Shout It OutA celebration of youth dance in London

London Youth Dance, a project based at Sadler’s Wells, works to support and develop youth dance activity in London, working alongside the Sadler’s Wells Creative Learning team (Connect) and londondance.com and in close partnership with Youth Dance England and key regional dance development agencies.

Dance is the second most popular physical activity after football (Source: PE and School Sport Club Links survey, Dance UK Dance Manifesto) and particularly attractive to girls and young women who can be resistant to participating in sport. It is also a powerful art form for young people who find it a potent medium for artistic expression and defining cultural identity.

In 2009, London Youth Dance launched a project called Shout It Out, commissioning writers to visit and report on inspiring youth dance stories from across the capital, capturing not only London Youth Dance work, but projects being delivered by other London-based organisations, agencies, companies and venues who are successfully engaging young people in dance activity.

Over 45 articles have been commissioned to date, covering a variety of projects including youth dance performance events, workshops, festivals, school projects and dance training. In addition, the project enables London Youth Dance to provide a variety of reporting opportunities for emerging dance writers with a particular interest in youth projects.

This booklet presents a selection of Shout It Out articles that we believe demonstrate why dance is important to - and for - young people across the capital.

To see the full range of Shout It Out articles, please visit www.londondance.com/shout

“Sadler’s Wells presents and produces work from dance artists at the top of their creative abilities. We are, however, also interested in where young people start their creative journey, how they first came across dance and how their talents are developed and nurtured. All the work of London Youth Dance and the Connect team is related to that aim of providing opportunities for young people to access high quality dance experiences that may one day lead them to watching, making or performing work here at Sadler’s Wells.”Alistair SpaldingChief Executive and Artistic Director, Sadler’s Wells

“I am delighted to see the rapid progress that has been made in London through the national investment in youth dance development. The imaginative programmes delivered in partnership with a number of key organisations across the Capital is testament to the popularity of dance and the skill of the Youth Dance Strategy Manager, and her team, based at Sadler’s Wells.”Linda JasperDirector, Youth Dance England

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Shout It OutA celebration of youth dance in London

Front Cover photos: Belinda Lawley

Contents1: Dance in Schools Dance is physical and develops social skills Focus on… Jam Free in Enfield and Richmond .......................................... Dance builds confidence and self-esteem Focus on… Children of Hamelin in Waltham Forest ................................ Dance promotes teamwork and is expressive Focus on… Step into Dance in Bexley ............................................................

2: Dance in the Community Dance encourages discipline and achievement Focus on… Fast Forward in Islington ............................................................. Dance is positive and develops leadership skills Focus on… Youth Dance SpaceXchange in Newham and Lambeth .. Dance teaches physical skills and creativity Focus on… Explode in Lewisham .....................................................................

3: Performance Opportunities Dance is a universal language Focus on… Swanning Around in the UK and China ................................. Dance is fun and motivational Focus on… U.Dance London in Southwark ................................................. Dance is diverse and entertaining Focus on… London Youth Dance Day in Southwark ................................

4: Training and Careers Dance is a career Focus on… Aspire Dance Mentoring Scheme across London .............. Dance is a vocation Focus on… Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) in Camden .................

5: Links ...............................................................................................................................

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1: Dance in Schools

Photos: Gigi Giannella & Mark Lees

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London Youth Dance at Sadler’s Wells and Youth Dance England work together to encourage and support School Sports Partnerships to use dance as an alternative form of physical activity by developing links with locally based dance organisations, companies and venues. A project called ‘Jam Free’ emerged from this work to provide funding for a ten week after school dance club leading to a performance at Sadler’s Wells. It aims to increase dance provision and participation in outer London boroughs.

Each School Sports Partnership holds a Jam Free performance event in their borough as an opportunity for the young dancers to showcase their work. London Youth Dance commissions three established youth dance companies and a professional work by the emerging choreographer in receipt of the East London Dance/London Youth Dance Blueprint Bursary, to perform at each event. This provides the dance club participants with access to both professional dancers and peer role models. In 2010, the three touring youth dance companies performed in three contrasting styles: contemporary dance, traditional Indian bharatanatyam and street dance. Sarah Smith went along to find out how Jam Free was received in Enfield and Richmond.

In Enfield, Jam Free was delivered by Dance Art Foundation in partnership with the London Borough of Enfield Arts and Events team and the Enfield Joint Services for Disabled Children. Young people from two Enfield secondary schools and three Enfield special schools including Waverley School, a Local Authority maintained day school catering for young people with severe and profound learning difficulties, took part. Together with dance artists from Dance Art Foundation the group created a contemporary dance piece called Stand Your Ground.

Dance is physical and develops social skills

Over three years Jam Free has:Worked with 13 School Sports PartnershipsEngaged 930 young peopleCommissioned 9 dance organisationsCreated 15 new performance opportunities

Focus on… Jam Free in Enfield and Richmond

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London Youth Dance has: worked with over 6,000 young people

Photo: Belinda Lawley

“The girls who were chosen to do the dance project at school have sometimes had behavioral issues in the past. Those are now not very prominent. The girls are positive, they’ve got focus and are driven and that’s rubbing off into all areas of their school life.” Lisa Wasley, Dance Teacher at Hampton Community College.

For most, contemporary dance was something alien that they admitted to being somewhat resistant to in the beginning. By the end of the project, however, the young dancers had begun to appreciate and really engage with the style and the ideas presented to them. One participant said “I’ve learnt how to discover new moves instead of just using the same moves over and over again. I’ve learnt to explore more.” The group explained the themes behind Stand Your Ground: “It’s about sticking up for yourself, when you meet new people and you’re a bit scared, you’ve got to stand your ground. It’s basically showing who you are and not being afraid of it.” When asked what had been the best part of the project so far there seemed a joint emphasis on both the dance activity and the social element of being able to make new friends and for the mainstream students in particular, of learning to work with peers who have varying learning and communication needs. There was a unanimous yes when asked if they would be interested in taking part in future dance projects. A student from Waverly School said “‘I really want this to continue. It makes me feel relaxed. I want to carry on every weekend.”

