Rise uses ballet and creative dance to engage over 300 primary children living in areas of high deprivation, often with limited access to arts. The programme addresses issues affecting children’s quality of life, well-being, resilience, confidence, communication, self-expression and self-esteem.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
A 2022 NHS digital survey found that 5 children in every classroom (18% of those aged 7-16) had a ‘probable mental disorder’, a trend highest where children live in a household where paying bills and putting food on the table is a challenge. Northern Ballet is based in Leeds: home to some of the most deprived areas in the UK, where children have very little or no access to life-changing creative and cultural activities and are more likely to experience mental and physical health problems.
Solution
Through weekly school-based dance interventions and an unforgettable theatre visit, Rise aims to improve resilience, body confidence, self-expression and communication skills in over 300 primary age children living in deprived inner-city communities in West Yorkshire. The themes and activities explored through the project provide a rich cultural experience designed to raise the aspirations and improve life chances of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils.
