On Wednesday 10 July gifted young school students from across London and Essex came together for Step Live 2024, one of the biggest dance events for school students in the UK. Step Live is an event organised by Royal Academy of Dance’s (RAD) Step into Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation.
Over 200 students from schools across London and Essex took to the Britten Theatre stage at the Royal College of Music to perform dynamic dance routines that they have learnt on the Step into Dance programme. Dance styles included jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, commercial and afro-fusion.
Participating schools included:
• Mulberry School for Girls (SEND), Tower Hamlets
• Orchard Park High, Croydon
• Highams Park, Waltham Forest
• Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls, Greenwich
• Saffron Walden County High School, Essex
• Hendon School, Barnet
• Camden School for Girls, Camden
• Woodcote High School, Croydon
• Cheam High School, Sutton
• Heron Academy, Southwark
• Hornsey School for Girls, Haringey
• City & Islington College, Islington
• Acland Burghley, Camden
• Hayes School, Bromley
• Harris Academy Tottenham, Haringey
• Parliament Hill School, Camden
• Charles Darwin School, Bromley
• Vale School , Haringey
Step into Dance alum Ela Stettner, who will enrol at Northern School of Contemporary Dance this September, gave a special performance at Step Live’s matinee show. Royal Academy of Dance’s youth company SYNC also performed a piece that was a fusion of jazz and hip-hop dance styles and choreographed by Step into Dance practitioners.
Step Live is one of many events organised by Royal Academy of Dance’s (RAD) Step into Dance programme in partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation.
Step into Dance is the UK’s largest inclusive dance programmes for secondary school students, enabling young people to develop their passion, skills and understanding of dance. Working with mainstream and SEND schools across London and Essex, Step into Dance reaches around 3,000 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.
Gemma Juma, Jack Petchey Foundation’s CEO, said of this year’s collaboration: “The Jack Petchey Foundation is proud to once again be working with the Royal Academy of Dance on this uplifting programme. The Step Live Festival is the culmination of a year-long programme that gives incredibly talented young people the chance to perform on a prestigious stage like they did today. Dance supports the physical and mental well-being of young people, and that’s why the programme meant a lot to Sir Jack Petchey CBE. The young performers have worked so hard over the year and have delivered a showstopping spectacle of youth talent – they should be proud of their achievements!”
Matt Rantell, Chair of Trustees of the Jack Petchey Foundation, said: “My grandfather, Sir Jack Petchey, always loved to dance, but said he was always afraid to ask a girl to dance with him when he was younger because he feared he had two left feet! Watching Strictly Come Dancing, he said he wanted all young people to feel they could get up and dance and that’s why this programme with the Royal Academy of Dance was set up. He recognised that engaging young people in the performing arts was a great way to teach them new skills and build their confidence to express themselves. Sadly, he passed away last month, at the age of 98, but he would have been so proud of every young person performing at the Step Live Festival today – as am I!”
Alex Lowe Deputy Artistic Director of Royal Academy of Dance said: “I am thrilled to have been part of the Step Live performance. The energy, passion, and joy displayed by the young performers was truly inspiring. RAD’s commitment to providing dance opportunities and encouraging inclusivity aligns perfectly with our purpose and values. It was a delight to witness the diverse range of dances and talent showcased by each of the schools. This event truly highlighted the transformative power of dance.”
To learn more about Step into Dance programme watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t_lH8mVC74
This year, the Jack Petchey Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary. The RAD is proud to be partners with them in inspiring and celebrating the achievements of young people.
