The Red Cross approached us to be their official sponsor for their Dance for Life event during the period from 2008 – 2010, Trap Media gladly accepted the challenge and since 2008 Trap Media has donated over £7,500 in free dance workshops including Street Dance Workshops to African Dance Workshops & Bollywood Dance Workshops to lucky winners from schools, charities to youth organisations nationwide.

So What is the British Dance for Life all about?

The event will help raise money for vulnerable people locally and overseas and Konnie Huq, Blue Peter presenter and ambassador for the charity, is excited about this opportunity to celebrate youth dance.

Konnie said: “Dance for Life offers such a wonderful opportunity for all young people to perform in a fun and friendly environment. Not only will the young performers be exploring the diversity of dance, but it will also give them a greater understanding of the how the Red Cross works with vulnerable people in crisis.”

Well Dance for Life brings together schools, colleges, dance and youth groups in local communities in a celebration of youth dance.

This exciting opportunity opens up dance as a medium to overcome cultural, social and physical barriers, giving pupils the chance to perform and celebrate with their friends, family and school. The British Red Cross makes dance accessible to all those aged 18 and under, regardless of ability. Young performers can enjoy dancing while raising money for the world’s largest humanitarian network.

Groups are invited to choreograph a dance routine that reflects an aspect of the Red Cross’ work, such as our life-saving work in the UK and abroad. Dance for Life co-ordinators are available to help with any ideas. Pupils get the chance to work in their local communities on exciting fundraising activities, while also gaining essential life skills through a choice of humanitarian action teaching resources.

Dance for Life is part of Youth Dance England’s national U.Dance programme, which aims to give every child and young person in England the opportunity to take part in a dance performance each year.

It is open to primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, dance schools and youth groups and is aimed at disabled and non-disabled young people aged 18 and under. There are two age groups, although some flexibility will be allowed:

• a junior group for ages 11 and under
• a senior group for ages 12 to 18.

The event makes dance accessible to all and is open to dancers at all levels, including beginners. The Red Cross strives to ensure all our facilities have good disability access. Since 2006 over 10,000 young people have taken part in Dance for Life and have helped raise £165,000 for the Red Cross.

“…On behalf of all the Dance for life groups that have been lucky winners of a Trap Media workshop, the feedback has been brilliant all the kids were really enriched by the workshops and learn new and exciting skills they have never tried before. Trap Media have very been supportive and loyal partners of Dance for life and it has been a pleasure working with them.””
Laura Deacon – Red Cross Dance for Life Coordinator

To find out your nearest Dance for Life event contact the Dance for Life team on 01962 866833 Note to Editor: Konnie Huq picture to be credited to Alex Maguire / BRC, Picture of children who took part last year to be credited to Lorna Stone.