Collide began in 2018 as Yorkshire’s first boys’ dance takeover – a vibrant event that brought together male-identifying youth dance groups and professional artists to celebrate, challenge, and showcase male dance beyond traditional theatre settings. Its popularity led to a reimagined version in 2020, supported by Leeds Dance Partnership, which expanded the format to include skills-building workshops alongside performances.
In response to a post-Covid decline in male dance participation and the shrinking visibility of all-male dance companies, Collide Dance Company was formed in 2025. Made up of dancers from NSCD’s undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts, the company performs high-quality, inspiring work and delivers workshops across community settings and festivals.
Collide now represents both a platform and a strategic response—one that normalises male engagement in dance and addresses the systemic barriers faced by boys and young men. Informed by NSCD’s annual Dance Gathering and wider sector research, Collide is part of a broader movement to inspire a new generation of male dancers by providing visible role models, accessible progression routes, and meaningful professional development opportunities.
