A STOURBRIDGE dancer is looking forward to performing on the Sadler’s Wells stage later this year.

Jasmine Massey, from Stourbridge, was selected as a member of the country’s flagship company for young dancers - the National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) - which has just completed its second fully digital residency working together virtually with guest artistic director Alesandra Seutin.

The 17-year-old is one of 29 young dancers from across the country picked to be part of the 2020/21 cohort who are working towards a short UK tour this summer and a performance at Sadler’s Wells, on Saturday July 24.

NYDC has a track record of setting young people on the path to successful dance careers.

The coronavirus pandemic, however, has meant the company has had to devise innovative ways of working and rehearsing this past year.

Members of the cohort have been taking part in virtual workshops, Q&As and digital sessions to ensure work has been able to continue.

Hannah Kirkpatrick, NYDC general manager, said: “This year is certainly bringing its challenges, but we made a decision early on that it would not stop us creating new work, we just have to adapt how the work can be created.

"I feel so proud of how the company have responded, how dedicated and motivated they are to continue working together and making this a success.

"It is a huge amount of work for Alesandra and her artistic team, planning and utilising the time on Zoom to make sure that when we can be in person we can hit the ground running.

"This past year has hit us all, but I think it has been particularly difficult for young people. Creating a new work over lockdown is keeping us motivated and focused in a time when so much is out of our control.”

Alesandra Seutin, NYDC guest artistic director 2020/21, said: “Regardless of the digital residencies with NYDC, I really feel we have created a strong connection and been able to transcend the realm of our rectangle spaces. I cannot wait to meet my company in the flesh.”

Jasmine, who is studying dance at Birmingham Ormiston Academy, said joining the dance company had been "one of the best decisions" she's made and she added: said: "It has really kept me going during the global pandemic.

"It has been an incredible experience so far that has pushed me both as a dancer and a person.

"Adapting to dancing online has definitely come with its challenges but it has also led to a lot of growth and has allowed me to find new and creative ways to connect with the other company members.

"Working with Alesandra Seutin and her team has been such an exciting process that has introduced me to new ways of moving and thinking.

"It has also shown me how other art forms such as the voice and spoken word can be integrated into dance to create an experience for an audience that speaks volumes.

"I’m looking forward to being able to meet the team and company in person and to perform on Sadler’s Wells stage later this year."

Further details about the production and tour are to be announced.

To watch the dancers in action rehearsing virtually - go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=nnrwFCxHX8o&feature=youtu.be.