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# Youth-led dance festival returns to Jerwood DanceHouse this weekend
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/young-festival-organisers-bringing-dance-to-life-in-ipswich/
- Published: 2024-11-08T08:50:45.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:30:52.000Z
- Description: Four young dancers are leading the charge to unite Ipswich's youth through movement and creativity, as they prepare to host the third annual DanceEast YouthFest tomorrow.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Dance, Drama, Theatre & Cinema, #article, DanceEast, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** The free festival at Jerwood DanceHouse reflects a growing movement to put young people at the helm of cultural events, with the organisers bringing fresh perspectives on how to engage their peers through dance.

**Why it matters:** The event aims to break down barriers around dance, welcoming both experienced performers and those who've never tried it before.

![DanceEast Youth Takeover in 2023](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1731055223-danceeast-youth-takeover-malachy-luckie-28-jpeg-3.jpg)

The DanceEast Youth Takeover in 2023 (DanceEast)

**The details:**

- The festival takes place on Saturday 9 November from 13:00 to 17:00.
- Activities include yoga, contemporary dance, Bollywood and jazz commercial fusion workshops.
- The programme features innovative elements like wearable interactive sound sessions where movements generate music.
- Creative workshops include movement drawing, costume styling and a community art gallery.

**Behind the scenes:** The festival is being shaped by four young leaders with diverse backgrounds:

- Millie Powell, a DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training alumna and BA Dance graduate
- Marni Cady-Heffer, a BA Dance graduate and Boost Bursary recipient
- Cara Storer, a Fine Art and Art History graduate
- Faith Foster, an A Level Dance student at Suffolk One

**What they're saying:** "Being a part of YouthFest has already allowed me to learn so many things such as administrative, planning, and management skills," says Marni Cady-Heffer. "What is amazing about this opportunity is that the festival is run and created by young people."

**The bottom line:** The organisers hope to create what Millie Powell calls "a greater community of dance lovers" among young people in Ipswich, emphasising that there will be "something for everyone."

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