In Richmond, Jam Free was delivered by Richmond Theatre in partnership with locally-based Combination Dance Company. The Jam Free dance club participants came from three Richmond secondary schools, all of whom had an interest in dance, but had not previously had the opportunity to take part in regular dance training. Their dance piece, Red Alert, was a unique fusion of street dance and salsa. The girls were immediately able to relate to the street dance choreography and once they had adjusted to dancing in partners whilst working on intricate arm sequences together, they were keen to experiment with their new-found salsa skills. The two hour rehearsals each week contributed significantly towards the participants’ regular engagement in physical activity.

Following the success of the project, Richmond Council found funding to enable Combination Dance Company to continue to work with the same group of young people until the end of the year.

For Richmond Theatre, Jane Metcalfe, Creative Learning Manager said that Jam Free has “given us three extremely strong contacts with three of the borough’s secondary schools, which are proving really useful for other projects already”.

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Not so long ago it was difficult to get the average teenage boy through the doors of a dance class, but the rise in television talent shows and urban music videos has caught the interest of many. Over the 2009-10 Christmas season hip hop dance company Boy Blue Entertainment presented their Laurence Olivier Award winning show Pied Piper at the Barbican. In the months preceding, the company visited schools across London to hunt down some potential poppers and budding breakers to join them in the show and perform as the Children of Hamelin.

Company members held workshops targeting young people who had little access to dance training, helping to unearth raw talent and channel it towards their open auditions, where 60 young dancers were selected to perform during the Christmas season. Eileen Strong went to watch one of the day-long workshops at Norlington School for Boys in Waltham Forest.

During the autumn term 2009 Years 7 and 8 at Norlington School for Boys in Leyton got a taste of the discipline, athleticism and skill that is required to become a member of Boy Blue. Tanya Irvine, Partnership Development Manager for the Waltham Forest Central School Sports Partnership signed the school up for the project. She described how “in this area, unless the students access something at school then it won’t happen in their lives. They perhaps haven’t got the parental support or the confidence to do it on their own.” Cast members from Pied Piper taught the 11 to 13 year olds the movements of the Scorpion, the Tiger, the Eagle, the Gorilla, the Cobra and the Crane - with each animal represented by a hip hop dance style. The animal identities, underpinned by a Japanese martial arts theme, were naturally a winner with the boys, although 11 year

Dance builds confidence and self-esteem

Focus on… Children of Hamelin in Waltham Forest

London Youth Dance has:Advocated for youth dance in Waltham ForestSupported the Waltham Forest Central School Sports Partnership Signposted Partnership Development Managers to dance opportunities

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“In this area, unless the students access something at school then it won’t happen in their lives. They haven’t got the parental support or the confidence to do it on their own.” Tanya Irvine, Partnership Development Manager for the Waltham Forest Central School Sports Partnership.

old Unais admitted he found it difficult to memorise the routines. “It was challenging, but the dancers help you,” he said. “The dancers have worked hard to achieve what they’re doing right now - they’re getting paid for their passion.” Tanya also recognises the need for inspiration. “The members of Boy Blue are great role models,” she said. “It’s good for the boys to see there are different things they can do with their lives.” Undoubtedly, television has had a big influence on the pupils’ perceptions of dance. In a question and answer session, as one member of Boy Blue tried to convince the boys of the merits of Britain’s Got Talent finalists Flawless over winners Diversity, the dissent from the crowd certainly highlighted that street dance, in all its forms, is a genre they’re highly opinionated about. Simone ‘Flex’ Wilson, Education Director for Boy Blue, feels that enthusiasm for street dance styles needs nurturing within the education system. “A lot of the schools we’ve been to don’t really cover street dance. It’s disappointing because that’s what the pupils are interested in. I’m hoping that even if some of them don’t come along to our audition, they’ll at least try a class and see what it’s like.” It’s hoped that some of the pupils had taken their first funky steps down the path to dance appreciation. Following the workshops, Norlington School set up an after-school dance club and booked to take a group of students to see Pied Piper.

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Haile, aged 12, was given personal encouragement to audition after Boy Blue visited his school. “I was quite nervous. I didn’t think I would get in,” he admitted. However, Flex singled out Haile as having gone from strength to strength during the project, especially considering he had never attended a dance class before. “Haile has done really well, every week he came into rehearsals and was so quiet and focused.” “I’ll miss it when it’s over,” he said. “I want to try and get into Da Bratz - Boy Blue’s youth company”.

Of those chosen for the show, 15 had attended one of Boy Blue’s school workshops. Haile agreed that the project had been a great opportunity to make friends and Flex was impressed by the way the young cast pulled together. “Everyone was at a different level, which pushed those who hadn’t performed before to up their game,” she said. She added that those who were unsuccessful at the auditions this time around should keep an eye out for the company’s open weekly classes.

Photo: Paul Hampartsoumian

London Youth Dance has: provided performance opportunities for over 4,000 young people

Photo: Belinda Lawley

Step into Dance is a fully inclusive community dance project funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation and led by the Royal Academy of Dance. The programme currently runs in 100 schools across 13 London boroughs. Students are offered the opportunity to learn a wide range of dance techniques and styles, including Bollywood, break dance, capoeira, contemporary, jazz, jive, musical theatre and street dance, taught by freelance dance teachers who specialise in each style. Each borough hosts a performance event during the year, giving students the opportunity to perform in front of friends, family and other students. Lise Smith went to visit a school in Bexley to find out more.

