Dublin Youth Dance Company (DYDC) began in 2000 at Dance Theatre of Ireland's Centre for Dance.

 

 The objective was to give young people the opportunity to engage in training, creating and performing dance on an ongoing basis.

 

In 2001 the company hosted the 1st Irish Youth Dance Festival (IYDF) at the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire. The event was a huge success and has since grown in its scope and vision.

 

In 2002 Mariam Ribón was appointed Artistic Director of both Dublin Youth Dance Company and the Irish Youth Dance Festival for 2002/03.

 

During her tenure, Mariam has overseen an expanded programme of artistic and educational activities, which support young dance students in high-level dance training in contemporary techniques, performance and choreographic opportunities advocacy and careers advice.

 

Under Mariam’s directorship, DYDC has participated in many high-profile national and international dance events. Recent appearances include:

 

• Encuentros de Danza, Spain, (2007 and 2008)

• Jaromer Youth Dance Festival, Czech Republic, (2009 and 1010)

• Lancashire Youth Dance Theatre Festival (2010 and 2011)

• Berlin, Germany (2012)

• Austin, Texas, USA (2012)

• Malmo, Sweeden (2013)

• London, UK (2013)

 

Other credits to DYDC also include:

 

• Being awarded a Public Art Commission from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (2009)

• Performing for Presidents Mary Mc Aleese at Aras An Uachtarain in a Garden Performance (2009)

• Receiving the accolade of “Best in Practice” for youth dance arts by the Arts Council (2010) 

• Winners of An Cathaoirleach’s Arts Award (2012)

• Selected for the National Culture Programme, ‘Culture Connects’ for Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union Council (2013).

 

DYDC have also partnered with the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology where the students create costumes for the senior company as part of their credits for their degree.

 

In 2009 DYDC appointed Assistant Artistic Director Karla Holden.

Since her tenure the company has expanded with the emergence of the Junior section of the company.

 

Karla has also been instrumental in developing the Out Reach Programs for Dublin Youth Dance Company and has taught in many secondary and primary schools throughout Dublin and rural Ireland.