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School Dance Clubs

Find out if there is an after school or lunchtime club running at your school, and if not, why not talk to a teacher about setting one up! This might be in any style – contemporary, creative, cheerleading, street, jazz, break…a great way to keep dancing regularly, develop your skills, and create pieces for performances. Some schools will offer The Sports Leaders UK Award in Dance Leadership, see http://www.sportsleaders.org/our-awards/level-1-award-in-dance-leadership.aspx

Dance Agencies

Contact your nearest regional or national dance agency which will give you details of classes, courses and projects that you can take part in. Some classes and projects are funded or subsidised so can be very affordable or sometimes free! In contrast to dance schools, agencies are unlikely to focus on examinations and offer classes for all levels and abilities.

For example, Ludus Dance is the agency for Lancashire and runs dance classes and youth groups at the Dance Centre in Lancaster as well as in arts, youth and community centres and schools through out the County.

Youth Dance Groups

Being a member of a local or regional youth dance group or company is a great way to develop your skills as a dancer, performer and choreographer. You may get the opportunity to travel as part of a tour or exchange, or to perform at regional or national dance events and festivals. This experience can support other studies such as a GCSE, A Level or BTEC in dance, and if you are considering undertaking professional training at Higher Education level (degree or diploma), being involved in a youth dance group would be considered valuable and relevant experience when you apply. Many successful professional dancers first started dancing in a youth dance group! 

Contact your regional or national dance agency to find your nearest youth dance group, or check out the Youth Dance England website. This is the national agency for youth dance and registering on the ‘Directory of Dance’ will help you search for your nearest group and keep you up to date with current news, events and opportunities.