Our current work in the UK
Dance in Criminal Justice

WHAT IS THE ACADEMY ?

The Academy is a dance-based alternative education programme developed from methods used to educate and train professional contemporary dance artists. The Academy process is a physically, mentally, and artistically challenging experience for young people who have failed to achieve in more conventional educational settings and who may be offenders or at serious risk of offending. The Academy is not simply about helping young people to avoid re-offending; it is about helping them to discover their real potential and their innate capacity to succeed.

As with any client group - adults, young people, offenders or professional artists - Dance United's approach focuses on dance of the highest artistic standard. With dance itself firmly at the core, The Academy approach can facilitate profound changes in participants’ personal and social well-being, simply by raising their beliefs in what they are capable of achieving. The concept of allowing contemporary dance training to provide the dominant narrative for the programme permeates every aspect of the work. Young people are treated as young professional dancers.

The current action research work is delivered in a dedicated dance studio space in the centre of Bradford and this professional environment supports the narrative in every way. As importantly, The Academy dance team is made up of a cadre of skilled and experienced professional dance artists and teachers working alongside the dedicated team of trained support workers seconded from Bradford Youth Offending Team (YOT) and other contributing agencies.

WHERE DO THE YOUNG DANCERS COME FROM ?

Dance United never auditions participants and is committed to working with all of those referred to its programmes. The referrals to The Academy are made by a range of agencies, the main one being our principal and highly valued partners, Bradford Youth Offending Team (YOT) and Nacro who refer young people on Intensive Surveillance and Supervision Programmes (ISSP) or other community orders. Other contributing agencies include Leeds Youth Offending Service, Calderdale YOT and a number of pupil referral and school inclusion units. The Academy is rapidly becoming a viable 'hub' for West Yorkshire and Dance United is in discussions with a number of new partners, including Bradford College and HMYOI Wetherby. There is scope for The Academy blueprint to be rolled out elsewhere in the country.

WHAT DO THE YOUNG DANCERS DO ?

The Academy works with a cohort of up to fifteen young people at any one time, twenty five hours each week, for a period of twelve weeks. Each twelve week cycle begins with an intensive, three-week performance project, at the end of which the production is presented in professionally-staged performances, either in The Academy studio theatre, or a local or regional theatre venue. From the fourth week the programme expands into a more developed programme of activity that incorporates wider educational outcomes within the dance curriculum.

The Academy curriculum is enriched with other dance and dance-related forms including jazz, African dance, capoeira, circus skills, choreography and more. The programme also includes the expertise of visiting artists such as photographers, filmmakers and musicians, who enrich the programme with their own arts-led teaching.

The Academy programme is very disciplined, just as any professional training programme. For example, fundamental ground-rules include the requirement to dance in bare feet, without jewellery, hats or any other such personal artefacts. On a personal level this removes anything a dancer might have a tendency to 'hide behind', and puts everyone on a level playing field.

WHAT CAN THEY ACHIEVE ?

In terms of educational qualifications, young people successfully completing The Academy curriculum will achieve a Level 1 qualification - Certificate in Practical Performance Skills (Dance) which is fully accredited by Trinity College, London. The qualification does not require a classroom setting, yet includes basic literacy and numeracy skills. It is a 'stealth' curriculum delivered within and through the narrative of contemporary dance training.

Each individual builds their own portfolio and gains module credits as they progress through the programme. All participants may also work towards a Young Peoples' Arts Award at Bronze level.

The Academy, with its partners, is committed to finding routes back into education and employment for its participants. The Academy sets out to help young people acquire the kinds of transferable skills that will help them engage with the world of work. However, those young people who wish to continue to develop their dance training and their links with Dance United are offered the opportunity to join the weekly youth dance group or the emergent graduate performing dance company.

All graduates are offered regular contact and tutorials with Academy staff with the aim of supporting the young people in their 'next steps' following completion of the programme - whichever path they may choose to follow. A few have already taken key steps on the ladder to successful professional careers as dancers by entering into further education and professional dance training.

For information please contact
Camilla Joysury, Projects Manager, Dance United
on 0207 431 6647