‘Ballet in the Square’ to take over Royal Artillery Square

Ballet in the Square, a large-scale outdoor dance initiative designed to make ballet accessible, inclusive and community-centred will take over Artillery Square, at the heart of Royal Arsenal Woolwich in Southeast London, in October.

This transformative project, organised by Acosta Dance Foundation and taking place on Friday 10 October from 10am to 12pm, invites children aged seven to 14 from local schools, and their teachers, to participate in a fun-filled introductory ballet class designed for absolute beginners.

The Acosta Dance Foundation and Acosta Dance Centre’s Education and Community Engagement department has designed Ballet in the Square as all-inclusive dance class delivered by experienced community teachers and professional dancers introducing dance basics. Teachers and support staff will accompany children on the day, ensuring that the event also serves as a professional development and community-building opportunity.

Acosta Dance Foundation Managing Director, Javier Torres, says, “Our education and community engagement initiatives aim to break down the barriers that often restrict access to dance, especially classical ballet, due to misconception that it is an elitist art form and the reality of financial exclusion.

“Our mission is to create inclusive opportunities for all people, but especially those for whom it might be the first encounter with ballet, to experience the power of dance. We want to inspire young people by sparking creative pathways and a lifelong interest in the arts.”

This project represents one of a number of longer-term ambitions by Acosta Dance Foundation focused on youth engagement, dance for health and wellbeing, and social cohesion.

Ballet in the Square includes a warm-up, basic ballet steps and engaging movement activities – including Afro Cuban dance for beginners – tailored for children aged seven to 14. Participants will be led by professional ballet and Cuban dance teachers, and supported by dance professionals and student assistants.

To enrol, teachers need to email ecpcoordinator@acostadancefoundation.org.uk.

Ballet in the Square, Image generated by AI