Dance City is fundraising to deliver dance sessions for pre-school children growing up in the West End of Newcastle. Our project will develop vital social and physical skills as children transition to the first year of school, laying the foundations for learning and lifelong health.
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43% of children growing up Newcastle’s West End live in poverty (End Child Poverty 2025). The impact is severe, limiting development and life-chances for many children even before they start school (Children and Young People Now, 2025). Disadvantage affects language, social skills, and emotional regulation, so that it is harder for children to build friendships and learn. Critically, teachers say that many more children have delayed language skills as a direct result of isolation during covid.
Dance Into Learning is a new dance programme for under 5s in schools in Newcastle’s West End. Specialist dance practitioners lead sessions co-designed with teachers, supporting children to develop communication, teamwork, listening and physical skills. Through movement, rhythm, song, and storytelling, children grow in confidence and learn to work together. Families and carers are involved throughout, strengthening bonds and creating shared opportunities for learning, play, and connection.
