Press release from Youth Dance England Dance: Streets Ahead

Press release from Youth Dance England

Dance: Streets Ahead

A new guide for teaching dance in schools – the first of its kind since 1993, has been produced and issued to schools in England.

The guide, called Dance In and Beyond Schools, gives teachers essential information and support in teaching the subject, in-line with the schools’ curriculum. The likes of which has not been available in such a form until now.

After football, dance is the most popular physical activity among young people in England. The Dance In and Beyond Schools guide gives teachers the ability to meet demands for high quality teaching. Currently only 10% of teachers teaching dance in schools and colleges in England have specialist qualifications in the subject, this publication allows all teachers to plan, develop and produce high quality dance classes for children and young people.

The all-encompassing guide tells the reader how to plan to teach a class, how to develop an individual’s and groups’ skills as well as how dance can benefit a young person’s health. The guide provides plans for class development in a step-by-step fashion, tips on how to inspire young people to create, watch and appreciate a performance and how to progress to a career in the field.

Chris Scott, 19, National Young Dance Ambassador said:

“I had the chance to take part in dance in and out of school – I was really lucky. It taught me lots of skills and helped me as a person. Many young people don’t have this opportunity – especially boys. My hope is that this guide inspires and helps teachers across England to teach dance and inspire others to start teaching in and out of schools.”

The 60-page publication, produced by Youth Dance England with support from a number of leading public bodies (see editors notes), draws on information from government departments and dance organisations, making an essential resource for teaching children and young people at primary and  secondary age level.

Richard Alston CBE, Chair of Youth Dance England and Artistic Director of the Richard Alston Dance Company said:

“I’m thrilled that Dance In and Beyond Schools has been written – it’s full of useful information and strikes a skilful balance between imagination and down-to-earth common sense; that’s all too rare and something to be really welcomed.”

A copy of the guide has been sent to schools in England, and will be launched to the dance sector at Youth Dance England’s conference on Thursday 23 September in London as one of the three major sector developments to be unveiled at the event.

As well as a resource for teachers, Dance In and Beyond Schools is a tool for dance practitioners, allowing them to gain new, and develop existing skills in working with young people, such as linking schools to the wider community, planning local, regional and national events. 

Dance in and Beyond Schools is available on-line to download for free from today at www.yde.org.uk/publications hard copies can be obtained from Youth Dance England, copies are free (p&p apply).