In a dance studio at Townley Grammar School, 15 girls from Years 9 and 10 took a quick breather from rehearsal. During their well-earned water break, the teenage girls were as relaxed and chatty as one would expect; but when it was time to get back to work, the mood changed to one of quiet focus. The girls are working with dance artist Jo Meredith as part of Step Into Dance, a programme which aims to widen participation in dance at schools in London by setting up regular activity working towards a high profile performance. In July 2010, all participating schools came together to perform at Sadler’s Wells in a celebratory showcase, Step Live! The Townley students’ technically challenging contemporary dance piece required discipline and concentration. It was very clear that, despite the work involved, the girls were also clearly enjoying the piece and looking forward to performing at the borough event. Head of Dance at the school Caroline Owen couldn’t have been more pleased with their work. “It’s really fantastic for the students to be involved in Step into Dance. We wanted to give them access to really high quality choreography that they wouldn’t necessarily get in the school curriculum and to really open their eyes to choreographic styles and teamwork.” Caroline felt that working with Jo had been especially good for

Dance promotes teamwork and is expressive

Focus on… Step into Dance in Bexley

London Youth Dance has:Brokered a partnership between the Royal Academy of Dance and Sadler’s WellsPromoted Step into Dance to over 6000 youth zone subscribers Signposted Royal Academy of Dance artists to training

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“We wanted to give the children access to really high quality choreography that they wouldn’t necessarily get in the school curriculum and to really open their eyes to choreographic styles and teamwork.” Caroline Owen, Head of Dance at Townley Grammar School.

the girls taking part in the project, “It’s nice for them to have teachers from outside of the school who will work with them in a different way than we do, they can get a really well-rounded and rich dance experience.” Jo’s piece for the Townley group was loosely based on the narrative of Romeo and Juliet and looked at the idea of opposition and conflict. “Daniel Barenboim is the pianist and he set up the Israeli-Palestinian orchestra, and that’s what gave me the idea of having this divide - an Israeli next to a Palestinian. It’s abstract in its form, but the overall narrative is this one of conflict.” The piece was one of nine shown at the Bexley Borough event hosted at Townley Grammar on 6 May 2010. The borough event revealed the great variety of work inspired by the Step Into Dance programme - there were jazzy turns from St Catherine’s RC Girls and a very sparkly Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar; street styles from The Howbury Centre and Beth’s Grammar School and contemporary pieces from Townley Grammar Junior and Senior groups and Trinity School. Ravenswood Boys performed a physically daring piece to the song Bang Bang, fearlessly throwing each other around the stage; Trinity brought undulating marine ripples; and Townley Grammar Juniors danced a beautiful study of circles and extensions based on Leonardo’s Vitruvian Man. What did the students enjoy most about the project? “Everything, really!” said Hannah, a Year 9 student at Townley Grammar. “I’ve especially enjoyed working with Jo,” said Holly, another Year 9 at the school, adding: “I’ve enjoyed working with new people in different years, learning more contemporary dance styles and how to develop your moves.” Caroline Owen said she wouldn’t hesitate to recommend schools get involved in the programme. “I think it’s unbelievable value for money, I would encourage all schools to do it to enable their young people to participate in such a fantastic event.” A smiling Hannah and Holly added “We love it!”

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2: Dance in the Community

Photos: Belinda Lawley & Gigi Giannella

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Fast Forward was a combined arts performance project by young people aged 11 - 18 from Islington. The project was managed and delivered by Islington-based community arts organisation, All Change, in partnership with Sadler’s Wells and commissioned by Homes for Islington and the borough Council’s Cultural Services division.

The aim of the project was to work with young people living on housing estates across Islington offering them the opportunity to learn and experience different art forms and to create a cross arts performance for the Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells. It was a means to profile the good work going on with young people living in social housing, whilst providing the young people with access to high quality arts provision within their own environments. A chance to do something positive in their spare time that in turn, made a huge impact on their lives and those of others around them. Sam Gauntlett attended the final performance in March 2010 to find out more.

Last October, in youth centres and community centres on housing estates in Islington, dance artists, Katie P and Vicki Igbokwe, alongside musicians, visual artists, filmmakers and spoken word artists, attempted to grab the attention of young people playing pool, prize them away from Facebook and get them involved in arts. The hardest aspect was gaining trust and persuading the young people to try new things, but a commitment to a collaborative approach, with the participants’ input helping to shape the provision, ensured that the project developed in an organic way. “The level at which the young people participated was up to them - they could choose to join in the dance session only or to help out on a film. So it was about being really open and really flexible” explained Rachel Evans, Creative Learning Manager at Sadler’s Wells.

Dance encourages discipline and achievement

Fast Forward, an All Change and Sadler’s Wells project has:Employed 10 professional artistsEngaged 6 Islington estates Delivered 170 cross arts sessionsRaised a total of £50,000 funding from the local council

Focus on… Fast Forward in Islington

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“Having a performance somewhere as prestigious as the Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells just gave them that – ‘right this is what we are reaching for’ - approach and they have just grabbed it which is really amazing.” Vicki Igbokwe, dance artist.

Young people were recruited via advertising on the estates, by a programme of taster workshops in September and an intensive October half term project. Following this the young people selected the art forms they wished to work with and met on a weekly basis in their local community centre to create a performance piece that was performed in the Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells to a packed out auditorium. Nana, Heaven, Asha, Ayat, Benedicte, Mona and Chanica, all aged 15 and 16, worked with Vicki and their fusion of street dance and contemporary dance stood out in the show as confident and slick. “By the time we got to that last performance, everything was on point,” says Vicki. “They were working together with the music, waiting for each other and still able to freestyle and style it out… I’m very, very proud of them.” Incredible then to think that one of the members of the group, 16 year-old Mona, had never danced before the project. “When I spoke to Mona at the beginning of this year, she was adamant she was not performing,” says Vicki. “So actually, just that step, for her to be here is amazing.”

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I ask Vicki whether she thinks that dance is a good way for young people to work on self-esteem. “I think that dance in general is one of the more challenging art forms to use, because unlike when creating a music track you can often rely on a laptop or keyboard, with dance you feel more exposed. I think for them, the most positive thing was a sense of ownership and achievement - realising that if they work hard, they will get results!” Was working towards the performance a good motivator? “Having a performance at the end of it somewhere as prestigious as the Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells just gave them that – ‘right this is what we are reaching for’ - approach and they have gone to the top and they have grabbed it which is really amazing,” she smiles.

