Youth in Devon Engage in Dance Sessions Inspired by Swan Lake

Young individuals in Devon are participating in dance classes that draw inspiration from a renowned ballet. The national initiative, named Swan Lake Take Flight, is spearheaded by the dance company New Adventures and is conducting regional sessions at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal. According to the organizers, these dance classes and workshops prioritize fostering connection, creativity, and movement to enhance overall wellbeing. This project aligns with the 30-year milestone of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, with a goal of engaging 2,500 young individuals across its national tour. Etta Murfitt, who serves as the associate artistic director for the dance theatre company New Adventures, stated: “Now, more than ever, young people need dance and dance needs young people.”Just as our production of Swan Lake embraces the next generation, Swan Lake Take Flight will get today’s generation of children and young people moving and excited about dance.” Carly Brown-Martin, a senior youth worker with Connecting Youth CIC, a Plymouth-based organization, commented: “Not everybody is a linear learner, some people can only express through dance, they can’t sit and talk.”Every young person has the right to access being able to express how they feel or who they are.” Willow, a young participant in the initiative, shared: “When I do ballet I feel free. When I dance I feel like the world around me just shuts off – all my worries go away.” Daisy May-Kemp, a dance artist who assists in leading these sessions and has been affiliated with the dance company for two decades, remarked: “Connection, joy, creativity – the same values as the company – that’s really what these sessions are about.” Connect with BBC Devon on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. All rights are reserved by the BBC for 2024. Content on external sites is not the responsibility of the BBC. Details concerning our external linking policy can be reviewed.