The British DanceSport Association (BDSA) and the London Youth Games Foundation (LYG) are delighted to join forces to enable the delivery of a pilot dance competition for Primary Schools in three London Boroughs. This is a new initiative for London Youth Games, and it forms part of the BDSA’s strategic plan to encourage more participation for young people within dance.
The winners from each borough will also have the opportunity to showcase their dance as part of the LYG Dance Finals in July.
This initiative expands on the existing London Youth Games Dance Competition that has previously supported young people within the U14, U16, U18 categories and Para category. With the BDSA’s support, LYG can now expand inclusivity to participants from Primary Schools, to come and increase physical activity with their movement to music routines.
Katie Berry, Chief Executive of London Youth Games, said:
“We are delighted to partner with The British DanceSport Association to give hundreds of young Londoners the chance to increase their physical activity and wellbeing through the joy of dance.
This partnership will expand opportunities to primary school children across London, enabling them to participate alongside their secondary school peers, building self-confidence and community pride.”
Karen Hilton MBE, Vice President of The British Dance Sport Association, said:
“The BDSA’s support for LYG’s expansion of the London Youth Games Dance represents our commitment to promoting dance for future generations by encouraging participation in dance at a young age. We recognise that dance can offer more than just physical movement opportunities for children, that movement to music in a welcoming community and competitive environment encourages self-awareness, social skills, confidence and a sense of pride and achievement.
We are delighted to work with a partner that has an established following and an excellent relationship with schools and young people. The BDSA believes this relationship will foster a deeper sense of community, broaden participation, and create even more meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive through dance in London.”
