Dancing Towards Connection – BDSA Welcomes Government’s Youth Investment Initiative

3 days ago
2 min read

The British DanceSport Association (BDSA) warmly welcomes the Prime Minister’s recent announcement of an £88 million investment to expand youth services and reconnect young people with their communities [1]. This initiative, part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, is a timely and vital response to the growing challenges faced by young people in an increasingly digital and isolating world.

As an organisation dedicated to promoting dance as a tool for personal growth, social cohesion, and community engagement, we are thrilled to see dance and other creative activities recognised as essential components of youth development. The Building Creative Futures package, which includes funding for extracurricular activities such as sport, art, music, and volunteering, aligns perfectly with our mission to make dance sport accessible and impactful for all.

Dance: A Universal Language of Community

Around the world, dance has long been a powerful medium for bringing people together, transcending language and cultural barriers. In Colombia, the Cumbia  and Salsa  traditions are not just cultural expressions but community rituals that foster unity and resilience. In South Africa, Gumboot dancing  emerged from the mines as a form of communication and solidarity among workers. In India, classical and folk dances are integral to festivals and social gatherings, bridging generations and social divides.

Closer to home, dance sport in the UK has proven its ability to engage young people from diverse backgrounds. Historically programmes such as Street Dance the Nation and Dance United  have demonstrated how structured dance activities can reduce anti-social behaviour, improve mental health, and build confidence. Dance clubs across Britain regularly report how participation helps young people develop discipline, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.

Supporting the Government’s Vision

The BDSA is particularly encouraged by the government's commitment to improving youth club infrastructure and expanding access to extracurricular activities in areas of high child poverty. Dance sport is uniquely positioned to contribute to this vision. With minimal equipment requirements and a wide range of styles to suit different interests and abilities, dance can be a highly inclusive and scalable activity.

We also applaud the launch of the Better Youth Spaces  programme and the Million Hours Fund, which will enable more structured, safe environments for young people to thrive. Dance sport events, competitions, and training sessions can be integrated into these spaces, offering young people a constructive outlet for energy and creativity.

Our Commitment

In response to this initiative, the BDSA pledges to:

Expand outreach to disenfranchised communities by partnering with schools and youth clubs.
Offer training and resources to help local organisations incorporate dance sport into their programmes.
Support the National Youth Strategy  by contributing insights and data on the impact of dance on youth wellbeing and community engagement.

The BDSA believes that every young person deserves the chance to find their rhythm, connect with others, and build a future full of movement and meaning. Dance sport is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of life, community, and possibility.

Let’s dance towards a brighter future, together.

Inspiring DanceSport. Dance. Connect. Inspire. Achieve