‘First Glance’ at DARE Dance – very inspiring

Families and friends gathered at the Forum on Friday 19 November to watch some of the first sightings of the various dance performances being developed by all age groups at DARE Dance (www.daredance.org.uk).

The event, called ‘First Glance’, saw two Infants groups, one from Barrow and one from Dalton perform a dance each in front of the very appreciate and supportive audience of around 200 people.

The Junior groups, also one each from Barrow and Dalton also took to the stage and performed great routines for the crowd. Amongst all of this were performances from the DARE Youth Group which this year is also working in partnership with the Inspiring Communities programme.

The Youth Group performed three dances, one contemporary, one Bollywood style and one based around African dance moves. The African dance was inspired after two residencies from ‘IRIE! dance theatre’ (www.iriedancetheatre.org), which is Britain’s leading dance theatre company working in the field of African & Caribbean dance fusion. The company visited Barrow twice over the last year and the young people have used this experience as inspiration and learning to develop their own African themed performance – it was a great hit with the audience.

As part of the partnership with Inspiring Communities DARE Dance has been supporting and enabling young people to experience dance for the first time, meet professional dancers, such as the IRIE! Dance theatre, and consider dance as a career as well as a pastime or leisure activity. The young people have also been able to gain credits in the ASDAN Award scheme (www.asdan.org.uk). ASDAN offers flexible ways to deliver programmes and qualifications which accredit skills for learning, skills for employment and skills for life.

On the night of the ‘First Glance’ performances 10 young people were presented with their certificates for receiving a credit in the ASDAN scheme for their work in expressive arts, a further 10 young people have received certificates through their works with DARE Dance. Colin Smith, Inspiring Communities campaign leader and former head-teacher of Greengate Junior School, presented the certificates and said how well the young people had done in working so hard and how that was evident in their excellent performances on the night. Colin said, “It’s great to see young people being involved, being inspired and he hoped that they would continue to develop their talents in the future.”

Amanda Mortlock, DARE Dance’s Creative Director, said “The young people have achieved a lot, learning three different dances styles and supporting others in the group. It was a real boost to them to receive their certificates.”

All in all some excellent work from all involved and thanks must go to DARE Dance for their part in working with, and inspiring, our young people and of course to the young people themselves for working so hard and putting on such a great show.