16 May 2023 13:08

Step Around Town 2023

April and May saw six successful Step Around Town events held in Wandsworth, Haringey, Croydon, Southwark, and Lewisham.

Photo: Foteini Christofilopoulou.

Step Around Town is a series of performances organised by Step into Dance, an RAD programme run in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation, in which students perform in a variety of dance styles including contemporary, Afro-fusion, Hip Hop, jazz, and inclusive movement from SEND schools.

This year, over 500 students took part from 30 schools, with uplifting and energetic performances in front of over 600 audience members. VIPs in attendance included the Mayor of Wandsworth and the Mayor of Haringey.

Speaking of the initiative, Gerard Charles, Artistic Director at the RAD said: “It is always an inspiring experience to watch so many young dancers come together to share their not only how well they dance but more importantly their individual accomplishments, positive energy and joy.”

Commenting on the performance at Step Around Town Southwark, Gemma Juma, CEO of the Jack Petchey Foundation said: “The dancers were so inspiring! Their hard work and determination paid off in a fantastic showcase of youth energy and talent. Dance is such an important way for young people to express themselves. The Jack Petchey Foundation is so proud to work with the Royal Academy of Dance to provide young people with the opportunity to develop new skills and work together creatively.”

See more from Step Around Town, and find out more about Step into Dance.