Secondary pupils have now danced their way to a national qualification in youth work thanks to a new programme delivered by Barking and Dagenham Youth Dance and Future Molds Communities.
The qualification has been given to ten pupils after taking part in the programme that is designed to keep them “engaged in youth settings” during their GCSE and A-level years.
These are critical years when academic pressures often lead some pupils to have other priorities than taking part in after school activities, say the dance programme organisers.
“This qualification shows that a youth club can be more than a place to get fit and perform,” programme founder Georgina Alexiou-McCrae said.
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“It can be a launch pad, the beginning of what happens when we centre on their voices and their futures. Our aim has been to keep dance accessible to those who need it most.”
Barking and Dagenham Youth Dance pointed to Met Police figures showing there were 1,500 offences recorded in Barking and Dagenham during January.
It said youth violence peaks between 3 and 7pm, according to local authority findings — showing a need for safe, structured spaces outside school hours.
The dance programme is now offering teenagers “a real path forward” with a GCSE-equivalent certificate in youth work and practical experience in sport, dance and leadership.
“No previous experience is required — just dedication,” say organisers.
Dance is used to develop skills from confidence and teamwork to self-leadership and real-world employability.
It blends creative expression with investment in education and social change.
The programme has also launched a training course for young people to be skilled at resolving conflict using “action learning” methods.
Five teenagers have already taken part so far who now go on to train the next group of facilitators.
The goal is to implant a new generation of young leaders who would be qualified to “manage difficult moments” of conflict.
