#DANCEINSCHOOLS

Over the last decade, dance and the arts have been increasingly devalued in UK schools — and we want to change that. We recognise that the current government has reported the removal of the EBacc system and suggestions of dance being valued in the curriculum is part of their new policies. This is a fantastic start, but we think we need to keep the conversation going.

 I’m asking dancers, teachers, and creatives to share short videos about how having dance as part of their education impacted their life and career.

Did you have a fantastic supportive teacher? Performance opportunities? Did dance keep you in school? Did dance give you confidence? What did dance teach you that textbooks couldn't?

We believe stories are powerful and can have an impact and want to collect them to start evidencing the value of dance in school. The pipeline to dance and all the creative industries is crumbling, we need your stories!

Here’s all you need to do:

1. Film yourself (30–60 seconds) talking about how dance shaped your journey. (Portrait mode, natural lighting- outdoor or indoor)

2. Send a childhood photo of you dancing or at school

3. We’ll edit it into a short Instagram reel and feature your story on our campaign page and website.

Please click on the form below to submit your entry: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNUNgpYvcztxHlZUCegLARtVTIoUdhH0NNc3wLmI5GMMGjkQ/viewform?usp=header

For example, you can start your video with:

“Hi, I’m [Name]. Having dance as part of my education taught me…”

And finish with:

“That’s why I believe we need #DanceInSchools.”

(If you are not keen on videoing yourself, a voice note with a photo would be also be welcome!)

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US SAVE THE ARTS IN SCHOOLS!

For articles and reading around this subject see some of the below suggestions.

Arts Professional: What it means to be human: Why the arts and humanities are more important than ever

One Dance Uk: Advocacy in Action: Education

Cultural Learning Alliance: Government response to Curriculum and Assessment Review final report – CLA analysis

Art Walk Away: Arts Education in UK Schools — Why the Decline Is a National Scandal