Expressions 2026

Expressions dances back to the stage as Yorkshire’s only inclusive dance festival.

Discover new works from inclusive disabled dance groups from across the UK as professional and community performers take to the stage. With four performances over two days, there’s a packed schedule of talented dancers performing in a diverse range of styles.

All performances feature an extract from Nadenh Poan’s Reflections, a contemporary dance duet inspired by the lush landscapes of the Cambodian jungle, Nadenh ’s childhood home as a young Disabled boy.

All performances are pay as you can. To be accessible for performers and audiences alike, all performances have a relaxed structure and are audio described.

Woman wearing a pink to and flowery leggings riding a powered wheelchair, her arms are playfully out to her side and she has a broad smile on her face.

Against a blue background with a silhouette of a figure projected on it, a man in a baseball cap stands with his feet in first position, one hand to his head and the other stretched pointing to his left

Group wearing orange T-shirts stand in a line, the right arm raised defiantly

Two dancers from the Ability Class stand on stage wearing life guard uniforms of yellow t-shirt and red shorts

In front of an orange backdrop, a man wearing a coat made of red and black ribbons spreads his arms expressively

Group of people wearing similar clothes look to their right, arms spread, one hand each holding a bright flower

Woman in a wheelchair looks at another woman stood in front of her

Against a black backdrop a woman stands firmly, her head back and her arms outstretched

Accessibility

All performances are in a Relaxed style which includes:

The lights in the auditorium will remain on during the performance
You can make noise during the performance
You can leave and re-enter the auditorium as you need
If you want to leave the auditorium there is a chill-out space available
The sound and lighting are adapted to reduce the volume and remove flashing lighting effects
Ear defenders are available if the sound is too loud
Fidget toys are available

In addition, we provide a mobile Changing Places Toilet (hired from AccessoLoo) and a temporary changing space with a fixed height bed and hoist.

All performances will also be audio described live by a VocalEyes describer. We use Mobile Connect to share the description with those who need it. Mobile Connect can be downloaded on to your smartphone or tablet so that you can listen with your own device. We will have a limited number of devices available to borrow if you aren’t able to use your own.

All performances are presented by Kate Stanforth, as she hosts there will be live BSL translation.

Our building is wheelchair accessible. Find out detailed access information.

You can also watch this short video to see some of the facilities at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre.