From street to studio - Dance school announces bold new direction

A Doncaster dance troupe is stepping out into a new line of creativity due to demand by the region’s fleet-footed residents.
Members of Street Beat Dance Academy show off their moves.Members of Street Beat Dance Academy show off their moves.
Members of Street Beat Dance Academy show off their moves.

Street Beat, originally an urban dance company, is very quickly expanding into the more classical areas of dance.

Founded in 2007 and now teaching over 600 young people a week, of which 50 per cent are boys, the organisation is reacting to the demand for the more traditional dance styles including ballet, tap, contemporary, singing, musical theatre and stage combat.

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When asked if there are not already enough dance schools out there providing this style, creative director Kim Oakley, who founded the company, said: “We have had so many requests to expand into these areas that we simply cannot ignore it.

Members of Street Beat Dance Academy.Members of Street Beat Dance Academy.
Members of Street Beat Dance Academy.

“I believe we offer so much more than the traditional dance schools in that we are a centre of excellence and more than that we are a family.

“We have had so much national and international success in the urban style, including performances in Los Angeles where our elite troupe performed alongside prestigious LA troupes, that we felt compelled to offer more opportunities to students who wish to follow a career in dance or simply to explore their ability in other styles.”

Street Beat also works hard in the community in partnership with local councils and the police in targeting deprived areas ahnd disability groups and giving opportunities for young people to showcase their abilities.

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This was demonstrated in the recent choreography platform through Yorkshire Dance, the winner of which received a scholarship to London’s Sadler’s Wells.

Members of Street Beat Dance Academy show off their moves.Members of Street Beat Dance Academy show off their moves.
Members of Street Beat Dance Academy show off their moves.

The elite troupe, a group of exceptionally talented dancers, is open to all students by audition. It has represented the North of England at U Dance and its successes are too numerous to list but include Breakin (corr) Convention Tour, winners of Fresh 2014 and VIP guests at Europe’s largest open air theatre.

So why is Street Beat so successful? Kim replied: “I believe what sets us apart from other dance schools is our passion, inspiration and imagination.

“Young people can quickly become stale and all our teachers have been selected for their ability to inspire, for an inspired and passionate dancer will always stnad out from the crowd.

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“We have high standards of motivating skills and this is paying dividends in our musical theatre, acting and singing classes.

Taylor Cousins, ten, with his dance teacher Ayisha Simpson of Street Beat, Epworth.  Buy this photo E0846TS) Picture: Tony SaxtonTaylor Cousins, ten, with his dance teacher Ayisha Simpson of Street Beat, Epworth.  Buy this photo E0846TS) Picture: Tony Saxton
Taylor Cousins, ten, with his dance teacher Ayisha Simpson of Street Beat, Epworth. Buy this photo E0846TS) Picture: Tony Saxton

“Our students aim high with many applying to prestigious colleges such as Laine’s Theatre Arts in London, CAPA and Renaissance and it is wonderful to have played a role in their success.”

Classes take place at The Dome, and in Belton, Ashby, Kirk Sandall, Scawsby and Epworth, phone 01302 515409 for details.

FACTFILE

* The Street Beat Dance Academy team is the collective troupe which perform at many venues.

Street Beat, who have got through to the final of Donny's Got Talent.Street Beat, who have got through to the final of Donny's Got Talent.
Street Beat, who have got through to the final of Donny's Got Talent.
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* Past events consist of performing at an Olympic torch ceremony with over 6,000 people watching at the open air theatre.

* The Street Beat troupe have featured on the programme Sky Factor which was broadcasted in 118 countries around the world on Sky TV.

* They have also placed 1st place in the talent competition of their hometown of Doncaster.

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