13th March 2015
Youth Dance England was very sad to hear the news that Dance Up (The Hampshire Dance Trust) will cease trading from the end of March.
The organisation that has been in existence for 22 years has made an enormous contribution to youth dance work, inspiring generations of young people to dance and producing many professionals who now work in the dance sector.
'I don't know where I would be today without the organisation Dance Up/Hampshire Dance, as my experience with Hampshire Youth Dance Company truly inspired me to follow a career in dance. In recent years, their community projects have shaped my practice and ignited my passion for advocating the benefits of dance in a variety of community contexts.'
Hayley Ovens, 25, Freelance Dance Artist and Rehearsal Director for Kingston Youth Dance Company
Hampshire Dance was our regional partner for the SE delivering with us the first national brief for youth dance. They were an excellent organisation to partner with and together we made enormous strides in making the youth dance sector more vibrant and accessible.
Their contribution to research into the impact of dance on the health of children and young people is known internationally.
We have had the pleasure of working with their staff teams over many years who have been without exception highly talented and dedicated to dance.
Some of the memories that will stay with us are the performances of their two county youth dance companies at U.Dance performances.
Thank you for all you have done and achieved.
