The Jack Petchey Foundation have agreed to provide a further £179,500 funding to roll out the Step into Dance programme to Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon and Hammersmith & Fulham, from January 2008, whilst continuing in Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington.

Since January 2007, Step into Dance has provided free, weekly dance classes to over 400 students in 28 secondary schools. The programme aims to widen participation in dance for secondary school students, regardless of experience or ability levels.

Students took to the stage on Saturday 14 July to perform in Step into Dance LIVE! Each of the four boroughs, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington were represented on the night, with groups varying from duets to 15 dancers. There was also a great mix of dance genres; with street dance, contemporary, capoiera and jazz and fusions of each. Jack Petchey OBE, founder of the Jack Petchey Foundation attended the premiere event and said:

“This has been a marvellous event.  Learning to dance is all part of self development and the young people involved can feel very proud of their achievement.  We are keen to encourage more schools in London to join this scheme”.

Students from Camden School for Girls performing at Step into Dance LIVE! photo Mark Lees

• If you are a student or school representative wishing to find out how you or your school can get involved in Step into Dance, please contact Charlotte Slayford email: cslayford@rad.org.uk tel: +44 (0)20 7326 8002.

• We would also like to hear from qualified dance teachers who are interested in teaching in secondary schools. Step into Dance teachers will have the opportunity to take part in a tailored training and development programme delivered in partnership with Youth Dance England and the National Dance Teachers Association. For more information and application process, contact Anita Wadsworth, Community Dance Manager email: stepintodance@rad.org.uk tel: 07890 008403

• The Jack Petchey Foundation was established in 1999 and offers grants to projects that benefit young people aged 11-25. Both the Royal Academy of Dance and the Jack Petchey Foundation are committed to creating long-term opportunities for young people within safe and inclusive learning environments.