York Dance Associates
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About the YDC Associates Program
The York Dance Associates Program is a home for dancers who want more - more depth, more truth, more training, more connection, more artistry.
This is not another copy-paste "associates program."
This is a place for dancers who are ready to grow beyond their weekly classes and dive into meaningful, technically rich, emotionally present dance training.
Led by York Dance Company Director Sibylle Kockjeu, Associates Director Chloe Mangham and an outstanding team of guest artists, this program delivers high-level, personalised dance education in a supportive, real and creative environment.
TESTIMONIALS
"YDC is one of my favourite things ever! I laugh so much and feel so safe to try new things and push myself. The space is amazing and welcoming. I think of YDC as a little family. My dancing has improved so much and I'm so grateful for all the support and love. I will miss this so so much!"
Associate Term 24/25
"My confidence has grown so much from YDA. The technique has also impacted my training in all parts. Love, love, love!"
Associate Term 24/25
What Makes YDA Different
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A safe, inspiring space where dancers can step outside their comfort zones
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High-quality training from industry professionals with real feedback, real honesty, real growth
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A wide variety of dance styles to enhance your technique, performance and identity
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Technical coaching designed to strengthen your foundation - your control, your dynamics, your artistry
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Mental strength + mindset development - tools for confidence, resilience, auditions and performance
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Empowerment through knowledge: injury prevention, training longevity, dance health
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Support finding your voice as a dancer - your expression, your reason, your "why"
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Performance coaching, filming technique + professional preparation
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And above all... a training environment that is real, honest, non-competitive and deeply supportive
Founder
This Program was created by York Dance Company Director Sibylle Kockjeu whose passion lies in nurturing talent and building a dance space that is supportive, empowering and inspiring - a place where every dancer's love and passion for dance can truly flourish!
Her dance students have gained places at leading international institutions, including:
IWANSON (Munich, Germany)
SEAD (Salzburg, Austria)
BROADWAY DANCE CENTRE (New York)
MILLENNIUM DANCE COMPLEX (Los Angeles)
Many of her former students now work professionally across the globe - as choreographers, performers, dancers and dance teachers.
"I created this program because I know what it feels like to want more from dance. More challenge. More meaning. More connection.
That's what we're building here - it's truly special."
Sibylle Kockjeu
Seasons & Training Dates
We run 2 Seasons per year, each consisting of 5 Sunday sessions.
Season 1: February - June
Season 2: September - January
DATES for upcoming season:
Sunday 8 February 2026
Sunday 8 March 2026
Sunday 19 April 2026
Sunday 17 May 2026
Sunday 14 June 2026
Time
Each session is designed for deep learning, consistency and growth.
Associates 1: 2:45 - 6:15 pm (3.5 hours)
Associates 2: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm (4 hours)
Associates 1 &
Associates 2
Two groups. Not age-based - leve-based.
Because artistry, training and readiness are not defined by age.
ASSOCIATES 1
For dancers developing their foundation, strength, coordination, quality and consistency.
A space to build power, identy, discipline and confidence.
Training length: 3.5 hours
Fee: £200 (per 5-session season)
ASSOCIATES 2
For dancers who are ready for deeper nuance, stronger technique, higher-level choreography, intensity and performance development.
A space to refine artistry, push limits and train at a pre-professioanl level.
Training length: 4 hours
Fee: £225 (per 5-session season)
Auditions
NO FEES. NO BARRIERS. JUST PASSION
We see it everywhere - Associates Programs charging dancers just to audition.
At York Dance Company, we believe access to traing should NEVER begin with a fee.
We want to see you - your potenetial, your passion.
That's why our auditions are COMPLETELY FREE.
No pressure. No hidden costs. Just opportunity.
Audition Format
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One audition for all dancers (1.5 hours)
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A fun, Jazz-based class
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Dancers are placed into Associates 1 or 2 if succesfull
AUDITION DATE: Sunday 11th January 2026
If you are unable to attend in person, you may apply via video audition.
Please contact us to request further details.
Applying
To apply, dancers must:
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Have at least 4 years of training in ballet, contemporary and/or jazz
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Be aged 12 - 21 years old
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Show commitment, passion and genuine love for dance
Admission is by audition only, offering talented and dedicated students the opportunity to train alongside like-minded dancers who share a passion for dance and performing.
AUDITION DATE: Sunday 11 January 2026
If you cannot attend in person, video auditions are available on request.
Let’s Dance Together
York Dance Company is based at:
SK STUDIO
Unit 1, 14 Redeness Street, YO31 7UU
Director Sibylle Kockjeu
E-Mail: sibylle.dance@gmail.com
+44 (0)7484 210822
