Instep has played a major role in the development of community dance work in the Hythe area for over 40 years. Instep dance company started in 1980, when Jackie Mortimer (founder and Artistic director) saw a demand for an after school dance class for students at Brockhill Park Performing Arts College (then St Leonard's Secondary School for girls) in Hythe, Kent where she was teaching Dance and PE. The classes started with 14 students, some of whom now work at Instep!
We aim to provide an equal opportunity for all to discover, demonstrate and develop their abilities in the field of dance.
Through our activities we aim to offer the community the opportunity to partake in classes that offer disciplined, worthwhile and creative experience. We strive for excellence through our classes, which are taught in a positive working environment.
The focus is always to encourage and celebrate. We have many opportunities to do this through dance – but we also aim for a wider understanding of achievement as we hope to develop both personal and social skills in our young people.
"Instep is so much more than just dancing, you encourage those young people to work hard, show commitment, be accountable, support each other and not give up"- Parent & Audience Member
Through classes, workshops and courses we aim to educate all in the philosophy of dance as art, with equal emphasis on the creative process and the product.
Instep was formed to give children leaving the school the opportunity to continue their interest in dance beyond school, and has grown considerably, in response to demand from the local community.
Instep dance Company is Dance Company in residence at Brockhill Park Performing Arts College following work to establish a partnership agreement between the two parties.
In 40 years Instep has formed a reputation of being one of the best youth dance companies in the Country having enjoyed considerable success with over 60 students going on to study dance at Universities and conservatories and many going on to establish careers in dance ranging from teaching to performance.
Six dance departments in our regional schools are or have either being led by or include ex Insteppers , (Folkestone School for Girls, Homewood, Brockhill, Highworth Grammar and Mascalls School)
Past members are also currently dancing with the Ballet Boyz , Verve Dance Company, Lila Dance, Morvell Dance and National Youth Dance Company, SAY, Ascension Dance
