Step into Dance, the UK’s largest inclusive dance programme will celebrate its 10 year anniversary at its annual showcase, Step LIVE! Over 70 dance groups from mainstream and SEN secondary schools have been selected to perform at Southbank Centre on Monday 17 July in what promises to be an outstanding day dedicated to youth dance.

Throughout the day, over 700 dancers will take over the Clore Ballroom to perform a diverse array of pieces in a variety of styles, while street dance groups will test their technical and improvisational skills in lively and spirited battles on the Festival Terrace.

Schools from Bromley confirmed to perform at Step LIVE! include:

• Charles Darwin School

• Darrick Wood School

• Harris Girls' Academy Bromley

• Ravens Wood School

In the evening, Step into Dance’s four Youth Companies, in addition to companies from selected schools, will step onto the prestigious Royal Festival Hall stage to perform new work and premiere specially commissioned pieces from renowned choreographers Sarah Blanc (Candoco), Jessica Williams (Frantic Assembly), Kevin Young, Sonny Ward and Lee Griffiths among others.

Programme and Artistic Director, Sue Goodman, is looking forward to this year’s performances, “Southbank Centre will be bursting with the thousand tapping feet of young dancers on Monday 17 July as we celebrate our 10 year anniversary. We shall have free performances throughout the day and our companies will rock the Royal Festival Hall stage in the evening! All the dancers have worked so hard to perform this year. They will set Step LIVE! ablaze with their energy, enthusiasm and talent!”

Step into Dance provides extra-curricular classes and performance opportunities to 200 mainstream and SEN schools per year across London and Essex. The programme created in partnership between the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Jack Petchey Foundation now serves as an outlet for young dancers to improve their fitness levels and build confidence and self-esteem. Step LIVE! is an important part of the programme as it gives hundreds of students the experience of performing on stage in front of an audience.

More info at http://www.stepintodance.org/events/4

Submitted by Florent Gonthier