Shropshire youth dance group is flying high
A Shropshire dance company is flying high and making waves bringing young people of the county together.
Initially set up just as the pandemic took hold last year, Highflyers Youth Dance Company is the youth dance strand of Shropshire Inclusive Dance, and has made it its mission to help youngsters enjoy the fun of dance, regardless of any disability.
Based in Shrewsbury, the group for 11 to 18-year-olds has achieved big successes in making its name known, despite the difficulties of the pandemic.
“Highflyers originally was born around February/March 2020,” said youth dance co-ordinator Anna Belyavin.
“We were just building our promotion materials to launch our regular activities and then the pandemic hit, which kind of scuppered our plans. But, as with everybody else, we had to get a bit creative and adaptive, so we put some sessions online on Zoom and had a wonderful group of young people sign up who found out about us online and joined our Zoom classes and it has grown from there.”
Since Highflyers began, Anna and her colleagues have spurred its regulars on through the creation of a film, Into The Light, featuring members of the company showcasing their skills.
Spotlight
Selected to be a part of the Midlands Youth Dance Festival, the film has been played across the West Midlands and put the company under the spotlight.
“That was lovely because from our point of view that was the first time that us as a group of disabled young dancers had been part of such a big occasion,” said Anna.
“We’ve had lots of brilliant feedback about the film. Since then, we’ve filmed more things that are part of a wider youth dance project called Holding Hands. We’re also now doing another film project which is about collaboration with young people across the West Midlands.”
Always looking to attract new members and supporters Anna is keen for anyone interested to be a part of the fun.
She said: “We really believe in the power of dance and reaching out and connecting people, and so if if either anybody is interested in getting involved or supporting us we are always excited and interested to meet new people. You can find us on Facebook by searching for Highflyers Dance or contact us via the Shropshire Inclusive Dance website sidance.live. Reach out and get involved!”
Highflyers Youth Dance Company is currently holding fortnightly classes online and in person, suited for people with disabilities and none.
Classes cost £6 per session and take place at The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury.
