Feedback from parent #KickOffBoys Project

DAZL Activities, Dance and Health, DAZL Projects/ Events, DAZL Video, General DAZL News, Publicity

Hi Chrisie, Dance Action Zone Leeds (Kick Off Boys Project) Just wanted to send you a bit of feedback- I hope you can use it for reports etc. ( I run an arts organisation myself and know how useful it is to have!) This morning, after last nights performance at NSCD,  I overheard Dylan  say, as he woke up and in a bright cheery voice: ‘Good morning world!’  A lovely positive start to the day and for Dylan  a massive turnaround for a boy who used to wake up angry (and quite often screaming) most mornings. Less than a year ago Dylan was seeing a counsellor through CAMHS and being part of Kick Off  Boys has massively helped him. He absolutely loves dancing and being able to use his huge amounts of energy in such a positive way has enabled him to feel so much more comfortable about himself and really helped to build his confidence. When he first started Kick Off Boys he was so thrilled and said it was the the start of his career and that he was in his first ‘company’! I am so very grateful that he has this opportunity as being part of the group is as important to him as the dancing and he loves to tell me stories about all the other boys in the group. He feels a sense of belonging and he thrives from the mix of ages and from being accepted by the older boys. I think it has helped him to feel that it’s ok not to be the same as everyone else. We are travelling to Leeds from Holmfirth twice a week so that Dylan can access The Kick Off Boys Project and the NSCD classes because it is so important for his well -being. It is a real shame that there is nothing closer to us as there must be so many other boys like Dylan who would benefit from these groups (and boys in Dylan’s school still think dancing is just for girls!). I do think it’s really important to get boys dancing before they leave primary education as I think the peer pressure and self-consciousness that comes with the teenage years must prevent so many boys from experiencing dance. Thank you again for offering this opportunity. We re so glad Dylan is involved! Kind Regards Chloe Chloe Williams, The Children’s Art School. Kick Off Boys Project is a partnership with Dance Action Zone Leeds, Phoenix Dance, Northern School and Leeds City College. 

Kick Off Boys & Positive Futures CSE Project

DAZL General DAZL News

Overview CSE Dance Project The Kick off Boys Youth Dance Project which was originally partnership between Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) and Dance Action Zone Leeds (DAZL), Phoenix Dance Theatre and Leeds City College. Each of the organisations have a different focus from FE, HE, Conservatoire dance providers, to health organisations and a professional touring dance company. Our collective focus is to bring together boys from across Leeds through dance to explore issues which relate to them. We aim to provide artistic opportunities and progression routes for boys in dance with multiple entry and exit points. In September we partnered with Health for All Leeds –Positive Futures project which is funded by BBC Children In Need. In the last 4 months we have engaged 18 boys from areas of deprivation weekly and they have had the opportunity to perform this work at the following platforms. DAZL Christmas show at The Riley Theatre MASSALA Dance Theatre (All male international dance company) 2nd February 2019 – Curtin raiser  NSCD Community Show 17th March 2019  Child Friendly Leeds Awards 7th March 2019 at City Varieties (The lads have been nominated for youth group of the year)  The main cohort of the boys are aged 11 – 18 years, from deprived Leeds with some older members acting as mentors to the younger participants. The boys of which many would consider as vulnerable have just finished working on a CSE dance project with artist Donald Edwards titled ‘No Exit’, this focuses on Child Sexual Exploitation of young men and how this impacts on their emotional wellbeing and resilience. Allison from Positive Futures delivered a series of CSE workshops and worked with DAZL and the boys to create a film resource which accompanied the live work to be used wider throughout Leeds to support young who have or are experiencing this. The project included live performance, film and created by professional film maker Wayne Sables which was launched on 15th December 2019 at the Riley Theatre. All boys state that they have all experienced some form of older adults trying to contact them online. All the four older gay young men had experienced inappropriate relationships/ situation with older men which they hid due to the fear of coming out to parents and others. Here is a link to the live performance of #NoExit by the Kick Off Boys – the performance shows “The Four Stages of grooming” through the art of dance which in a clear way so the message can resonate with the audience Here is a link to the information film from the Kick off Boys Project and how they used dance as a tool to highlight the topic of Male CSE What the information film covers Overview of the project on how we use dance to tackle the issue. What is child sexual exploitation? What are the four stages of grooming? The Kick off Boys tips on how to stay safe online! The Kick off Boys tips on stay safe in general! The Kick …