The project was such a success that Homes for Islington and the borough Council’s Cultural Services have commissioned a second project to start in September 2010.

Photo: Gigi Giannella

London Youth Dance has: increased its database of youth groups from 50 in 2006 to 600 in 2010

Photo: Belinda Lawley

Youth Dance Groups often find that the expense of hiring rehearsal space can be prohibitive. It was a comment from a young group leader who said she rehearsed her group in a car park, which prompted the birth of Youth Dance SpaceXchange, a project, funded by London Councils, which pairs up London-based youth dance groups in need of rehearsal space with centres and schools in need of volunteers.

During 2009-10, 14 partnerships were set up across seven London boroughs – Bexley, Brent, Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham and Wandsworth – and in March 2010 the dance groups were invited to perform in the Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells to celebrate their efforts. Sam Gauntlett went to visit the projects in Lambeth and Newham to get the lowdown.

All-girl group Aim High Dance Crew, led by professional instructor Hayley Rea, was partnered with Notre Dame Community Hall in Lambeth and have already made their presence felt in the local area. When I arrived at the community hall, pumping dance tunes and the girls’ routine were attracting quite a lot of attention from some young guys hanging out at the centre. They hovered shyly in the doorframe, looking like they might want to join in before sloping off to play table tennis in the corner while I spoke to five of the girls, aged between 15 and 21. It’s no secret that the Notre Dame Estate has experienced some problems with anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and even shootings, so I asked Hayley whether the group is open to new recruits, so that young people in the area might have the opportunity of a more positive focus. She told me she has plans to expand the group and has been actively promoting the free classes for 14 - 25 year olds, handing out flyers on the estate. “Anyone can come - anyone who has never tried dance is especially welcome too,” she said. Hayley has worked with two of the girls in the group before and she revealed that when she stopped teaching them, they stopped dancing. The fact that these classes are free

Dance is positive and develops leadership skills

Focus on… Youth Dance SpaceXchange in Newham and Lambeth

Over two years SpaceXchange has:Employed 40 dance artistsEngaged 370 young people in volunteering Delivered dance provision in 21 London boroughs

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London Youth Dance has: involved young people from each of the 33 London Boroughs

Photo: Belinda Lawley

“It might not be the best thing to do with your student loan but it’s the only way I could pay for studio space. So that’s how I funded the group when we first started off.” Levi Hibbert, HavoK group leader.

has made dancing accessible again for the girls. The scheme has been an opportunity for Hayley to mentor the girls, both keen on careers in dance, and for them to pass on skills to others who are relative newcomers to dancing. “In this project, group members have taught each other routines - so it’s a learning process for them as well” says Hayley. “They just love performing and they love competitions - it gives them something to work for.” At the end of February, Aim High was involved in a community event, Celebrating Streatham, which marked the retirement of Labour MP Keith Hill. They took part in a talent competition that was judged by Mercury Music Prize winner Speech Debelle and Leo Ihenanco, singer with The Streets. The girls gave their time for free, handing out flyers and talking to people in the local community about the opportunity for young people to join the free dance classes. Asked to comment for Streatham Guardian Hayley said, “The girls have worked really hard and being able to perform at an event like this boosts their confidence - it’s a great opportunity.” In preparation for their performance at the Lilian Baylis Studio the group rehearsed intensively during half-term, including some days when they rehearsed from 10am until 7pm. “It has been a bit of a struggle - everyone putting in that little bit extra - but we’re all kind of used to it now and it shows that it does pay off. It was actually quite nice to spend long days together and to get to know each other as a team,” she said. Hayley is looking forward to developing the group, she saw the SpaceXchange project as her chance to strike out on her own and set up her own dance school, “This was the kick start that I needed!” In Newham, HavoK youth dance group - set up in January 2010 by 19 year old dancer Levi Hibbert with eight of his friends, was partnered with Forest Gate Youth Zone and in return for free rehearsal space they taught street dance to pupils at Lister Community School and a group of deaf children at the centre. When I arrived at Forest Gate Youth Zone, it was an open day and the centre was buzzing with activity. I wandered in the direction of muffled hip hop beats pumping from the back of the building to find Levi and his dance group. The dancers have studio space on a Friday and Saturday and often times in between if the space is free and he was just overjoyed that the project has meant that he no longer has to pay for rehearsal space with his student loan. “It might not be the best thing to do with your student loan,” he says sheepishly, “but that’s the only way I could pay for the studio space. So that’s how I funded the group when we first started off.” With a large, infectious grin, and effervescent energy, it is easy to see how Levi is an inspiration to others, particularly younger children and as I watched Lister Community School rehearse their piece for him, their concentrated expressions conveyed their eagerness to do well. When I asked him whether he would continue with the teaching at Forest Gate, he looked perplexed. “Even if we didn’t have to do [the volunteering] anymore, we would still do it. Its experience and it’s enjoyable,” he beamed. And as he returned to his dancers, who had been practicing the entire time we were speaking, I couldn’t help but beam too.

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Explode took place in February as a free day of dance workshops and performances for boys with or without previous dance experience, hosted by Laban. It offered the opportunity to try contemporary, capoeira and street dance and was accompanied by performances from all-male youth dance companies. Lise Smith went to Deptford to find out how young male dancers are being signposted to further training and opportunities. “You have to let the energy go boom” explains hip hop dance tutor Sean Graham to 20 boys in a dance studio at Laban. The image works and the boys run their angular, syncopated routine with a visibly new vigour; letting the energy go boom is what Laban’s second Explode day of dance for boys is all about. Sixty boys aged 11 - 16 came to the South London dance centre to take part in workshops and to watch performances by all-male youth dance groups including Forest Hill Boys (Lewisham), Laban-based Velocity and Brockhill Park Boys (Kent). For most, it was their first trip to Laban, and for many their first taste of contemporary dance. Veronica Jobbins, Head of Community Development at Laban, describes the background of the project: “We feel that it’s really important to make them feel that dance is OK for boys. One of the reasons we knew it was very important is because it filled up very quickly - when you get something that fills up and has waiting lists, you know it’s something people really want.” Project Administrator, Louisa Pestell, said “We wanted to have a very male-oriented day and to give the boys male role models to aspire to.” Explode aims to increase young male participation in dance and to provide information about Laban’s Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) scheme, a government funded pre-vocational programme for dancers with exceptional potential.

