johnstone Academy of Dance, in all styles but my favourites are Jazz and Tap. I am so excited to be a CYD Dance Star and cannot wait to dance with the rest of the company. I love workshops, learning new choreography and working on my technique. When I’m older, I want to dance professionally and be a choreographer.

Freya

My name is Freya and I am 17 years old. I train at Michelle Seekings School of Dance and have done since the age of 3. I love performing and my favourite styles are jazz and contemporary however I also train in many other styles too. I am so excited to be part of the CYD dance star company for the fourth year, so grateful for all the opportunities I haven’t been given and I’m looking forward to seeing what this year brings 🤍

Finn

Hi I'm Finn, I am 16 years old and train at Edinburgh Dance Academy.

I've been lucky enough to compete at the Dance World Cup last year and was able to achieve the title of becoming a world champion soloist and come home with nine medals overall!

I couldn't be more grateful to have the opportunity to be one of the CYD? Dance Star Company for the third year now!! Love being a part of the incredible team and can't wait for the upcoming events this year!

Felicity

Felicity is 10 years old and trains in all genres of dance at MB Academy of Dance in Doncaster. 

She lives for performing and enjoys competing at a national and international level. Her proudest achievement was winning 4 World titles at last year's Dance World Cup; including solo world titles in both jazz and song and dance. She is also a keen ballerina and trains weekly with the Royal Ballet School. Fliss has won 18 regional TDCI championships and has recently become an assistant for Jazz with Gabby. She also enjoys singing and is currently studying for her Grade 7 musical theatre exam.

Thank you so much to Matt Flint, Tom Shilcock and team for this incredible opportunity! Felicity is so honoured to join the CYD Dance Star Team and cannot wait to see what 2024 brings!

Evie

Hi, my name is Evie and I am 15 years old and I train at North Wales School of Dancing and have danced there since the age of 3. 

I’m so grateful and humbled to have received this massive opportunity for the 3rd year, I can’t quite believe I am a CYD? Dance Star for 2024! I just love the CYD? events and it’s a dream to represent you. So excited for what’s to come! 

Eva

Hi I’m Eva I’m 11 years old and I train at Ignite Dance Company. I train in all styles from ballet, tap to jazz to commercial and hip hop. 

I have also trained alongside choreographer Keeleigh Schlippé Steffensen Since 2021 assisting in workshops and events up and down the country.

I am an Ambassador for ‘Squad Dancewear’ ‘Mission Inspire’ and have currently joined the Holly Francesca Photography Team.

This year I have been given the opportunity to be Team England Mascot at the Dance World Cup where I will also represent England with two solos and 4 duets.

It’s a huge honour to again be a CYD STAR for 2024, I love attending regional and Super Conventions they are my favourite days of the year. It’s so inspiring having so many amazing choreographers and dancers together.

Huge thank you to Tom, Matt and the CYD team for believing in me, I am so excited for the year ahead x

Ella

Hi my name is Ella and I’m 17 years old. 

I train full time at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and I attend MORE Training Academy and The Philip Birchall Method Mentor Programme, at weekends,  I’ve been dancing since the age of 3 and my favourite styles are Jazz, MT and Commercial. 

I’m so excited to be a 2024 CYD? Dance Star!  Thank you, Matt, Tom and the CYD? Team, I’m so grateful for all the opportunities CYD? provide 🩷.

Elisabeth

Hi, my name is Elisabeth and I’m 13 years old. I train at Istar Academy and attend Elite Acro Dance Associates. I have won championship titles as a soloist and have also represented Team England in the Dance World Cup. This will be my first year as a dance star and i am so grateful and super excited to represent CYD this year!! thank you so much Tom, Matt and the CYD team for believing in me and giving me this amazing opportunity!! xx

Eilidh

Hi my name is Eilidh, I am 17 years old from Glasgow.  I am so grateful to be a part of the CYD? Dance Star Company again this year. CYD has helped me excel as a dancer over the years and I have enjoyed every minute of it. CYD has also provided me with so many amazing opportunities, making lots of new friendships along the way. 

Darcey

Hi, I’m Darcey and I’m 15 years old, I currently train at The Dance Factory, I’m part of the Taaffe training associates course, an ambassador for Mission Inspire and an exclusive Kandi Kouture girl.

