PRESS RELEASE: Young people from the UK's largest inclusive dance programme to Step Around Town this spring and July

[Jan McNulty]

PRESS RELEASE DATE: 19/03/24

 

Young dancers to Step Around Town this Spring

Step Around Town is an annual dance event for young people around London & Essex to experience the joy of dance

 

Photo credit: Marble and Sky.

 

 

• Young people from across the London boroughs will participate in Step Around Town, a Step into Dance event created by Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in partnership with Jack Petchey Foundation, which is celebrating its 25^th anniversary
• From 16 April – 9 May, Step Around Town 2024 will be a series of uplifting and energetic evenings of dance suitable for everyone
• Events are based in London boroughs: Wandsworth, Barnet, Croydon, Newham, Southwark and Bexley
• Step Around Town is one of a number of events organised by Step into Dance, a programme enabling young people from across London and Essex to discover their potential through the inspiration and discipline of dance.

 

From 16 April – 9 May 2024, young people from across six London boroughs will participate in Step Around Town. Step Around Town is a series of energetic and uplifting performances for young people from London and Essex to come together and experience the joy of dance, created by Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in partnership with Jack Petchey Foundation. Performances will be taking place at schools and colleges in Wandsworth, Barnet, Croydon, Newham, Southwark and Bexley.

 

The Step Around Town performances – happening from 16 April until 9 May – are a chance to see the array of work from schools and youth organisations on the Step into Dance programme, as well as appearances by Step into Dance’s youth company, SYNC. The shows offer the chance for young people on the Step into Dance programme to come together with their peers and showcase the different dance styles they’ve learnt in front of friends, families and their local community.

 

For the first time the programme will include relaxed performances for SEND groups at the RAD’s HQ in Wandsworth. Inclusivity is at the heart of all Step into Dance events and these sharings have been specifically curated to cater to students with additional needs.

 

Step Around Town is one of the many events created by the Royal Academy of Dance’s Step into Dance programme, which is one of the UK’s largest inclusive secondary school programmes run in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation. Other Step into Dance events include Step into Dance’s Battle and Step Live, which provide further opportunities for young people to come together and dance.

 

Speaking of the programme Tim Arthur Chief Executive of the RAD says: “Step Around Town is a brilliant series of events where young dancers from our Step into Dance programme share the wonders of dance. These events are highly anticipated by friends, families and the local communities, and really showcase the positive impact dance has on young people’s social skills and confidence.”

 

Gemma Juma, Chief Executive Officer of the Jack Petchey Foundation, said: “The Step Around Town events are an opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate young dancers. The talent and creativity on show is always exceptional, and their enthusiasm brings with it a joyful atmosphere. It’s a great showcase of what these young people can achieve with hard work and dedication.”

 

Step into Dance, a Royal Academy of Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation, enables young people to develop their passion, skills and understanding of dance. Working with mainstream and SEND schools across London and Essex, Step into Dance reaches around 3,000 students annually through a diverse and inclusive programme of weekly classes, workshops and performance opportunities, aiming to reach those that might not otherwise connect with dance.

 

TICKETS

 

Performances take place across London boroughs from 16 April – 9 May. Tickets are free although donations will be accepted on the door: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/dance-with-us/step-into-dance/events/step-around-town-2024/   

 

To learn more about Step into Dance programme visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t_lH8mVC74

 

If you’d like to be part of the Step into Dance programme visit: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/dance-with-us/step-into-dance/schools/

 

 

Notes to Editors

 

Step into Dance

Delivered by professional dance practitioners and artists, Step into Dance supports the general wellbeing and healthy development of young people, and enables them to develop knowledge, techniques, and experiences in dance, as well as acquiring personal skills that transfer to being successful in whatever their future lives may hold.

 

The main objective of the Step into Dance programme continues to be to reach as many young people as possible in the London and Essex regions through regular dance sessions in schools, creating opportunities for youth to connect to dance, and reaching young people that might not otherwise have this possibility.