Dance teaches physical skills and creativity

Focus on… Explode in Lewisham

London Youth Dance has:Signposted the Centre for Advanced Training to over 6,000 ‘Youth Zone’ subscribersWorked with 1,182 males Succeeded in identifying 3 suitable Centre for Advanced Training students

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“Boys need to see that what they do is valued, they need to see that there are male dancers and male teachers out there.” Veronica Jobbins, Head of Community Development at Laban.

As well as male tutors, the project uses three male assistants who have been through similar CAT programmes and are now in full-time training. One of the assistants, Joel, attended the CAT programme at The Place before starting his BA course at Laban. “It was really great and it made me want to dance even more!” he says. “I had the opportunity to meet all these amazing people like Rafael Bonachela and dancers from Richard Alston Dance Company. I had a very positive experience of dance from the beginning, so that’s what made me want to carry on.” Joel feels the group he was helping got a lot out of the day. “I think they’ve really enjoyed the contemporary class and the fact they could go away and use the material to choreograph themselves.” Louisa thinks it is important to use tutors like Lee, who teaches on Laban’s CAT programme, and assistants like Joel, who can talk to the boys about how they got into dance and what the different possibilities for progression are. The boys in Sean’s hip hop class are facing one another in two groups and posing, preparing to battle using their new routine. Not everybody has the tricky material quite down to perfection, but everybody has a go and the boys are all smiling at the end. I ask Theo, Sam and Joe, three Year 10 dance students from Riddlesdown High School in Purley, South Croydon, if they think they’ll keep dancing after today? Without hesitation they chorus – “Yes, definitely!”

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Photo: Belinda Lawley

Veronica Jobbins explains the reasoning behind training boys separately from girls: “Boys want to be energetic, they enjoy throwing themselves around, they like working with other boys because mostly that’s what boys do in social situations.” The Explode project gives boys a short, sharp and energetic introduction to recreational dance and a taste of what they might expect from future training. “We’ve got ongoing work encouraging boys into dance, so this is one of a myriad of activities that we do,” continues Jobbins.

What did the boys think of the day? “Laban rocks from the outer hills to the awesome studios!” “I would tell my friends that it was a real opportunity to meet new people and they missed out on a lot of fun. I also learnt a lot about the other styles of dance. The environment was really friendly.” “Tiring yet fun, challenging and well worth the sweat!”

Photo: Belinda Lawley

3: Performance Opportunities

Photos: Belinda Lawley & Ros Cheshire

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In 2010, English National Ballet, together with the Royal Albert Hall and arts-education charity WebPlay, worked with five schools from across England and five schools from across China to share knowledge and practice of dance education, internationally. In addition, the students were able to explore the role technology can have in enabling communication between young dancers working towards a common goal in two different countries. Lise Smith went to Markova House as the schools met to rehearse together for the first time.

On Monday 14 June 2010, over 100 young people from schools all over the UK and China flocked to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall to perform Swanning Around. The piece was an original version of Swan Lake inspired by Derek Deane’s production for English National Ballet, showing at the same venue that month. For six weeks, the five British and five Chinese schools involved in the project rehearsed in their separate venues, on opposite sides of the world, with the support of professional dance artists from English National Ballet.

For Artistic Director, Laura Harvey, the performance was to be the culmination of 18 months planning and preparation. English National Ballet Soloist Jenna Lee had choreographed the opening and finale sequences, but much of the choreography existed only on paper and in separate studios until the rehearsals the weekend before. “They’ve been able to see each other in rehearsal using WebPlay,” says English National Ballet’s Director of Learning Fleur Derbyshire-Fox, “but today it’s really started to make sense with them performing together in the same space.”

The five UK schools - Years 7 to 11 from St John Bosco Arts College in Liverpool and Latymer Upper School in London, GCSE dancers from Holland Park School

Dance is a universal language

Focus on… Swanning Around in the UK and China

London Youth Dance:Encourages international linksProfiles good practice Signposts and supports regional partners

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London Youth Dance has: generated over £100,000 of funding in addition to core YDE investment

Photo: Belinda Lawley

“Being in a production isn’t like what you do in class. Everyone is working towards the same goal.” Olivia, dance student from China.

in London and Burnt Mill School in Essex and A-level students from Salford City’s Pendleton Sixth Form Centre in Manchester - each had 25 hours with a dance artist from English National Ballet to create their own group piece based on one of the characters from Swan Lake. “We’ve had music composed by a lady called Sally Greaves,” explains Laura. “She’s really drawn out the central characters of Swan Lake, so it’s not so much just the narrative; it’s really delving into who those characters are.”

Although there was an age gap of up to seven years between some groups of performers, what was remarkable about the rehearsal was the way the whole group pulled together as one. As Jenna walked among the dancers, setting space and adjusting fine details, there was little sense that the young dancers had come from different year groups and across the country. All were focused on the same object – to bring Jenna’s ‘dots on paper’ to life.

Ten of the young performers from China performed as guests at the Royal Albert Hall performance. “We had an open audition in Hong Kong and they selected 26 of us to be in the project. I found out I’d got in during my chemistry lesson and was so excited – it was a great opportunity to be part of such a big project!” explained 18-year old Olivia.

For one night only, the Royal Albert Hall played host to regal soldiers, a whiteness of Odettes fluttering across the stage, grounded, percussive Rothbarts, super-cute cygnets, disco-dancing party guests and seductive, Balanchine-inspired Odiles. As the entire cast gathered into a wedge for the grand finale unison sequence, the sense of unity and achievement was potent enough to reach up to the Grand Tier. “Being in a production isn’t like what you do in class,” reflected Olivia. “Everyone is working towards the same goal.” In addition to the Albert Hall performance, Swanning Around was to be performed at the Shanghai World Expo in September 2010, with ten of the UK students performing in China alongside students from the five participating Chinese schools from Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Jiangsu. Working across ten centres – some of them 5,000 miles apart – was made possible by site visits from the English National Ballet team and by technology partner WebPlay who provided an online interface for students to communicate with one another, share rehearsal footage, keep diaries and meet virtually.