DAZL February Half Term Creative Camp

DAZL General DAZL News

Come join the fun DAZL Half Term Creative Camp for 5-11 years in partnership with the South Leeds Youth Hub & Active Clubs Experience part of Health For All Leeds. Monday 18th – Thursday 21st February 2019.8.30-3 pm each day£7 per day or £20 for 4 days (Paid in advance) BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED by FareShare Yorkshire Contact 07519018675 email [email protected] Twitter @DAZL_Leeds   Facbook – LIKE danceactionzoneleeds   Istagram @danceactionzoneleeds

DAZL team up with Anchor Care Homes in Leeds

DAZL Activities, Classes and Timetables, Dance and Health, DAZL Projects/ Events, General DAZL News, Publicity Leave a Comment

DAZL work with the elderly from the Anchor Trust Over the past few months DAZL has been delivering a dance program in partnership with the six Leeds based Anchor Care Homes. This project works with older people who are living with dementia headed up by the DAZL Dance Facilitator Amy Smith and Community Dance & Health Practitioner Stephen Johnson. Assisting these two artists have been the DAZL Dance and Health Officer Apprentice Harvey Pratt and DAZL Dance Leader Kaci Emmonds. The DAZL team have have absolutely loved working with the residents and the wonderful caring and supportive staff from the Anchor Trust. The residents have really responded well to the weekly dance for fun sessions and to date we have engaged around 120 older people throughout the six care home in Leeds. Moving forward DAZL plan to continue this partnership delivering dance and from January we plan on deliver an intergenaerational project with the older people from Anchor and young people from DAZL. This will will also be evaluated by Leeds Beckett University of which it will be published in a academic journal highlighting the impact dance has on dementia and older peoples overall health and wellbeing. Below is a statement from Jo Bailey, Anchor Wellbeing Coordinator  In later life, maintaining movement is key, and a huge part of wellbeing and healthcare.  However,  this is not always easy to achieve.  For people living with Dementia, it is the little things that count, or in the case of DAZL, the fun things. A bunch of enthusiastic, skilled, caring dancers, DAZL are an absolute joy.  The way they interact with the residents, we have found it is almost impossible to resist joining in, whether resident, carer or visitor alike. Having had the pleasure of their company for many visits now I can safely say that the impact they have had on our residents has been both positive and profound.  I returned to one home the day after  DAZL had visited and was greeted with conversations and smiles regarding the previous day’s events. Such recollections are, regrettably, rare so for the DAZL team to have achieved this was praise indeed. I would, without hesitation, recommend the concept and of course DAZL to other care homes or anyone who is living with Dementia or caring for somebody who is. Kind Regards – Jo Bailey, Wellness Coordinator Anchor For more information on the Anchor Trust please visit  https://www.anchor.org.uk/    Follow us on Social Media to keep up to date with this wonderful project.

Co-op Beeston members raise a total £3,104.39 for DAZL

DAZL Activities, Dance News & Info, DAZL Video, General DAZL News, Publicity Leave a Comment

The Co-op has raised £19 million for over 4,000 causes  The Co-op Members have raised an amazing £19 million for over 4,000 causes across the UK. This is a fantastic achievement the members, who have shopped with with the Co-op and chosen to support local causes with their 1% since last November. DAZL was chosen to be one of the three chosen good causes by the Co-op Beeston Store. THANK YOU BEESTON CO-OP MEMBER We wanted to provide dance opportunities which work towards a Christmas community showcase at the Northern School Of Contemporary Dance, Riley Theatre for deprived young people across Leeds.   You helped raise a total £3,104.39 to enable DAZL to make this happen.   About the Project – The project will bring the community from predominantly across LS10 and LS11 together with young people from across the city of Leeds to celebrate the young peoples achievement, building stronger communities and promoting community cohesion. The young people will gain increased self esteem, confidence and greater health and well-being. They will also have improved their physical and mental health by been involved in the project.   Check us out online via the links below! Dance Action Zone Leeds (DAZL) website Dance Action Zone Leeds (DAZL) on Facebook Dance Action Zone Leeds (DAZL) on Twitter About the Charity – DAZL DAZL Aim To improve the mental & physical health of children & young people aged 3 – 19 years, through dance as physical activity in disadvantaged communities of Leeds. We aim to reduce health inequalities, improving the health & well-being of young adults with disabilities up to 25 years, families & the wider community through asset-based community dance & wider dance opportunities.   We do this through a five stage model. Participation – Engaging inactive children & young people through high quality dance as physical activity Community Leadership – Engaging & empowering local people/communities Partnerships – Supporting and delivering the wider health/social care agenda Artistic Development & Progression Support Celebrating Communities & Performance Opportunities. https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/13760 Thank you CO-OP #TheCoopWay       

