Chance to dance at Salford Lads Club

Salix Homes is supporting a dance charity hoping to put a spring in the step of Salford’s budding Billy Elliots.

Male dance project STRIDE, presented by Dance Manchester and Company Chameleon, will be stepping into Salford Lads Club this month (February), staging a try-out for public performances at University of Salford’s New Adelphi building in April.

The Salford housing provider has helped fund the sessions in the city which provides boys and men the chance to dance, an opportunity to take a path in life that they may otherwise have never had.

A try-out is being held at the iconic Ordsall landmark on Thursday, 23 February, between 5-7pm, followed by weekly creative studio sessions during March and rehearsals for the grand finale.

Past shows have been held at Royal Exchange Theatre, The Whitworth and Victoria Baths.

STRIDE has also performed nationally and internationally in Birmingham and in Heilbronn, Germany and participated in major events from Dance Manchester’s Urban Moves International Dance Festival through to performing at Old Trafford football stadium in front of 80,000 people for the Rugby World Cup.

Professional dancers from Manchester’s only touring dance company, Company Chameleon, supported by a team of other local professional dance artists will enable the selected 10 to 20 year-olds to gain a unique opportunity to learn to dance and perform publicly.

Dance Manchester say places are not chosen on ability alone and previous dance experience isn’t necessary.

Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes said: “We’re proud to support this dance project which can provide an exciting and expressive opportunity for local young men to get involved.

“We’re not just an organisation that manages and creates homes, we have a long history of supporting community groups and working with partners to provide avenues that local people can take advantage of.”

Deb Ashby, Dance Manchester Director, said: “Dance Manchester is a charity working to increase access to high quality dance activity to Greater Manchester communities.

“Dance is a creative and physical challenging activity. Through STRIDE we give young men an opportunity to learn new skills, find talent and confidence they didn’t know they had whilst making new friends and having fun. So if you want the chance to dance in a welcoming, friendly environment, come along to the try-out.”

If you are interested in attending the Salford Lads Club try-out, just pop along on Thursday, 23 February from 5pm.

For more information go to www.dancemanchester.org.uk or email: info@dancemanchester.org.uk