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Youth Dance England (YDE) has cause for celebration. Companies, clubs and events are springing up everywhere - increasing the number of opportunities for young people to get involved in dance. As the national organisation that champions and promotes dance for young people, YDE hosts an action packed youth dance calendar linked to a national performance initiative - U.Dance. Selection platforms took place across the nine regions of England to find a youth dance group to represent their region at a national performance event, U.Dance England, at the Birmingham Hippodrome in July 2010.

Finding one London group was no easy task and it was young Londoners themselves who took on the responsibility of selecting the lucky performers. Libby Costello went along to the first performance at the Southbank Centre and the subsequent regional event at the Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells.

On 19 December 2009, Freshen Up a Fairytale at the Southbank Centre, hosted by London Youth Dance, saw 21 companies from around London perform at the Clore Ballroom within the Royal Festival Hall. Each group had been asked to respond to the theme Freshen Up a Fairytale, inspired by both venues’ Christmas productions - Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Sadler’s Wells and Zoonation’s Into the Hoods running at the Southbank Centre.

Audience members loved the day with the general public gathering curiously to investigate, drawn by the cheering crowds, often staying a while to enjoy the atmosphere.

Ten groups went on to perform at U.Dance London at the Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells in January 2010. A panel of young judges selected from the Aspire Dance Mentoring Scheme and overseen by professional dance artist Katie P made the final decisions as to which groups should go through to both U.Dance London

Dance is fun and motivational

Focus on… U.Dance London in Southwark

U. Dance London has:Engaged 290 young peopleInspired 21 new works Empowered 4 young decision makers as panel members

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“My boys have never danced before this summer. Not only has their dance ability improved beyond recognition, their confidence has increased tenfold.” Wendy, mother of two young dancers.

and finally on to the national U.Dance England event taking place in Birmingham. The chance to take on such a prestigious role was treated with a great deal of respect. André, Youth Dance Captain for Studio 3 Arts said “we know what it is like to be up there on stage and the hard work that each dancer has put in. We would not give nasty comments for the sake of it as this event is about encouraging young dancers and maybe they will go on to vocational training like us.”

In January, U.Dance London had a different feel as the event was ticketed and each group performed on a traditional stage, as opposed to in the Clore Ballroom, open to passers by. Kinetic Dance Company, five young dancers from Barnet led by teacher Rebecca Convey, presented an inventive piece set to a narration of Lewis Carroll’s poem The Jabberwocky.

Performing to a full house on both days, all groups had obviously put some serious rehearsal time in over the Christmas break. The father of Ryan from Interlude Dance Company said “since he joined Interlude he hasn’t stopped dancing. Zoe [his dance teacher] has been great, there wasn’t much time between them qualifying and today but she got them into a lot of rehearsals.” And it showed! With such a high standard from all groups the job of the panel of young judges was even tougher! Their piece retold the story of Thumbelina as a street dancer who, despite a turbulent journey, finds her crew and lives happily ever after.

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The piece selected to represent London at the national U.Dance event was performed by Shift, resident youth dance company at The Place, and was choreographed by Maresa Von Stockert. Combining props with movement to create the poignant piece, Planet Plastic, Shift showed us how dance can tackle important environmental issues, tell stories and entertain. Shift went on to meet other dance groups representing regions of England at U.Dance England on the 4 July 2010 at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Photo: Brian Slater

London Youth Dance has: communicated with over 6,000 young people and practitioners via monthly e-bulletins

Photo: Belinda Lawley

The London Youth Dance Day is an annual event which has become a highlight on the youth dance calendar in London. Held at The Scoop at More London, nestled next to the Mayors Office, the event showcases the work of 90 youth and school dance groups over one weekend. Punctuated by mini demos from vocational students and professional dancers, the event attracts audiences of friends, family, enthusiastic dance lovers and surprised passers by who stumble across this al fresco extravaganza. Lise Smith went down to see what all the fuss is about. Over 1,390 young dancers from all over London helped London Youth Dance Day celebrate its fifth birthday in the glorious sunshine over the final weekend of Big Dance 2010. The event, compered by Impact Dance’s Hakeem Onibudo and Katie P, attracted 81 youth dance companies and a lively crowd to the open-air amphitheatre at The Scoop!

“London Youth Dance Day aims to provide a unique performance opportunity for large numbers of young people in a relaxed and fun atmosphere,” explained London Youth Dance Coordinator Hannah Dye. The platform has grown each year since its launch in 2005 and from 2009 was expanded to cover two full days. In 2010, the weekend coincided with the culmination of Big Dance 2010, bringing dance activity in the capital to a probable all-time high. In celebration of London Youth Dance Day’s fifth birthday (and with one eye on the five Olympic rings of the forthcoming Games), groups were invited to respond to an optional theme of ‘the five world continents’. This is the first time a theme had been used at the dance day and 14 groups chose to use the theme in some way. “The range of interpretations was exciting and it was great for groups to step

Dance is diverse and entertaining

Focus on… London Youth Dance Day in Southwark

London Youth Dance Day, a London Youth Dance project has:Showcased 4,441 young dancersFeatured within 3 Big Dance campaigns Provided the debut performance for 40 youth dance groups over the past 5 years

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London Youth Dance has: delivered a signature project in 22 London Boroughs

Photo: Belinda Lawley

“London Youth Dance Day is open to all groups regardless of dance experience, style or number of dancers in one group. This open application procedure naturally results in a diverse selection of participating groups,” Hannah Dye, London Youth Dance Coordinator.

outside of their comfort zone and experience something different,” says Hannah, “Some groups responded by performing in different dance styles - African dance, Bollywood, and soca - whilst others used world music to influence their piece”. Jam Dance Company from Redbridge got the crowd going with Fabulous Bollywood, an infectious and energetic number performed in striking sequin costumes. Down the Road from Hackney’s Little Nutmeg group brought a ray of Caribbean sunshine to the stage and J’s Dance Factory combined ballet, afro-inspired dance, South American samba and bhangra beats in their World Stage piece.