 

Step into Dance is a Royal Academy of Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation

 

www.royalacademyofdance.org/step-into-dance

 

Royal Academy of Dance

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the most influential dance education and training organisations in the world with a strong global membership in 85 countries.

 

Established in 1920 to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training, the Academy helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes with the Academy and each year the examination syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with around a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take RAD exams.

www.royalacademyofdance.org

 

Jack Petchey Foundation

Established in 1999, The Jack Petchey Foundation gives grants to programmes and projects that benefit young people aged 11-25, focusing on London and Essex. The Foundation exists to raise the aspirations of young people, to help them take advantage of opportunities and play a full part in society. Since it has been established, the Foundation has awarded grants totalling over £170 million. In 2024 the Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a series of events.

www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk

[Jan McNulty]

News about another event:

 

PRESS RELEASE 13/06/2024

 

Young people to come together for Step Live this July!

 

Step Live is an annual celebration of young dancers from across the capital, created by the UK’s largest inclusive secondary school dance programme

 

Photo credit: WIlliamson’s Photography.

 

• Over 20 schools from across London will come together on 10 July to share and showcase the joy of dance
• Matinee and evening performances will take place at the prestigious Britten Theatre at the Royal College of Music
• Step Live is the biggest event organised by Step into Dance, the UK’s largest inclusive dance programme for secondary school students in partnership with Jack Petchey Foundation.

 

Talented school students from across London will come together on 10 July for Step Live 2024, one of the biggest dance events for school students in the UK.

 

Over 20 schools from across London will participate in Step Live, an event organised by Royal Academy of Dance’s (RAD) Step into Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation.

 

Step into Dance is the UK’s largest inclusive dance programmes for secondary school students, enabling young people to develop their passion, skills and understanding of dance. Working with mainstream and SEND schools across London and Essex, Step into Dance reaches around 3,000 students annually through a diverse and inclusive programme of weekly classes, workshops and performance opportunities, aiming to reach those that might not otherwise connect with dance.

 

At Step Live 2024, school students from London boroughs will take to the Britten Theatre stage at the Royal College of Music to perform a variety of dynamic dance styles including jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, commercial and afro-fusion. These styles, and more, are taught on the Step into Dance programme.

 

Several SEND schools will also take part in Step Live either through performing onstage or through films to be screened at Step Live 2024.

 

Royal Academy of Dance’s youth company SYNC will also be performing a piece that is a fusion of jazz and hip-hop dance styles and choreographed by Step into Dance practitioners.

 

Gemma Juma, Chief Executive Officer of the Jack Petchey Foundation, said: “This is an exciting and uplifting programme and we are proud to once again be partnering with the Royal Academy of Dance on it. Step into Dance offers young people from diverse backgrounds the chance to develop their dance skills and flourish as confident performers. The young dancers who take to the stage at these showcases have worked so hard this year and are incredibly talented. They should be proud of their achievements.”

 

Alexander Campbell, Artistic Director of RAD said: “Step into Dance is a brilliant and impactful programme with thousands of young dancers taking part and learning a huge variety of different dance styles. The Step into Dance events are always thrilling and inspiring, and Step Live will bring exactly the same energy. Audiences are in for a real treat.”

 

Bookings are now open for this event. To find out more and secure your place visit: United Kingdom | Step Live 2024 (royalacademyofdance.org)

 

To learn more about Step into Dance programme watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t_lH8mVC74

 

This year, the Jack Petchey Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary. The RAD is proud to be partners with them in inspiring and celebrating the achievements of young people. To stay in the loop on all the exciting events, opportunities, and news to celebrate this incredible milestone visit: Home | Jack Petchey Foundation

 

LISTING INFORMATION:

 

Step Live 2024

Date: Weds 10 July 2024

Location: Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music

Time: Matinee performance (14:00), evening performance (19:30)

Booking link: United Kingdom | Step Live 2024 (royalacademyofdance.org)

 

Notes to Editors

 

Step into Dance

Delivered by professional dance practitioners and artists, Step into Dance supports the general wellbeing and healthy development of young people, and enables them to develop knowledge, techniques, and experiences in dance, as well as acquiring personal skills that transfer to being successful in whatever their future lives may hold.

