Let's dance!

Active Communities Network, which operates in the Leigh Park and Havant area, is offering free dance sessions to young people aged nine to 19 years old.

It comes as the organisation has received funding from the Asda Foundation and support from Gem’s Dance School, which is based in Havant and Waterlooville.

Last weekend the Big World Impact dance club took part in ‘The Legends Show’ at The Kings Theatre in Southsea, where the girls performed in front of 1,500 people.

All 17 girls from Big World Impact had never performed in public before.

Charlotte Bishop, programme manager for Active Communities Network, said: ‘The performance was a real achievement for the girls as many of girls who attend the dance club were lacking in confidence, had never been involved with extra-curricular activities before, were in need of behavioural interventions or had been signposted by partner agencies for support around “risk-taking” behaviours.

‘We would like to thank both the Asda Foundation and Gem’s Dance School for giving the girls this opportunity and look forward to working together in the future to develop other community dance-based initiatives.’

Gemma Williams, from Gems Dance School, said: ‘The dancers have worked extremely hard rehearsing for the past few months and their commitment and enthusiasm was portrayed superbly on stage on Saturday night. We are all very proud of them and they should be proud of themselves.

‘They are an inspiration to others and have proved that no matter how nervous and apprehensive you feel you can achieve anything if you apply yourself.

‘We are enjoying working closely with the Big World Impact project and look forward to the next performance!’

Lorna Simpson, from Asda, said: ‘It’s fantastic work that Active Communities Network are doing in Leigh Park and we are proud to support their girls’ dance project.’

For more information call Charlotte on (023) 9222 2127.