Danceworks is an organisation unique in London in that it is a privately owned arts business which operates in and actively engages with the community on a daily basis. We are renowned internationally as a centre of excellence in dance.
Danceworks has served the community in and beyond Mayfair for over 35 years uniquely providing affordable drop-in dance and fitness classes for all ages, levels and abilities from toddlers pre-ballet classes to our oldest member who is in her nineties. Our open drop-in classes are attended primarily by people living and working in the area. Our staff, teachers and customers represent the whole range of London’s communities, including people from the full spectrum of ethnicities, cultures and sexual orientations
Danceworks is a hub for small businesses including:
60+ self-employed teachers.
30+ self-employed therapists.
10 self-employed pianists/musicians
Danceworks Ballet Academy offers classes of the highest calibre with an extensive Scholarship Programme. In 2018 Danceworks contributed pro-bono teaching and mentoring to the value of over £40,000, to enable children and young people from economically disadvantaged families to take free/discounted ballet classes and be coached by leading dancers/teachers. Our youth ballet company presents 2 professional productions each year. We have additional scholarships for young people from BAME communities. It is difficult to communicate the pride and joy that the children and teenagers derive from the discipline and hard work culminating in a professional production performed to large audiences including their friends and families.
We support many charity events and offer free studio space and support for emerging dance artists, and to provide a space for performance. We have held several pop up performances but audience numbers are limited by the size of the studios.
We are passionate about our mission to make dance accessible for people regardless of background in our friendly, inclusive environment. We are particularly focused on disadvantaged young people and the huge benefits that the arts - particularly dance and music - can bring to them, often making the difference in their life choices. We are members of the Management Committee of the new St Marks Community Space.
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