 

The main objective of the Step into Dance programme continues to be to reach as many young people as possible in the London and Essex regions through regular dance sessions in schools, creating opportunities for youth to connect to dance, and reaching young people that might not otherwise have this possibility.

 

Step into Dance is a Royal Academy of Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation.

 

www.royalacademyofdance.org/step-into-dance

 

Royal Academy of Dance

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the most influential dance education and training organisations in the world with a strong global membership in over 80 countries.

 

Established in 1920 to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training, the RAD helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes with the RAD and each year the examination syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with around a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take RAD exams.

 

A registered charity, the RAD inspires the world to dance, running both international and UK-based events and programmes including The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competiton, Silver Swans, Step into Dance, RADiate, ballet classes for the cancer community and more.

www.royalacademyofdance.org

 

Jack Petchey Foundation

The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up by Sir Jack Petchey CBE to inspire and celebrate young people. Since 1999, over £170 million has been invested in programmes to benefit almost 1.2m young people aged 11-25 across London and Essex.

 

We support many programmes, from sport to science, music to mentoring, internships to volunteering and more. We encourage every young person to get involved and try something new.

 

Our major programme is the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme, which is run in 1,400 youth clubs, youth organisations and secondary schools across London and Essex and recognises the achievements of around 12,000 young people every year.

 

 

[Jan McNulty]

PRESS RELEASE 12/07/2024

 

Young dancers shine at Step Live 2024

 

Step Live is an annual celebration of young dancers from across the capital and Essex created by the UK’s largest inclusive secondary school dance programme

 

Photo credit: Hannah Brandon

 

• Schools from across London and Essex came together for Step Live 2024
• Dynamic performances took place at the prestigious Britten Theatre at the Royal College of Music
• Step Live is the biggest event organised by Step into Dance, the UK’s largest inclusive dance programme for secondary school students in partnership with Jack Petchey Foundation
• Performances were dedicated to the late Sir Jack Petchey CBE, founder of Jack Petchey Foundation, who passed away last month.

 

On Wednesday 10 July gifted young school students from across London and Essex came together for Step Live 2024, one of the biggest dance events for school students in the UK. Step Live is an event organised by Royal Academy of Dance’s (RAD) Step into Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation.

 

Over 200 students from schools across London and Essex took to the Britten Theatre stage at the Royal College of Music to perform dynamic dance routines that they have learnt on the Step into Dance programme. Dance styles included jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, commercial and afro-fusion.   

 

Participating schools included:

 

• Mulberry School for Girls (SEND), Tower Hamlets
• Orchard Park High, Croydon
• Highams Park, Waltham Forest
• Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls, Greenwich
• Saffron Walden County High School, Essex
• Hendon School, Barnet
• Camden School for Girls, Camden
• Woodcote High School, Croydon
• Cheam High School, Sutton
• Heron Academy, Southwark
• Hornsey School for Girls, Haringey
• City & Islington College, Islington
• Acland Burghley, Camden
• Hayes School, Bromley
• Harris Academy Tottenham, Haringey
• Parliament Hill School, Camden
• Charles Darwin School, Bromley
• Vale School [video appearance], Haringey

 

Step into Dance alum Ela Stettner, who will enrol at Northern School of Contemporary Dance this September, gave a special performance at Step Live’s matinee show. Royal Academy of Dance’s youth company SYNC also performed a piece that was a fusion of jazz and hip-hop dance styles and choreographed by Step into Dance practitioners.

 

Step Live is one of many events organised by Royal Academy of Dance’s (RAD) Step into Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation.

