Joe Cummins joined Rotherham Boys Project in 2013, before which he had little experience of dance. Through it, he has developed in confidence, skill and enthusiasm and was recently nominated as lead choreographer for the regional Dance Whispers project. Visiting Sadler’s Wells and connecting to young people in the National Youth Dance Company has opened Joe’s eyes to new opportunities and experiences.

Joe says of his involvement in the project, “Rebuzz has given me so many opportunities, I’ve made new friends, learnt new skills and performed at so many different platforms. When I leave school I want to complete a diploma in Dance at Rotherham College and hopefully go on to study dance at University as I want to become a dance teacher. I’ve really enjoyed working with different choreographers in ReBuzz and I’m looking forward to our next project as I’m able to make my choreography on the group. I really enjoy coming to Rebuzz every week. If I didn’t come I think I’d just be playing on my Xbox or winding my Mum up! Being involved has made me realise how much I enjoy dancing.”

Claire Anyon, Head of Dance Department and Assessment To Support Learning Co-ordinator at Rotherham’s Wath Comprehensive School, says, “The most important part of the project for me is how it has developed [the boys] as people. They have learnt to work with people outside of their normal circle of friends and have developed a very mature attitude to dance within a group. They have matured as a whole and now have extremely professional attitudes when in workshops, technique classes and rehearsals. They have also been given the opportunity to be good at something, and for a couple of the boys this is vital in their development not only at school but as individuals… Joe has improved so much so that I am meeting with his parents in a couple of weeks to discuss him attending YYD CAT auditions. They understand they have to work hard for whatever it is they want and I really believe this is down to the boys dance project.”

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12 Oct 2015