East Riding of Yorkshire Council has secured funding from Arts Council England for the next three years for the first strand of a new dance initiative in the East Riding, ‘Dance on the Map’. The first strand of the project is youth dance and it will develop and provide a community dance programme for young people aged 11 to 18.
‘Dance on the Map’ will develop and provide a community dance programme for young people. There is no other form of youth dance work currently taking place in the East Riding and this project will provide opportunities to take part in workshops and projects. The vision is to engage young people and place dance as a focal part of community life beyond the lifespan of the project.
‘Dance on the Map’ will take place in local venues, whilst linking in with dance programming at some of the East Riding’s theatres and festivals. It will further develop progression routes for young people through the regular County Company sessions for young people wanting to take dance further, building creative skills, experience and fitness.
A range of dance styles, from contemporary to urban, will be offered across the three years and evaluation will play a key role in the continued artistic development of the project.
East Riding Youth Dance is now recruiting for the spring term, starting week commencing Monday 23 February. It aims to provide young people with little or no previous dance experience, with a fun, energetic and inspiring opportunity to develop both their dance technique and creative dance skills.
The sessions will focus on strength building and fitness, along with the creation of an original piece of dance, which will be performed at the biggest Youth Dance Platform in the area on Sunday 31 May 2015 at The Spa, Bridlington, alongside other invited guest companies.
Councillor Richard Burton, portfolio holder for civic wellbeing and culture, said “If you are wanting to increase fitness and muscle tone; improve your co-ordination, balance and posture; and are excited by the opportunity to learn creatively with specialist dance artists, look no further. I hope lots of young people will want to enrol on ‘Dance on the Map’ and gain all these benefits, whilst acquiring brand new skills”.
The youth dance groups are taking place for 12 weeks in four areas of the East Riding:
Memorial Hall, Beverley Tuesdays
The Spa, Bridlington Mondays
The Courtyard, Goole Saturdays
Woldgate College, Pocklington Tuesdays
All groups start week commencing 23 February 2015
The cost is £45 per term (12 weeks).
To enrol please call 01482 395320 or visit the website www.eryd.co.uk
