Last month, 100 students from 10 groups took to the stage at artsdepot. This special performance marked one of the ‘Step Around Town’ events, an eclectic evening of dance organised by Step into Dance, the UK’s largest inclusive secondary school programme. The performance featured school groups taking part in the Step into Dance programme, pieces created by students who took part in a choreographic residency at the Royal Academy of Dance, as well as guest appearances from local dance groups. Over the coming weeks, Step into Dance will be bringing these events to seven London boroughs, working with 70 schools and over 1,000 young dancers.

Step Into Dance, a Royal Academy of Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation, enables young people to develop their passion, skills and understanding of dance. Working with mainstream and SEN schools across London and Essex, Step Into Dance reaches around 6,000 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.

Rachel Attfield, Head of Artistic and Programme Development at Step into Dance, said: “What a wonderful and diverse performance, presented in a beautiful, professional theatre. Our Step Around Town events provide a great opportunity for students to learn from one another, as well as experience performing in front of an audience. It is always such an honour to watch them take to the stage.”