DAZL Double Win at One Dance UK Awards 2018

DAZL Activities, Classes and Timetables, Dance and Health, General DAZL News, Publicity Leave a Comment

One Dance UK 2018 Awards The first One Dance UK Awards  unlike any other awards focused uniquely on dance and has been developed to recognise the outstanding contributions of people working in the dance sector. This annual event is an opportunity for people in the dance sector to get together, celebrate, acknowledge and reward the people who have made an impact  on the UK’s vibrant dance landscape. There was 23 Award Categories, which span all the vital work that is taking place to shape the dance sector today. DAZL was lucky enough to be nominated and shortlisted for two awards.  DAZL WINS Leeds Dance Partnership Award Each year One Dance UK will present an award in partnership with the host region, recognising an organisation  or individual who has made a significant impact to dance in the local area. This year DAZL and our Director Ian Rodley was recognised by the host city and the Leeds Dance Partnership for the work we deliver across the city.   What an absolutely lovely honor to receive this award, thank you so much and well done to the DAZL Team. Also congratulations and keep doing all your fantastic work to the other two nominees Mobius Dance and Spin Arts. Ian Rodley Director – Dance Action Zone Leeds DAZL WINS PEOPLES CHOICE Award The People’s Choice Award recognises an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to the dance sector throughout the last 12 months. Entrants for this award were nominated by One Dance UK members and then decided by open public vote. DAZL was extremely lucky to be awarded a second award. The team found this awards really special as this was vote by the public ans as we like to say at DAZL The #DAZLFAMILY. We would also like to congratulate the other two nominees Donald Hutera and Motionhouse – Charge. Thank you to Sharon Watson, Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre and Wieke Eringa, CEO and Artistic Director of Yorkshire Dance who presented DAZL with the two awards on behalf of One Dance UK.                

DAZL Community Sessions

DAZL Activities, Classes and Timetables, DAZL Projects/ Events, General DAZL News Leave a Comment

DAZL Community flyers Please click on these links and open the flyers for our community sessions. You can simply click on and download the PDFs. Inner East Community Program DAZL Seacroft Streetdance Crew, Tuesday 5.15-6.15pm at Kentmere Community Centre DAZL Streetdance Crew, Tuesdays 6-8pm at CATCH DAZL Ebor Gardens Streetdance Crew, Wednesday 5-6pm, Ebor Gardens Community Centre DAZL Inspire Comp Teams, Gipton, Fridays DAZL East Leeds Community Dance Groups Inner South Community Program DAZL Diamonds and Boys Program, Monday at Tenants Hall (Middleton) and Thursday/ Saturdays at the South Leeds Youth Hub, (Belle Isle) DAZL Youth Dance Companies, Mondays at Tenants Hall, Middleton DAZL Xplode Cross Flatts Park, Beeston, Tuesday 4.30-5.30pm DAZL Inclusive Dance Group, Tuesday, 5-6.30pm, Middleton DAZL Xplode Cottingley, Wednesdays, 5-6pm DAZL Xplode Belle Isle, Saturdays at The Hub, 9.30-11am DAZL Inner South Leeds Community Dance Group Outer South Community Program DAZL OUTER SOUTH Community Dance Groups DAZL Tingley Dance Group, Mondays, 4.30-5.30pm DAZL at Thorpe Community Centre, Tuesday, 4-5pm DAZL Rothwell Dance Crew, Rothwell Scout Hut, Wednesday, 4-5pm DAZL Morley Streetdance Crew at Newlands Church, Wednesday 5.30-6.30pm West Leeds Community Program DAZL West Community Dance Groups DAZL Swinnow, Monday at Swinnow Community Centre 5-6.30pm DAZL Farnley Streetdance Crew at Hillsdie Hall, Mondays, 4-5.30pm DAZL Xplode Wortley at St Johns Church Hall, Wednesday, 4.45pm-6.45pm DAZL at Swallow Hill School, Wednesday, 5-6pm DAZL Bramley at Bramley Community Centre, Fridays, 4-6pm   Many of the session are supported by the local community committees Youth Activity Fund. #InnerSouth – Middleton Park Ward, Beeston & Holbeck, Hunslet & Riverside #OuterSouth – Morley, Tingley and Rothwell wards. #InnerEast – Gipton & Harehills Wards, Burmantoft Ward, Seacroft ward. #InnerWest -Bramley Ward #OuterWest -Farnley & Wortley ward.   You can follow us on social media for the latest projects and sessions in the various communities across the city. Twitter @DAZL_Leeds   Facbook – LIKE danceactionzoneleeds   Istagram @danceactionzoneleeds

