Stockport Street Dance

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Case Study - Children & Young People
Stockport Street Dance Project

"Because we have to listen and concentrate hard at dance, we now start to do it in class as well, and we have got better grades”

The aim was to access 60 young boys from three local primary schools to create a boy's youth dance group. The moves contained within break dancing are particularly appropriate for young men as they strengthen muscles and bones, which are rapidly developing at this age.

With a focus on the physical, dance has the potential to access young people who don't excel in a classroom environment i.e. those with learning, physical or mental disabilities.

When questioned, the boys state that they have become fitter and stronger as a result of participating in breakdance, and over 50% of the group have lost weight as a result of taking part in more physical activities outside of school.

The project also meets the aims of the wider SRB regeneration scheme in the Adswood & Bridgehall area, particularly as it is raising aspirations and providing diversionary activity for young males."

One of the boys aged 11 says "Before breakdance I was just roaming round the streets, doing nothing, being bored. It's just changed my life completely. I get respect because it's not easy. Before I did breakdance I thought when I grew up I'd just be the same kind of person, roaming around the streets. Now when I grow up I want to be a break dancer."

Another boy (11) says "Before break dancing I didn't have any hobbies, I wasn't as active as I am now. I didn't have anywhere to go at the weekends and I just sat in the house all day. I enjoy my life now. I didn't enjoy it before.

Benefits to Schools
• Improved behaviour and confidence in school for participants and integration of isolated children into friendship circles.
• Strengthened links with other primary schools in the area through joint working.
• Opportunity to be part of a flagship project which has attracted positive media coverage and raised the profile of schools in the area.
• Schools may highlight the benefits of breakdance to Ofsted inspectors.
• Improved scores in academic tests at Bridgehall Primary School.

"Now that we have breakdance club to look forward to, it makes me want to go to school Monday morning because the sooner I go, the sooner I get to do breakdance."

Contact: Mags Lowe Arts Co-ordinator; e-mail: mags.lowe@stockport.gov.uk