ABOUT US
Shaping the Future of Contemporary Youth Dance
Founded in 2019, MK Dance Theatre is a nationally recognised youth dance company dedicated to empowering the next generation of performers through innovative choreography, high-quality training, and dynamic performance opportunities.
The company is artistically led by Owen Lane and Jess Yeo, whose shared vision has driven MK Dance Theatre’s evolution from a local platform into a leading force in youth dance. Their combined experience as choreographers and educators underpins the company’s distinct creative identity—fusing technical excellence with bold artistic expression across all projects.
Now entering its seventh year, MK Dance Theatre continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of the dance industry. In 2025, the company will launch its first full-time Company Cohort - a dedicated group of young artists who will train, rehearse, and perform throughout the year. This new initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful pathways for young dancers, offering them valuable tuition, mentorship, and stage experience in a professional setting.
To date, MK Dance Theatre has produced 10 full-length productions and numerous shorter works, each showcasing the creative voices of both in-house and guest choreographers. The company’s signature neo-classical and contemporary style blends emotional depth with physical rigour, resulting in work that is both visually captivating and artistically ambitious
With over 200 young dancers having trained and performed with the company since its inception, MK Dance Theatre’s impact is far-reaching. Many alumni have progressed to prestigious vocational schools and professional programmes, often crediting their time with MKDT as pivotal in their artistic journey.
As MK Dance Theatre looks to the future, its focus remains clear: to champion artistic excellence, nurture emerging talent, and push the boundaries of youth dance. Through collaborative productions, bold programming, and its new year-round cohort model, MKDT is not only developing dancers—it is helping shape the future of the art form itself.
OUR GOALS
Inspiring Lives Through Art, Education and Opportunity
1. Empowering Artistically-Driven Performers
MK Dance Theatre is committed to developing well-rounded, artistically aware dancers who are not only technically proficient but deeply engaged in the creative process. We aim to foster performers who think critically, express authentically, and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of contemporary dance. Through our expanding repertoire, mentorship programmes, and the introduction of our full-time Company Cohort, we will continue to nurture artists who can collaborate, innovate, and challenge convention—ensuring our work remains powerful, relevant, and forward-thinking.
2. Expanding Access and Representation in Dance
We believe that dance should be accessible to all. Our goal is to actively dismantle barriers to participation by engaging with underrepresented communities, offering financial support where needed, and ensuring inclusive practices across all areas of the company. We will continue to grow our outreach programmes, diversify our recruitment processes, and create safe, affirming spaces where every individual—regardless of background, identity, or ability—feels welcomed, seen, and supported as a valuable member of our dance community.
3. Positioning Milton Keynes as a Centre for Youth Dance Excellence
As a company proudly rooted in Milton Keynes, we aim to elevate the city’s artistic profile by producing bold, original work and attracting national recognition for our dancers, performances, and educational models. By collaborating with leading artists, educational institutions, and cultural organisations, we will help establish Milton Keynes as a destination for high-quality youth dance. Our productions, public performances, and year-round cohort model will serve as a beacon of artistic ambition - demonstrating what’s possible when creativity, opportunity, and community come together.