Business Details
Contemporary Dance Classes for All Ages in Worcester
DanceFest has been delivering contemporary dance opportunities for over three decades, engaging over 200,000 participants through classes, workshops, and community projects. We specialise in inclusive dance programmes for all ages and abilities, including youth development initiatives, intergenerational projects, and accessible sessions for disabled dancers. Our outdoor performances in urban and rural settings have reached audiences exceeding 150,000, while our educational partnerships with schools and colleges foster creativity and physical wellbeing.As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, we combine artistic excellence with community engagement, offering Continuing Professional Development for educators and bespoke projects aligned with curriculum themes. Our team of experienced dance leaders and guest artists nurture talent, facilitate cultural participation, and create transformative experiences through contemporary dance techniques and choreographic innovation.
Services
Contemporary Dance Classes
Youth Dance Programmes
Inclusive Dance Sessions
School Workshops
Outdoor Performances
Teacher Training
Community Projects
Intergenerational Dance
Performance Companies
Online Dance Classes
Highlights and features
- 30 years' experience delivering dance programmes across Herefordshire and Worcestershire
- Specialist inclusive classes for disabled and non-disabled dancers in multiple locations
- Youth dance progression pathways with professional development opportunities
- Partnerships with 40+ schools for curriculum-linked dance projects annually
- Award-winning outdoor performance expertise in unique heritage settings
Associations and certifications
- Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation
- Arts Award supporter
What people say
Excellent
Wonderful opportunity
Brilliant spirit lifter
Creative journeys
Outstanding opportunities
Services
Youth Dance Programme
Structured dance classes for 10-16 year olds develop contemporary technique, choreography skills, and performance confidence. Sessions include collaborative projects with professional artists and outdoor performances. Participants gain experience in creative movement and stage presentation across three ability-specific groups.
Inclusive Dance Sessions
Relaxed dance classes for disabled and non-disabled adults aged 18+ combine creative movement and seated options. Sessions use thematic inspiration while accommodating diverse physical needs. Available weekly in Worcester, Hereford, and Malvern with specialist instructors and adaptive teaching methods.
School Workshops
Tailored dance programmes for primary and secondary schools align with curriculum themes and mental wellbeing objectives. Projects range from short workshops to six-week residencies, including GCSE/BTEC support and teacher CPD. Specialises in SEND adaptations and whole-class choreography.
Outdoor Performances
Professional dance productions staged in historic buildings, high streets, and natural landscapes. Combines contemporary choreography with environmental storytelling. Engages local communities as performers and audiences in unique cultural experiences across rural and urban settings.
Making Waves Company
Performance ensemble for dancers aged 50+ creates original works for site-specific venues. Focuses on collaborative choreography and intergenerational projects. Provides professional development opportunities with guest artists while maintaining an active performance schedule.
People
Kitty Ross
Director
With over 25 years' experience in community dance leadership, Kitty oversees DanceFest's strategic vision and artistic direction. She specialises in participatory dance models and has developed numerous award-winning outreach initiatives.
Clare Wood
Head of Creative Programmes
Clare manages youth development and performance projects, with expertise in dance education and inclusive practice. She has trained multiple professional dancers through DanceFest's progression pathways.
Janene Wyatt
Education Manager
Leading dance educator with 22 years' experience designing school programmes. Specialises in curriculum-linked dance projects and teacher training, delivering CPD sessions across the region.
Amie Morgan
Youth Dance Coordinator
Amie leads children's dance classes and coordinates youth projects. She develops age-appropriate contemporary dance techniques and facilitates performance opportunities for young participants.
Poppy Bowdige
Education Coordinator
Poppy organises school partnerships and manages education projects. She connects DanceFest's offerings with institutional needs, maintaining communication about available creative learning opportunities.
Questions
What age groups do your dance classes cater for?
We offer classes for ages 4-16 in schools, youth groups for 10-16 year olds, adult sessions from 18+, and senior programmes for ages 50+.
Are your dance classes accessible for disabled participants?
Yes, we provide inclusive dance sessions specifically designed for disabled and non-disabled dancers in Worcester, Hereford, and Malvern with specialist instructors.
How can schools participate in DanceFest programmes?
Schools can book curriculum-linked workshops, join performance projects, or arrange teacher training. Contact our Education Manager to discuss tailored options.
Do you offer payment plans for dance classes?
Yes, we accept instalment payments through Clearpay/Klarna and maintain affordable pricing to ensure accessibility for all participants.
Can beginners join your youth dance classes?
Absolutely, our youth classes welcome all abilities with no audition required. Free taster sessions are available to try before committing.
What performance opportunities exist for participants?
We offer regular performance platforms including outdoor productions, school sharings, and collaborations with professional artists and guest choreographers.
Videos