The British DanceSport Association and London Youth Games Announce London Youth Games Dance for Primary Schools

The British DanceSport Association (BDSA) and the London Youth Games Foundation (LYG) are delighted to join forces to enable the delivery of a pilot dance competition for Primary Schools in three London Boroughs. This is a new initiative for London Youth Games, and it forms part of the BDSA’s strategic plan to encourage more participation for young people within dance.

The winners from each borough will also have the opportunity to showcase their dance as part of the LYG Dance Finals in July.

This initiative expands on the existing London Youth Games Dance Competition that has previously supported young people within the U14, U16, U18 categories and Para category. With the BDSA’s support, LYG can now expand inclusivity to participants from Primary Schools, to come and increase physical activity with their movement to music routines.

Katie Berry, Chief Executive of London Youth Games, said:

“We are delighted to partner with The British DanceSport Association to give hundreds of young Londoners the chance to increase their physical activity and wellbeing through the joy of dance.

This partnership will expand opportunities to primary school children across London, enabling them to participate alongside their secondary school peers, building self-confidence and community pride.”

Karen Hilton MBE, Vice President of The British Dance Sport Association, said:

“The BDSA’s support for LYG’s expansion of the London Youth Games Dance represents our commitment to promoting dance for future generations by encouraging participation in dance at a young age. We recognise that dance can offer more than just physical movement opportunities for children, that movement to music in a welcoming community and competitive environment encourages self-awareness, social skills, confidence and a sense of pride and achievement.

We are delighted to work with a partner that has an established following and an excellent relationship with schools and young people. The BDSA believes this relationship will foster a deeper sense of community, broaden participation, and create even more meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive through dance in London.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

About the BDSA

The British DanceSport Association (BDSA) is the Governing Body for dance sport in all its forms across the United Kingdom. Their mission is to unify the dance community, establish a fair and transparent regulatory framework, and ensure every dancer, from grassroots to elite, has access to the support, structure, and opportunities they need to thrive.

• For more information, visit bdsassociation.com

• For enquiries, please contact info@bdsassociation.com ​Tel No: 020 3150 0005.

About London Youth Games:

The London Youth Games (LYG) is a charity that has been creating life-changing opportunities through sport and physical activity for young Londoners for 49 years.

Founded in 1977 in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, the Games have grown into the largest youth multi-sport event in Europe. Her Majesty and Prince Philip attended the Games in 2002 as part of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Tour.

Each year, LYG delivers an extensive programme including over 37 sports & physical activities, engaging young people through both School Games and Open Games in community settings.

More than two million young Londoners aged 7–17 have taken part, including sporting legends like Sir Mo Farah, Dina Asher-Smith, Alex Yee, Christine Ohuruogu MBE, David Weir CBE, Chloe Kelly, and Raheem Sterling MBE.

The Finals Festival brings these experiences to life, with the aim of providing inclusive, empowering, and memorable moments for every participant.

Mission and Vision

LYG is committed to:

• Ensuring sport is a fundamental right for all

• Delivering experiences that support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing

• Championing social integration and community cohesion

All 32 boroughs and the City of London are proud members of LYG.

Supporters and Partners

LYG is proudly supported by:

Sport England, Chaotic Community, Garfield Weston Foundation and City Bridge Foundation.

• For more information, visit londonyouthgames.org.

• For media enquiries and interview opportunities, please contact Yolanda Martin at yolanda@londonyouthgames.org Tel No: 07506 182276.