Chameleon Youth – Eva’s story.

In the countdown for this year’s Chameleon Youth audition on Sunday 13 July, Eva reflects on her youth dance journey, and shares how joining Chameleon turned her interest in dance into a passion.

1) Hey Eva, how old are you and where are you from?
Hi, I’m Eva, I’m 18 and I’m from Manchester

2) What made you want to be in Chameleon Youth?
I was mostly a self-taught mover and would learn dance routines from YouTube or Just Dance.  It wasn’t until secondary school at Wright Robinson College when I my dance teacher recommended Chameleon’s dance classes, The Saturday Sessions.

I loved how dance at Chameleon was different to the other styles I did, and my interest in dance quickly turned from being an interest into a real passion.  I knew auditioning for Chameleon Youth would allow me to develop my contemporary training and my versatility as a dancer.

3) What do you enjoy most about Chameleon Youth?
Chameleon Youth has shown me that dance is a welcoming, judgment-free space where I can be my true self.  What I love most are the people – everyone brings their own unique style and background, and we all learn from each other.  It’s a place where you feel understood, make real friendships, and grow together as artists. Being part of Chameleon has also given me a taste of the professional world and how the dance industry works.

4) Could you describe a highlight from your time in Chameleon Youth? 
A big highlight of my time at Chameleon Youth was performing at U Dance for the first time in 2022. I was given my first solo and it made me feel really seen as a young creative.  Another highlight was performing in London with the New Movement Collective in 2024. We danced alongside a live beatboxer, and you could feel the rhythm and the synergy between the music and the human body, the whole performance felt alive!

5) What are you off to do next?
I will be moving to Leeds to study a BA Hons in Contemporary Dance at Northern School of Contemporary Dance.  My goal for the future is to perform in concerts on the West End and for choreographers like Wayne McGregor, Boy Blue and Alvin Ailey.

6) Why should any budding young dancers come along to this year’s Chameleon Youth audition?
If you’re thinking about auditioning for Chameleon Youth, go for it — you might just find your dance family for life.  You’ll never know if it’s for you unless you try.  The tutors are there to support your growth and are looking for potential, not a finished product. So be bold at the audition — whether your background is in ballet, hip-hop or commercial, own it and show off what makes you you.

Thanks for sharing your story Eva.