A youth led dance project for young people
Who we are
20 young people
Where we're based
2inSpire, London
When we started
Nov-09
How we started
Having been part of local dance groups and having taught dance sessions professionally and voluntarily, young people Michael Grandison [20] and Paula Libanio wanted to make a difference to the local area and decided to set up their own dance project. Using their own initiative they appied for a Southwark Youth Opportunities grant for £5000, which they were awarded. This meant they were able to buy equipment, and provide dance workshops for a core group of 20 young people, as well as hold a showcase in February 2010, which attracted 82 people.
Our work
Get Down Dance is a grass roots organisation which offers FREE dance sessions to young people once a week. As it is run by young people, for young people it offers a place to dance in a fun atmosophere, safe place and offers a chance for young people to be creative and have ownership of their own project. As well as streetdance, the young people have a chance to work with professional tutors in a variety of dance styles - contemporary, hip hop, jazz, breaking and popping and locking. At least twice a year they aim to hold showcases for the young people to share their talent. This project is supported by InSpire at St Peter's.
Future plans
The founding duo Michael and Paula have registered as a grass roots organisation with Southwark Council, and are applying for a variety of funds to continue their project on a regular basis. They are currently being funded by InSpire at ST Peter's ACTION SE17 initiative. They are planning a huge showcase - Get to Get Up to Get Down - in December at Fairfield Hall, Croydon to showcase all the local talent, as well as be a fund raising charity event for children in need at Evelinas Children Hospital and The neonatal Unit based in Westminster at St Thomas's Hospital. With this event they want to show young people helping other young people and be positive role models in their community.
