Leeds Rhinos Foundation Cultural Partnership Officer Alishia Schofield and Dance Coordinator Nicola Booth have begun a new partnership with Arts Council England and Rugby League Cares to deliver the Arts Award as part of a new offer for schools and groups across the region.
As part of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s commitment to offer new and life changing opportunities to young people in the city under the five banners of Sport, Education, Health, Arts and Heritage, the charity has taken steps to widen the arts programme currently on offer with the introduction of a new Arts Award Programme.
The programme, which involves 12 hours of dance theory and practical assessment, offers young people aged 8-13 the chance to achieve the Arts Award at Explore level; providing a recognised qualification and a valuable introduction to exploring a career of learning in the arts.
Offered to schools and community groups, the workshops can be tailored to be delivered after school hours, during lunchtimes or in a dance camp format with students on the programme working through a mixed programme of choreography, arts and dance theory and performance in contemporary and musical theatre dance.
The programme has been delivered so far at a collection of schools across Yorkshire and is available for booking with the Foundation throughout the school year.
Alishia Schofield, who is one of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation dedicated staff working with schools and hard to reach groups in the area said:
“It’s really exciting to be able to extend our dance offer to include this really rewarding qualification for anyone who is interested in gaining an introduction into the arts.
“The workshops are fun and engaging and explore the art of dance in a really interactive way. The students learn about the theory behind dance and some of the organisations and contemporary artists in the industry and then get a chance to be creative and choreograph their own pieces in different styles, which we hope will inspire them towards a career in the arts.
“The qualification is widely recognised and a perfect first footing on the ladder for those interested in moving on to the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards and studying the arts in further education.”
As part of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s commitment to upskilling and developing young people, up to 150 members of the Rhinestones Dance Academy will be undertaking the award as part of being a member of the Academy, with holiday camps over the Easter and Summer holidays providing a chance to gain the award.
For more information on registering your school or organisation on the Arts Award Programme contact Nicola.booth@leedsrhinosfoundation.org