Derry Dance Collective to represent city at Unanimous 2026

The Derry Dance Collective is preparing to take center stage at The MAC, Belfast, as they join the prestigious annual youth dance platform, Unanimous, for the first time this April.

Presented by DU Dance (NI) in association with The MAC, the showcase will take place on Thursday, April 2 2026. Unanimous is a non-competitive arena that brings together some of the best youth dance groups to Belfast in a non-competitive arena to share their creative work in a professional theatre. 

Cara Wilson-Hegarty, Teacher/Choreographer and Studio Owner of Derry Dance Collective said: “Being part of Unanimous 2026 is a hugely exciting opportunity for Derry Dance Collective.

"For our senior dancers, it’s a chance to perform on a respected youth dance platform, connect with other young artists, and represent Derry in a wider dance community. We are especially excited to share the stage, learn from others, and be part of such an inspiring event.”

Over the past fourteen years, the Unanimous platform has continued to expand and help young people from the ages of 12-24 years to develop skills, share their experience and form new connections. The diversity of the line-up for Unanimous reaffirms DU Dance (NI)’s commitment to fostering dance talent from across the island of Ireland and providing a supportive professional environment for dancers of all backgrounds.  

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As with previous Unanimous showcase events, audiences can expect powerful and energy packed performances from enthusiastic young contemporary dance talent.  One audience member at Unanimous 2025 described it as “Brilliant, really diverse showcase and really passionate dancers”.

Alongside groups from DU Dance NI’s Youth Engagement Programmes Sutemos Youth Dance and Belfast Boys, Unanimous will see the following groups perform in a non-competitive arena Claire Novaes Dance (Moira), and Derry Dance Collective, Dublin Youth Dance Company, FYI Dance Club (Wicklow), High Points Youth Ballet (Belfast), Laois Youth Dance Ensemble and Ohr Dance Company (Laois).

This is an event for families, community groups and individuals of all ages with an interest in the performing arts.  

Tickets for Unanimous are available to purchase from The MAC: 028 9023 5053 / themaclive.com.
Tickets are priced at £10 for adults / £6 for under 16s and concessions.  Contact tickets@themaclive.com for information about group rates. 

DU Dance (NI)’s principal funding is provided by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer: Drama & Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented, “DU Dance (NI)’s Unanimous has firmly set itself as an annual highlight in the arts calendar, bringing together diverse groups from across the island of Ireland, and beyond, to connect and share in the powerful artform of dance.  The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support DU Dance (NI) and Unanimous and would encourage anyone with an interest in dance to go along and enjoy!”