DAZL take part in Leeds Pride 2018 & The LGBT Sport Fringe Festival 2018

DAZL General DAZL News Leave a Comment

Happy Pride 2018 We are super excited for this years Leeds LGBT Pride on Sunday 5th August. We will also be taking part in the pride parade again so look out for us people. In addition to this we will be hosting 4 dance events in the lead up to Leeds Pride part of the Leeds LGBT Sport Fringe Festival.      DAZL is proud to be involved in the Leeds LGBT Sport Fringe Festival again this year. The LGBT+ Sport Fringe Festival is a sports and physical activity festival which aims to provide inclusive activities, which improve health and wellbeing for the LGBT+ communities across the UK and their allies. The festival runs from Friday 20th July – Saturday 4th August 2018, checkout the events here https://www.lgbtsportfestival.co.uk/leeds-events    Our Dance Fitness team will be delivering the following events part of this year’s festival . FAMILY STREETDANCE (DANCE FITNESS)  Saturday 21st July. 9.30am-12noon at the South Leeds Youth Hub, LS10 3JA Wednesday 25th July at Ebor Gardens Community Centre, 4.30-6pm   Friday 27th July at Bramley Community Centre, 4-6pm Then ADULT DANCE FITNESS (16yrs+) Monday 30th July at Tenants Hall Enterprise centre, LS10 4HX. 6-7pm Wakey clothing for all events and we have food, refreshments at all family events.    The DAZL staff and team are proud LGBT Allies of the LGBT Community. Leeds Pride is a fantastic way to show our support to inclusivity, diversity and equality for all. The event is loved by families who always have a great time.      

Painted Faces Film by Kick Off Boys Project

DAZL Activities, Dance and Health, DAZL Projects/ Events, DAZL Video, General DAZL News Leave a Comment

Painted Faces by Kick Off Boys Project This is a mental health awareness film created by the Kick Off Boys Project partnership which consists of Dance Action Zone Leeds (DAZL), Northern School Of Contemporary Dance, Phoenix Dance Theatre, Leeds City College. The mental health stigma workshops were delivered by Space 2 Leeds and film created by Wayne Sables and project funded by Big Lottery – Awards For All. Painted faces uses dance as a tool to enable young men to talk about mental health!   For help and support contact Mind Mate Leeds 0113 376 0324 To contact MindMate, email [email protected], Website – mindmate.org.uk/ Social Media @mindmateleeds Need urgent help? If you’ve injured yourself or taken an overdose dial 999. To speak to someone urgently, please call ChildLine free on 0800 11 11  

KICK OFF BOYS PROJECT – PROMO 2018

DAZL Activities, DAZL Projects/ Events, DAZL Video, General DAZL News Leave a Comment

Kick Off Boys Dance Project Kick Off Boys Project is a partnership project with Dance Action Zone Leeds (DAZL), Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Phoenix Dance Theatre and Leeds City College. Our focus is to bring together boys from across Leeds through dance to explore issues which relate to them. We aim to provide artistic opportunities and progression routes for boys in dance! Film filmed by Wayne Sables and Project supported by Awards for All (BIG lottery) the Anti-stigma workshop were delivered by Space 2 Leeds You can sign up for next term via our partners at Northern School Of Contemporary Dance here http://www.nscd.ac.uk/take-part/workshops/kick-off/