Youth

We run two of our own youth dance companies and work in partnership with other charities to run a number of associate groups across the southeast of England. They meet weekly during term time and follow our inclusive dance syllabus IRIS, which supports the development of disabled young people’s dance skills.

Find out more about IRIS

Every December, all these groups come together to perform for our annual showcase at Farnham Maltings. This celebratory event brings together young people from different groups, giving them a chance to meet and share in one another’s achievements over the year!

[Video description: Community Engagement Artist, Cherie Brennan, introduces Stopgap's youth outreach programme and gives insights into our strong community and dance syllabus. Watch the companies at work as the montage of clips show members of the Stopgap team and our young dancers working together in a dance studio.]

"I feel like they’re almost a part of the family. I’d be lost without it"
Participant
"IRIS is an effective talent development programme for young disabled dancers"
Independent report from the University of Bedfordshire
"I was really impressed with Stopgap because they talk to the students as individuals, which is so important"
Parent

A young Thai person with Down syndrome during a dance class.

Farnham Youth Dance Company

This dance group meets on Mondays in Farnham, from 5.00pm to 6.30pm.

Age recommendation is 14+ but please do enquire for suitability

A young white person with Down syndrome during class

Guildford Youth Dance Company

This dance group meets on Wednesdays in Guildford, from 5.30pm to 7.00pm.

Age recommendation is 16 to 30 years but please do enquire for suitability

A young white person with Down syndrome, he claps his hands together.

Stepping Stones in Farnham

These dance sessions are an associate group managed by Stepping Stones and meets fortnightly on Saturdays in Farnham.

11-11:45 | Steps & Strides (Yr 7-8)
12-12:50 | Leaps & Bounds (Yr 9-11)
1-2 | Flying & Soaring (Yr 12+)

These age recommendations are simply guidelines, please contact Stepping Stones to enquire about suitability

Contact Stepping Stones

This Is Us Dance Company in Tunbridge

This dance group is an associate group and meets on Mondays in Tunbridge from 4.00pm to 5.00pm.

Age recommendation is 9 to 18 years

Dance for Kids with IRIS - online classes

Join our excellent disabled and non-disabled dancers for a visit with IRIS, an audio describing radio shaped robot, in their inclusive, animated house, and be transported to a fantastical world of fun and creativity online.

Find out more

Volunteer with us!

Our youth dance groups welcome volunteer dancers to support with facilitation and performances. If you have a desire to deepen your understanding of inclusivity, we would love to hear from you!