“London Youth Dance Day is open to all groups regardless of dance experience, style or number of dancers in one group. This open application procedure naturally results in a diverse selection of participating groups,” says Hannah. Compere Hakeem Onibudo adds, “It was good to see a cross-section of different dance styles, different ages and abilities performing in the space.” Kayo Dance, from Barking and Dagenham, presented over 40 performers between the ages of 4 and 20 years old. Another group at home in front of an audience were Myself Dance Company, who have performed at Breakin’ Convention and were part of Youth Dance SpaceXchange earlier this year. Saturday performers Cloud 9 Thunder and Aim High who were both also part of SpaceXchange; and Harrow’s Srishti Yuva Culture, veterans of London Youth Dance’s U.Dance London and Jam Free events, took to the floor again with Rhythm Speaks. Hannah is delighted to have groups return year after year and also that so many performers choose to stay in the audience to enjoy each other’s work. “Many groups stay and watch, which is another important aspect of the weekend for us - it’s vital in creating the electric atmosphere at The Scoop!” she says. “Dance is on the up, and it’s really positive that London Youth Dance provides this opportunity for young people to dance” said Hakeem. Hannah added, “We hope the event continues to remain as popular as it is now, with groups returning each year and new groups discovering it.”

From street dance to salsa, ballet to bharatanatyam, recreational to professional groups, London Youth Dance Day represents a world of dance. Here’s to another five years!

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4: Training and Careers

Photos: Ben Johnson

& Belinda Lawley

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There are many times in a dancer’s career when one could benefit from a little advice, not least when you’re first starting out. But who do you turn to ask whether you should do a diploma or a degree course, train at 16 or 18, or how to get through the audition process in the first place?

London Youth Dance and the Council for Dance Education and Training (CDET) are working to bridge that gap with the Aspire Dance Mentoring Scheme, designed to open up communication between young dancers and those in professional training. The scheme matches up aspiring young dancers with vocational students, who in turn are linked with professionals working in the industry. Eileen Strong went along to find out if the participants felt any clearer about the range of pathways into the dance profession on offer to them.

15 year old Siobhan from Warlingham, on the London-Surrey border, was a participant in 2009-10, the scheme’s third year and was encouraged to apply for Aspire after friends told her of their positive experiences of previous years’ schemes. Siobhan was matched with 20 year old Emily Adams, who trains at The Centre Performing Arts College in Charlton, Greenwich. Emily feels the scheme is “a fantastic opportunity to meet new people - professionals and young people - as well as people from other vocational colleges. I would never get to meet anybody from other colleges normally. You get stuck in your own little bubble. I’m really grateful for all the opportunities we’ve had.”

Following an introductory event where the participants meet each other for the first time, everyone is encouraged to communicate regularly in their pairs. A number of workshops and theatre visits are also scheduled throughout the scheme’s duration in order to stimulate conversation amongst pairs and their peers and to expose the young people, students and professionals to the facilities and services provided by London’s dance agencies and venues.

Dance is a career

Focus on… Aspire across London

Aspire, a London Youth Dance Project has:Inspired 40 dance professionals to mentor voluntarilyPartnered 40 young dancers with vocational dance student mentors Exposed participants to 20 professional theatre productions over 4 years

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London Youth Dance has: delivered work with over 20 partner organisations, venues and agencies

Photo: Belinda Lawley

“As I leave Laban in a few months, I’m still apprehensive, but I know Kerry’s been through it all and it is a comfort knowing I could call her up for a chat or advice. I really hope others have and will benefit from this scheme, it is so worthwhile.” Ruth, vocational (now graduate) mentee 2007-08.

Past visits have included shows such as Wicked, Into the Hoods, Havana Rakatan and Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. Each young person has the opportunity to visit their vocational mentor’s school and shadow them for a day - getting a valuable and sometimes shock-inducing insight into the life of a full time dance student. After spending an intensive day shadowing Emily at The Centre, Siobhan now feels encouraged to audition for the college and her mentor has helped draw her attention to the college’s financially-assisted places. Principal dancer Kasper Cornish, came along to a number of the performance events and said that he had ”seen such an amazing array of shows and met a group of totally inspirational young artists whose energy and hunger, in turn, continue to inspire [him].”

While the junior mentee-mentor relationships are fostered through theatre visits and dance workshops, the pairings of vocational students and professional performers are left to the students to build, to encourage proactivity. Principal dancer Kerry Biggin, a mentor on the 2007-08 scheme is still in regular contact with her vocational (now graduate) mentee, Ruth. “I am really enjoying being part of this scheme and being as much of a support as I can to Ruth as she embarks on bridging the gap between training and professional life.”

Other previous professional mentors have included Hofesh Schechter, Hakeem Onibudo, Akram Khan, Tara Bhavnani, Adrian Allsop, and Arlene Phillips. Speaking about the scheme, Arlene said her mentee Lisa “now has some inside knowledge of the industry that will stand her in good stead.”

Emily has had regular email contact with her mentor, Adam Maskell, whose appearances include West End musicals and said one particular piece of advice has had an impact on her future plans. “Adam said not to commit yourself to one genre of dance, but to open up,” she explained. “You never know what job could lead to another job, so just take it and hope for the best.” She added “In five years time I would like to be doing this scheme as a professional mentor!” “And I want to be doing the scheme at college,” agreed Siobhan. Proof indeed that Aspire doesn’t just encourage aspirations but proves inspirational too.

A number of the young mentees have since successfully auditioned for vocational schools, including one girl who was offered a place at the Central School of Ballet and also hopes to be a mentor herself one day. One young male mentee said: “During Aspire I’ve also had the opportunity to join one of the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) schemes in London. If I hadn’t auditioned for Aspire, I wouldn’t have got into CAT or even known about it!”

