Step Into Dance

Step into Dance. Photo: Zoe Troughton

Step Into Dance for young people comes to Hackney this spring courtesy of the Royal Academy of Dance and the Jack Petchey Foundation.  It starts at 7pm on Thursday 10 March at the Jack Petchey Academy.

The renowned scheme works with schools in selected London boroughs, offering 11-16 year olds free dance classes and a unique opportunity to enjoy a wide range of dance styles and training .

Since January 2007, Step into Dance has encouraged participation in dance by offering free, weekly classes in dance styles including African, Ballroom, Bollywood, Hip Hop, Breaking, Contemporary, Flamenco, Jazz & Musical Theatre, Jive, Latin and Street regardless of experience and ability levels.

The scheme culminates annually with the event Step LIVE! at Sadlers Wells in July, where all participants are able to perform in front of the public, friends and family.

Sue Goodman, Step into Dance’s Programme Artistic Director, said of the impact of dance on the lives of students: “I have seen talented individuals with an interest in dance and no formal training use Step into Dance as a springboard to gain confidence and the tools they need to access a career in dance. I have also witnessed Special Educational Needs students develop an awareness and appreciation of what they can do and feel the power of performing dance in front of an audience. What makes the programme so wonderful is that it nurtures dancers of all sorts.”

More information about Step Into Dance.