Dance South West

Exmouth goes mad for dance

“Move your dancing feet!” That’s the message from young people in Exmouth.

Teenagers from Exmouth Community College are giving up their own time to promote dance by leading after-school clubs at Exmouth’s primary schools.

The young leaders from the college prepared the primary school children for a surprise ‘Let’s Dance’ event which took place at  the Magnolia Centre on Saturday 22 May. 

The activity is part of a new initiative, ‘The Dance Leaders’ Award’, which is being introduced at the Community College. 

It is also part of ‘Change4Life’, the national movement designed to improve people’s health by encouraging families to eat well, move more and live longer.

Most of the primary schools in the Exmouth area are now benefiting from the clubs run by the young dance leaders.  At Littleham Primary school, 20 pupils aged 8–11 are participating in the after-school club.

Littleham Primary Senior Teacher Rosemary Roberts commented:

“The children have had great fun and used loads of energy learning the dance moves. They’re more confident about performing in front of others now, which is fantastic!   It’s a real credit to the young leaders that all club members have attended every session enthusiastically and want to continue next term!”

Dr Virginia Pearson, Director of Public Health for NHS Devon and Devon County Council said,

“We all want our children to grow up to be happy, healthy adults, but it can sometimes be hard to know how.  The great thing about dance is there’s something for everyone- the whole family can have fun and become healthier at the same time.”

Amy Phillips, Dance Teacher at Exmouth Community College said,

 “I’m really proud of the young leaders’ professionalism; they’ve worked so hard to teach dance skills to the groups. I’m sure this is just the start of great things to come for would-be dancers of all ages across Exmouth!”