Back in 2019, we re-launched Youth Dance Company in North Seacroft. At the time there was no venue or affordable youth activities in the area.

In 2020 thanks to our generous supporters we started a free dance class for young people in the newly refurbished Kentmere Community Centre (and of course we’ve had a few Zoom sessions since then as well). Because of the overwhelming community support we secured additional funding from Children in Need, which, together with donations, is keeping the project running long term.

It’s been an especially challenging year for young people moving up to high school and many are struggling with low confidence. Tamsin joined our holiday dance and food sessions. Initially shy, it was clear she was nervous about starting a new high school after two years of barely seeing her primary school friends. Our artists introduced her to some of the members who already attend her new school. Each week they focused on giving the group some much needed fun and enjoyment.

A couple of months on and Tamsin’s confidence has grown enormously, she has made new school friends in the Youth Company and is pushing herself to learn new movements. She is starting to engage her emotions when she dances showing a real talent and interest in performing.

Tamsin recently volunteered to take part in a BBC Radio interview about the Company and explained

“It’s really good because we get to dance a lot and we just… get ourselves energised… You make new friends a lot and you just laugh a lot and it makes you smile.”

Yorkshire Dance Youth runs every Wednesday at Kentmere Community Centre, Seacroft, 5.00pm – 6.30pm.  If you are interested in coming to these classes please just come along or text/call Ione on 07858464758. You can also email: IoneBarton@Yorkshiredance.com. Find out more here.