I’m currently an assistant for Josie Lee and EJB choreography and love travelling the country assisting at workshops and conventions. 2023 and 2024 I have been thrilled to be part of Josie Lee’s main stage production at Move it.

CYD has given me so many wonderful opportunities all ready and I can’t wait to travel to NYC to be part of the Joffrey summer intensives this year.

Last year I had the great honour of winning CYD Senior Dancer of the year 2023, and I’m thrilled to be chosen to be part of the CYD star company 2024, to work with such talented dancers and choreographers.

Dan

Hi, I’m Dan, I’m 17 years old and from Worksop. I currently dance and teach at Rebeccas Dance Studios. I am so excited to be a CYD? Dance Star for 2024 and feel honoured to have been chosen for the second year, alongside all of the other phenomenal dance stars which I can’t wait to dance with and represent CYD? with.

Carmen

Hi! My name is Carmen and I train at the Mckechnie School of Dance and Performing Arts in Scotland.

I have been dancing since the age of 2 in all genres. My favourite styles are MT Jazz and tap. One of my highlights in my dancing journey was representing team Scotland at the Dance World Cup and becoming world champion. Another highlight was getting to tour Germany Dancing with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers in November.  I was also very grateful to have been accepted into the Verdon Fosse training program in New York last summer.

I am so excited to be a CYD dance star this year! Thank you to Tom shilcock, Matt flint and all the CYD? Team for always supporting and encouraging and giving me the opportunity. Being a CYD? star is an honour and I am very grateful.

Billy

Hello, my name is Billy and I am a 17 year old dancer from the West Midlands.

I have won awards at the international level and have been fortunate enough to have experience in front of a camera. I currently train independently and would love to pursue my dreams of being a dancer and a choreographer.  

Belle

Hi, my name is Belle, I’m 12 and from Doncaster. I train at Allegro Theatre Dance Academy. I have been attending CYD? events for a while now and have always been so inspired by the dance stars and all of the dancers who attend. I’m so excited to learn new things and work with incredibly talented dancers across the uk. I am extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity, it’s an absolute honour to have become part of the CYD? Dance Star Company 2024!! I’m looking forward for what’s to come.

Thank you Tom, Matt and the CYD? Team for believing in me xx

Ava J.

Hi my name is Ava and I’ve been dancing at Mckechnie school of dance since I was 2. I’m so excited to be part of this amazing company for another year. I’ve learnt and gained so much knowledge from many professionals through CYD and have had the most amazing time taking classes at the regionals, training days and super conventions. Everyone is so lovely and I can’t wait to continue to grow as a performer and to hopefully inspire others too. 

Ashleigh

My name is Ashleigh, I’m 15 years old and I train at Dance Inspiration. I am an ambassador for dance photographer ‘Lisa K’ and dancewear brand Jo Dressmaker. I am also a Sam Stanley Associate Company member. I'm so honoured to be a CYD dance star again this year. CYD is such an amazing opportunity to meet new people; work with new choreographers and to be inspired by other dancers. Dancing alongside my best friends and the best dancers is such a dream!

I hope to see you at one of the conventions soon!

Annabel

Hi, my name is Annabel and I train at Liverpool Central Studios. I have loved being part of the DanceStar Company and I am so excited and happy to be part of the 2024 team 🤍

I have made such incredible friends and I can’t wait to dance and train with everyone this year 🤍 Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity 🤍

Amelie

Amelie is 15 years old and trains at Complete Dance Studios and Dance projection in Essex, where she is already studying for her Level 3 BTEC two years earlier. A regular at competitions, she has won countless overall, world champion and title awards, the highlight being winning gold at the prestigious Dance World Cup! Amelie works closely with choreographer Josie Lee, travelling around the world to assist her at workshops and events and has performed in professional panto for several years as part of the junior ensemble.

She is an ambassador for well known dance photographer ‘Lisa K’ and also represents ‘kandi Kouture’ an american loved dancewear brand

Amelie is so excited to be a CYD?! Dance Star for the fourth time and can’t wait to be back dancing at their amazing events this year!

Amelia

Hi, I’m Amelia, a competitive dancer with TLDC (Tee Lily Dance Company) and will be 11 in March.

