Staffordshire dance project removes financial barriers for hundreds of young performers
More than 200 young dancers from across Staffordshire took to the stage at the Rugeley Rose Theatre on Sunday (March 22), as part of the first-ever Staffordshire Community Dance Project - a non-profit initiative designed to remove financial barriers and widen access to performing arts opportunities.
The pilot event welcomed five local dance schools and over 320 guests for a full day of performances, celebrating inclusion, confidence and community togetherness.
The project was created and delivered by Crystal Academy: Aerial Arts & Dance CIC, a Hednesford-based non-profit organisation focused on youth development through creative activity. By removing dancer entry fees, the initiative ensured that children and young people from a wide range of backgrounds were able to experience performing on a professional theatre stage.
Organisers say the project was developed in response to reduced local arts provision and the financial pressures many families face when supporting children in extracurricular activities. The event also followed the closure of Cannock’s theatre venue and the county’s exclusion from the Government’s Better Youth Spaces rollout, further highlighting the importance of community-led opportunities for young people.
The atmosphere throughout the day was described as overwhelmingly positive and supportive, with several children with additional needs taking part and receiving warm encouragement from both audiences and fellow performers. For some schools, including Dappa Dance, the event marked their first-ever competition experience - a milestone celebrated by teachers and parents alike.
Principal Kirsty Kolmer said: “Finances should never be a barrier to young people accessing the arts. Seeing so many dancers take to the stage with confidence, enjoyment and a real sense of belonging was incredibly powerful. This project shows what can be achieved when communities come together to create inclusive opportunities.”
Director Jason Kolmer added: “We wanted to demonstrate that a non-profit model can work and that collaboration across Staffordshire can help sustain meaningful opportunities for young people. The support we’ve received from families, schools and community leaders has been fantastic.”
The event was supported through SCVYS’s Know Your Place project and was attended by Cannock Chase MP Josh Newbury, who later shared his support publicly, praising the initiative’s role in widening access to youth arts. County Councillor Alex Hunt also attended in person and welcomed discussions around supporting future events, while Councillor Jon Pendleton has expressed his enthusiasm to explore how the County Councillor Community Fund may help sustain the project going forward.
Organisers are now planning the next Staffordshire Community Dance Project event on 15 November and hope to continue operating with free dancer entry. They are currently exploring potential funding partnerships with local councillors and businesses to ensure the initiative can be delivered on a long-term basis, with ambitions to host the project twice each year.
Crystal Academy, recently recognised with awards including Dance School of the Year, Best Community Impact and Best Family Business, says its long-term vision is to create a sustainable, county-wide platform where young performers can develop confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of the arts.
Businesses or organisations interested in supporting future events are encouraged to get in touch.