 

Step into Dance is the UK’s largest inclusive dance programmes for secondary school students, enabling young people to develop their passion, skills and understanding of dance. Working with mainstream and SEND schools across London and Essex, Step into Dance reaches around 3,000 students annually through a diverse and inclusive programme of weekly classes, workshops and performance opportunities, aiming to reach those that might not otherwise connect with dance.

 

Gemma Juma, Jack Petchey Foundation’s CEO, said of this year’s collaboration: “The Jack Petchey Foundation is proud to once again be working with the Royal Academy of Dance on this uplifting programme. The Step Live Festival is the culmination of a year-long programme that gives incredibly talented young people the chance to perform on a prestigious stage like they did today.  Dance supports the physical and mental well-being of young people, and that’s why the programme meant a lot to Sir Jack Petchey CBE. The young performers have worked so hard over the year and have delivered a showstopping spectacle of youth talent – they should be proud of their achievements!”

 

Matt Rantell, Chair of Trustees of the Jack Petchey Foundation, said: “My grandfather, Sir Jack Petchey, always loved to dance, but said he was always afraid to ask a girl to dance with him when he was younger because he feared he had two left feet! Watching Strictly Come Dancing, he said he wanted all young people to feel they could get up and dance and that’s why this programme with the Royal Academy of Dance was set up. He recognised that engaging young people in the performing arts was a great way to teach them new skills and build their confidence to express themselves. Sadly, he passed away last month, at the age of 98, but he would have been so proud of every young person performing at the Step Live Festival today – as am I!”

 

Alex Lowe Deputy Artistic Director of Royal Academy of Dance said: “I am thrilled to have been part of the Step Live performance. The energy, passion, and joy displayed by the young performers was truly inspiring. RAD's commitment to providing dance opportunities and encouraging inclusivity aligns perfectly with our purpose and values. It was a delight to witness the diverse range of dances and talent showcased by each of the schools. This event truly highlighted the transformative power of dance.”

 

To learn more about Step into Dance programme watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t_lH8mVC74

 

This year, the Jack Petchey Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary. The RAD is proud to be partners with them in inspiring and celebrating the achievements of young people. To stay in the loop on all the exciting events, opportunities, and news to celebrate this incredible milestone visit: Home | Jack Petchey Foundation

                                         

 

Step into Dance

Delivered by professional dance practitioners and artists, Step into Dance supports the general wellbeing and healthy development of young people, and enables them to develop knowledge, techniques, and experiences in dance, as well as acquiring personal skills that transfer to being successful in whatever their future lives may hold.

 

The main objective of the Step into Dance programme continues to be to reach as many young people as possible in the London and Essex regions through regular dance sessions in schools, creating opportunities for youth to connect to dance, and reaching young people that might not otherwise have this possibility.

 

Step into Dance is a Royal Academy of Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation

www.royalacademyofdance.org/step-into-dance

 

Royal Academy of Dance

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the most influential dance education and training organisations in the world with a strong global membership in over 80 countries.

 

Established in 1920 to improve standards and re-invigorate dance training, the RAD helps and encourages its teachers to perfect their teaching skills and pass on this knowledge to their students. There are currently over 1,000 students in full-time or part-time teacher training programmes with the RAD and each year the examination syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with around a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take RAD exams.

 

A registered charity, the RAD inspires the world to dance, running both international and UK-based events and programmes including The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competiton, Silver Swans, Step into Dance, RADiate, ballet classes for the cancer community and more.

www.royalacademyofdance.org

 

Jack Petchey Foundation

 

The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up by Sir Jack Petchey CBE to inspire and celebrate young people. Since 1999, over £170 million has been invested in programmes to benefit almost 1.2m young people aged 11-25 across London and Essex.

 

We support many programmes, from sport to science, music to mentoring, internships to volunteering and more. We encourage every young person to get involved and try something new.

 

Our major programme is the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme, which is run in 1,400 youth clubs, youth organisations and secondary schools across London and Essex and recognises the achievements of around 12,000 young people every year.