I’ve won many competitions and awards, including Miss Junior Titles at Hotshots and Destination Dance. At the 2023 DWC finals in Portugal I won a Gold and two Silver medals – one of the proudest moments of my life.

 I train most days and study ballet, tap, cheerleading, acro, freestyle, musical theatre and street. This year I’ve been nominated for an IDTA freestyle scholarship. I’ve also been lucky enough to study at Bird College, getting a scholarship at 10 years old, where I was given the Best Company member award. I love being a student teacher in freestyle and street.

 I have performed with the English Youth Ballet in The Nutcracker, and in a theatre production of Bring it on! The Musical. My first professional role was in Nativity The Musical at The Birmingham Rep. I will be performing in Matilta The Acro Extravaganza with Jelli Studios at Move It and in Liverpool in April, playing Eric, a main character.

 I love attending dance workshops and conventions all over the country. Meeting other dancers and training with top teachers is so inspirational. CYD? has to be my favourite: at last year’s Super Convention I was given 3 Promising Dancer Awards, a Star Dancer Award and won the Dance Your Style Competition.

 Dancing and performing mean absolutely everything, and being a CYD? Dance Star is a dream come true. So excited to be training with the UK’s biggest and best touring company!

Amara

Hi my name is Amara and to say I am excited to be chosen as a CYD? Dance star would be an understatement. I currently train at Rachel Coad School of Dance which has been my home studio since I could walk. Alongside this, I attend additional training sessions at Evolution Training Programme.  

I can’t wait to be part of the Can You Dance Team learning from some of the greatest teachers, Choreographers and industry professionals. Meeting new people and getting to dance with all the other CYD? Stars is something I am really looking forward to. 2024 is going to be an amazing year and I am so grateful to have received this fantastic opportunity!

Alexie

Hi! I’m Alexie, I’m 16 years old and I train at Elaine Howarth Centre Stage in Leeds.

Throughout my competitive journey I have been lucky enough to receive multiple titles and awards, and my proudest achievement is receiving a fully funded Laine Theatre Arts scholarship after attending their Summer School in 2023.

I have always dreamed of becoming a part of the CYD? Dance Star company - the opportunity to be able to perform alongside the most talented people as well as take classes from industry professionals is a dream and I cannot wait to be part of the 2024 team! Thank you so much to Tom, Matt and Team - I am extremely grateful and SO excited!

Alexa

Hi, my name is Alexa and I’m 13 years old. I am a dancer and actress based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. I train at Starlight Academy and am represented by Articulate Agency. I'm also an associate at the Academy of Northern Ballet. 

I love to dance so much and my favourite style is commercial. I was thrilled to attend last years Dance World Cup where I won gold with my team! 

I have won several TDCI & UKDCC championships and last year I placed top 10 at the TDCI World Performer Grand Final, winning the musicality award!

I am so grateful to be chosen as a CYD? Dance Star and cannot wait to meet all the other dancers and be part of the team. Thank you to the CYD? team for believing in me.

Alainey

Hi, my names Alainey and I’m 17 years old. I train at The Big Dance Company Studios in Penzance and am a member of South West Movement professional  performance company. I am also the assistant for Fiona Richardson in national and international workshops. I am super excited for the year ahead and can’t thank the CYD? team enough for giving me this opportunity to develop as a dancer.

Meesha

Meesha is the Red Beret Girl “hortensia” As seen hundreds of Millions of Times on Tiktok,

She has toured the UK Teaching and inspiring Children the past 12 months visiting over 50 dance schools.

Meesha has also appeared in Hobs and Shaw, CATS and JINGLE JANGLE Films,

She has 2 Films due for release this year, HUSH NOW and WICKED with Arianna Grande,

Meesha has also just been on TV with Emma Willis “Style It Out” and has done many other TV appearances.

Angel

Angel, Age 14 - Dancer at Nadines Dance Company. Angel is so excited to be a part of the CYD Stars for the third year. Angel is a British and English Dance Champion and feels very lucky to have trained in LA over the past two years in the summer. As training is priority it is an honour to be a CYD Star and to get to train with the amazing CYD Faculty and to have the support and guidance of Matt and Tom. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. I can’t wait for the year ahead. Love Angel. X

 

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