Last night (Tuesday 1st April), hundreds of dancers from across Greater London participated in Step Around Town 2025, an event that showcased the skills and creativity of young people in the capital.
Over 100 school students took to the stage at The Grey Coat Hospital CofE Comprehensive School to perform a variety of different dance styles in front of a rapturous audience.
Participating schools included: The Grey Coat Hospital CofE Comprehensive School, Kingsdale Foundation School, St Marylebone CE School and St Charles Catholic Sixth Form.
Alexander Campbell, Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Dance said: “It was a joy to see so many young people come together and perform last night at Step Around Town in Westminster. The Step Around Town events are inspiring, energetic and a vivid demonstration of the RAD’s belief in the power of dance.”
The Lord Mayor of Westminster said: “The level energy and commitment was fantastic. Dance unites people, and it was great to see this on stage with so many young people involved. The skill required and hours of rehearsal is inspiring. Dance is a great form of exercise; so long may it continue.”
Gemma Juma, Chief Executive Officer of the Jack Petchey Foundation, said: “The young people that performed at the Step Around Town event were exceptionally talented. Showcases like this bring local communities together while allowing these dancers to express themselves and show off their hard work.”
“Performing makes me feel happy. I love being able to perform on a stage for a large audience and be supported by everyone watching. The feeling is incredible.” – Step Around Town participant.
Step Around Town is one of several events created by the Step into Dance programme, the UK’s largest inclusive dance programme for secondary school students. Established in 2006, Step into Dance is a Royal Academy of Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation.
At a time where 84% of schools no longer offer a GCSE in dance, Step into Dance enables young people to develop their passion, skills and understanding of dance. Working with mainstream and SEND schools and youth groups across London and Essex, Step into Dance reaches over 4,000 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.
Step Around Town Westminster is one of a variety of events taking place across Greater London as part of the Step Around Town programme. Other Step Around Town events that are happening across the capital from April to May include the London boroughs of Wandsworth, Croydon, Camden and Bexley.
Tickets to all Step Around Town events will be available on the door where you are encouraged to make a donation. To find out more about the events and find one in your local area visit: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/event/step-around-town/