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Centres for Advanced Training (CATs), a national initiative, identify children with exceptional potential in dance and develop their talent through pioneering programmes; creating and inspiring future generations of world class dancers and choreographers. Following a pilot scheme in 2004, the scheme has now been running at The Place for five years and currently offers technique and creative classes to young people aged 10 - 18. Lise Smith went along to the scheme’s 2010 summer event at the Robin Howard Theatre at The Place.

The end of July saw The Place’s CAT scheme celebrate its fifth birthday with a performance presenting work by influential choreographers including Henri Oguike, Jose Vidal, Anh Noc-Nguyen and Bawren Tavaziva. “Today is quite a special day for us because it’s a celebration of the year’s programme and it is also the culmination of the 40th anniversary celebrations here at The Place,” explains Melanie Precious, Director of Recreational and Prevocational Dance (Maternity Cover) at The Place.

The scheme aims to help young dancers to develop their potential and provide a link to full-time vocational dance training. “It’s a fantastic mechanism to prepare students for vocational training and as we have the London Contemporary Dance School here it makes perfect sense,” says Melanie. “At the moment we’re offering this opportunity to 75 - 80 students and it’s an exceedingly important part of our progression offer to young people here at The Place.”

In addition to the established choreographers contributing work for the four CAT sets, this year’s programme includes a special commission created by LCDS graduate and teaching assistant James Cousins on three CAT alumni who are now in vocational training. “James worked intensively with our alumni dancers to create an exciting trio playing with rhythmic isolation movement ideas,” says Lucy Field, CAT Programme Manager. Dancers Gabriela Solana, Parsifal James Hurst and Kinga Jaczewska have just completed their first years at London Contemporary Dance School and Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

Dance is a vocation

Focus on… Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) in Camden

The Centres for Advanced Training:Champion world-class pre-vocational trainingExpose young dancers to industry professionals Cultivate the young artists of tomorrow

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“I’ve been assisting on the CAT scheme for the last year and helping out with Boys’ Ballet as well,” explains James, a Youth Dance England National Young Dance Ambassador. During his training at LCDS, James developed a strong interest in choreography and had his work performed as part of a gala performance at Buckingham Palace. Lucy felt that James’ ‘fantastic choreographic vision’ would provide a great opportunity to showcase the progress of CAT alumni since leaving the scheme. James will be dancing with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures from next month and hopes to spend some years performing as well as continuing to choreograph with a view to launching his own company in the future.

12 CAT students are graduating this year into vocational training programmes at institutions including The BRIT School, Arts Educational School, London Studio Centre and the Rotterdam Academy. “We’re trying to get students to think outside the UK with their training,” says Lucy, who hopes that more CAT students will opt for international training academies in the future.

In addition to working with renowned choreographers during intensive workshop weeks, CAT students take part in weekly technique and creative classes. Courtney, who has been part of the CAT for two years, has enjoyed experimenting with different movement ideas. “I’ve learnt how to expand my work, especially in my creative sessions,” she says. “I’ve learnt how to take a risk and not just stick to my usual moves.” Courtney has been dancing for several years before joining the CAT, but the scheme accepts dancers from a variety of training backgrounds, including young people with little previous training, based on ability and potential.

Jason has only been dancing for two years, but has already been promoted to CAT Set 4, the most advanced set. “I was originally in Set 3 and for one piece I was in Set 4, so I got to work with lots of different people,” he explains. “The level of professionalism that all the people had was really good to work with.”

Jessie joined the CAT two years ago and feels she has benefited from working with a number of different choreographers, including Henri Oguike and Renaud Wiser this year. “I think I’ve learnt to adapt to different choreographers’ styles, and to work with other young people my age to produce pieces that are good to watch,” she says.

CAT training can also help prepare students for careers outside of contemporary dance. “I’m leaving the CAT this year in order to go into the other end of what I do - I’d like to do musical theatre and that’s where I really see myself in the future,” says Jason. “But I think this training has helped, one with the technique and two to give me the enjoyment to want to come back and go for companies such as Jasmin Vardimon in the future.”

The Centre for Advanced Training offers young dancers the opportunity to develop their potential in a supportive, professional environment. “We’re really proud of the Centre for Advanced Training here at The Place,” says Melanie Precious.

“At the moment we’re offering this opportunity to 75 - 80 students and it’s an exceedingly important part of our progression offer to young people here at The Place.” Melanie Precious, Director of Recreational and Prevocational Dance (Maternity Cover) at The Place.

5: Links

All Changewww.allchangearts.org

Arts Council Englandwww.artscouncil.org.uk

Barbicanwww.barbican.org.uk

Boy Blue Entertainmentwww.boyblueent.com

Big Dancewww.bigdance.org.uk

Centre for Advanced Training (CAT)www.nationaldancecats.co.uk

Council for Dance Education and Training (CDET)www.cdet.org.uk

Dance Art Foundationwww.danceartfoundation.com

Dance UKwww.danceuk.org

East London Dancewww.eastlondondance.org

English National Balletwww.ballet.org.uk

Labanwww.laban.org

londondance.comwww.londondance.com

London Youth Dancewww.londondance.com/youthdance

Richmond Theatrewww.Richmondtheatre.net

Royal Academy of Dancewww.rad.org.uk

Royal Albert Hallwww.royalalberthall.com

Sadler’s Wellswww.sadlerswells.com

Southbank Centrewww.southbankcentre.co.uk

The Placewww.theplace.org.uk

Youth Dance Englandwww.yde.org.uk

Web Playwww.webplay.org

U. Dancewww.u-dance.org

Want to find out more?

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This document is available online at www.londondance.com/celebratingyouthdance

and can also be sent to you in large print, audio and

braile formats by request.

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This page and back cover photos: Belinda LawleyWith Thanks to: Srishti Yuva Culture, Rouge, Emma, Oli, Joshua, Leon, Matthew and Cambridge Performing Arts